Book 3: Courage in Recovery

"Freda Warrington gives a fresh look at addiction recovery programs from the view of a counselor who works with an interesting cross section of patients. A master of storytelling, she uses individual “snapshots” as a technique, which includes the important elements of rich dialogue and careful description of patients. This approach adds a dimension that allows us to become more sensitive to recovery problems and therefore goes well beyond a clinical look at addiction. We also are able to gain a better understanding of the unique challenges each patient faces on the path to sobriety."

"​In her book, Listen to the Light: Courage in Recovery, Ms. Warrington provides a compelling argument for the need for sufficient funding for therapeutic programs for an ever-growing population of people suffering with addictions... Unlike the typical dry and technical tomes on the subject, this fascinating book is appropriate for both layman and professional. Instead of preaching and pontificating, the author argues convincingly for the necessity for intervention. Given the commitment of the individual sufferers, the dedication of clinicians, and financial support from both private and public sources, physical and mental health can be restored and lives can be saved."

"Freda has written beautiful stories that will capture your soul... Enjoy..."

"Freda Warrington's magnificent book on the pitfalls of addiction as well as the euphoric feeling discovered in recovery of those brave enough to make the transition; she brings to the surface the need for well trained professionals to work in this field if the tide is to be turned to bring back to the "living" those lost to the world of family, careers, and, indeed, to themselves. Derisiveness, delusion, disbelief, may deter the addict from seeking treatment (disgrace the family, the company, yourself?) when the opposite reaction is needed, if not required. Lastly, we should commend these fine people who are there waiting to help those seeking the help they have come to recognize they need. The key? ASK for yourself or someone you love. Just ASK! I read this book for researching a personal project."

Suggested Discussion Questions

To buy on Amazon,
​click cover photo

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Please use these questions or create your own to suit your reading group.
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My Curse Or My Blessing?

1. Do you think it was the writer's curse or her blessing to have seen the pain of addiction up close and personal?
   A. What would this mean to you?
2. Do the Gratitude Snippets "bring it home" for you? Do they add to your understanding of how much a program that teaches addiction recovery means to a patient? 
3. By reading backstories of patients does it make you any more sympathetic toward people caught up in addictive and self-destructive behaviors?
4. Are you willing to help in the community and if so, how?
   A. Would you, for instance, allow a treatment facility in your neighborhood? If not, where?
   B. Would you teach basketball or knitting at a girls or boys club as a prevention effort?

​Carlos Cries Alone

1. What situations call for bending the rules? Should this have been one of them? How do you assess risk/benefit? 
2. How did it help Carlos to be rescued by his friends in group? 
3. What kind of man was Carlos? 

Love In Bloom

1. This essay mentions "triangulating" and its effect on a marriage and children. Are you guilty of such set-ups? How does it affect you and your family dynamic?
2. Have you ever felt insecure in a new job?

The Critter Wars​

1. Have you ever seen people with "crank sores?" Do you treat those people differently? 
2. Is Billie Jo invested in keeping her husband sick? 
3. Do you know any methamphetamine addicts? What else do they use?

Run, Izzy, Run

1. Why is this an appropriate title? What was she running from? To? 
2. How did bipolar disorder, genetics and family dysfunction lead her to addiction?
3. Was Izzy's life a waste? How did her "in-the-tenches" experiences help patients? 
4. Do we still shame and punish students in our schools for their socioeconomic status?

The Stolen Child

1. ​Was yours a life of privilege or of want and deprivation?

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
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How to Fight With Dignity

1. How do you fight? Do you get silent? Do you get even? Do you give in to keep the peace? 
2. Was the Talking Feather doomed to fail? Why or why not? 

Honeymoon Lingerie​

1. What was the elephant in the room? 

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Jungle Instincts

1. Why does the writer refer to Gabe's behavior as "jungle instincts?"
2. What, if anything, makes Gabe a sympathetic character?
3. Have you known professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, who have drug and alcohol addictions? Do you dare talk about it with them? 

​Farblondzhet

1. Do you now have a better understanding of the pressures on people who do difficult work such as this funeral director? 

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​Tourniquet on Past

1. Is it understandable that Kate could still love her father even after such horrific abuse? Can you explain it? 
2. Have you ever created a genogram to understand your family (dysfunction)? In what way might a family genogram alleviate guilt and pain?

Pearls

1. Why do you think it took Dr. Lynn B. 4 years in treatment? Because she wasn't smart enough, or because she was too smart? Do you know people who are so smart and believe they have all the answers but who get in the way of their own relationships and/or recovery? 
2. What did you learn about gratitude from the story of Dr. Lynn B.?
3. What did you think about her ability to continue living in spite of a death sentence? 
4. What did you learn about dying with dignity?

Trail of Tears

1. How did birding and her job on the Indian reservation inform her story?

Happy, Joyous and Free

1. Could you behave as Dr. Lynn B did in the face of death? 

Beginnings

1. How can social services and schools improve on assessment and intervention in dangerous family situations?
2. Do you question the mother's love for her little boy? How does her behavior make you feel?

Appendix
https://www.aa.org/
12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.alcohol.org/alcoholics-anonymous/
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/read-the-big-book-and-twelve-steps-and-twelve-traditions