Sane: Mental Illness, Addiction, and the 12 Steps

I read this book twice and I studied it thoroughly, marking it up so much that no one could ever read through it but me. I am a manic depressive as well as a recovered alcoholic and drug addict. I am 33 years clean and sober. This book shed such a different perspective on the 12 steps that it totally put me in touch with just how to work through my illness by using the steps. After having bottomed out with my illness by allowing it to identify who I am, I took this problem through the steps again with Marya's take on them. She made me aware that I needed to learn the difference between my illness and character defects. There are very fine lines here, but because of how hard I work my program I am able to distinguish between them now. I cannot thank this author enough for her wisdom and insights. Any one dual diagnosed and currently in a twelve step program should read this book.

I'm in recovery for 28 years, and work as a Nutritional-Lifestyle Coach with a majority of clients in recovery, some with mental illness. This book offers the perfect understanding of addiction/mental illness in terms of the painful destruction along with using the steps to find recovery, balance, peace, and purpose. I just gave a copy of Sane to a client and will order more to share with clients and friends who will benefit from this well written, powerful, clear, and very important book. Ms. Hornbacher's message exemplifies the promise, "no matter how far down the scale we have gone, our experience can benefit others". Thank you for your courageous example and meaningful gift. I have no doubt it will absolutely help many people to find the peace and ease they seek in recovery with mental illness.[...]

Book arrived a day early and was in the condition described.

Ms. Hornbacher moves at a blitzkrieg like pace through MADNESS, her previous book. She leaves life, goes to hell, and makes her way back. Exhausted. I was exhausted after reading the book. SANE is gentler. She rests, regroups, and tells us what happened after she made her way back. She tells us what she does to stay well; she suggests a design for living that can keep her - and others - from returning to hell. I enjoyed both books. I have reread MADNESS. I use SANE as a workbook.

Great for those dealing with dual diagnosis as that is often overlooked

I’ve been in Al-Anon for 10 years now, I’ve worked in Mental Health, and I’m a recovering addict myself. I’m only half way through this book and I love it. I was borrowing it, had to buy it so I can re-read, bookmark, and highlight. The author is so raw, and so humble. I suggest giving this book a try!

I've read her book on anorexia (having suffered from it) as well as her book on bipolar (which i suffer from). Both were amazing, helpful, and made me feel like I wasn't suffering alone. 5 stars for both.This book is different...reads more like an AA self help book. It can't HURT to read but it's not one I highly recommend.That said, the author is an amazing woman. I wrote her an email a few years back thanking her for the first two books and asking her a few questions. She actually responded with a lengthy email. She's definitely out there to help people, not to make a buck off of writing a book. SHE gets 10 stars!

I have enjoyed both Wasted and Madness by this author. This book has been very useful in my practice as a psychologist. I have treated those with dual disorders for many years. A current patient found this to be the most helpful guide to the Twelve Steps she had encountered. It helped her overcome what had been a poor experience with her first sponsor. It may not be written as elegantly as her other two books, but I have found it to be a very valuable resource for those who have both addiction and mental health disorders.

This has been invaluable to me. As some one who lives with Bipolar disorder and has long recovery from an Eating Disorder, it was easy for me to confuse where my addictions came into play. I finally got sober almost two years ago and along the way had many questions about the steps and mental illness. I trust Marya's voice and have since I first read Wasted. Both Wasted and Madness helped me so much and Sane has done the same! Thank you! I recommend this as a book to read in one sitting or to even flick in and out of. Relating her own experiences to the steps has helped me achieve the same. Owning my recovery and also finding acceptance that it is okay to struggle with a brain disorder has helped me keep serenity.

I really enjoyed this book. It is very important if you're in a 12 step fellowship to understand the steps can work alongside mental illness

good book.

This book is a wonderful guide through the twelve steps with an added and much needed perspective for those battling dual diagnosis.

An absolutely incredible author, who found it necessary to develop a unique approach to 12 step recovery due to her own personal circumstances. A brutally honest, inspiring way to manage her issues was her reward. An excellent read for anyone who is challenged by the "normal" course of 12 step recovery programming.