Narrative Means to Sober Ends: Treating Addiction and Its Aftermath

As a counseling student, I am fascinated by the narrative therapy approach. I think this has to do with my background in English. As such, I grabbed this book because my Addiction's professor required us to read a book on the topic. And Narrative Means to Sober Ends is a downright intriguing read as Diamond writes about addiction from a narrative approach. What makes his book special is that he takes a narrative base and adds ideas from different theories to create his unique therapy. Taking some cues from Epson and White, he encourages his clients to write letters to their addictions. This is something that he finds interesting as it shows the depth of the addiction, how willing the person is to change, and it begins to get the client to think about change. He also encourages clients to attend AA/NA (or another appropriate 12-step meeting) before they use their drug of choice. What could be considered "controversial" is that Diamond tackles mental health issues along with addiction issues. It is a paradigm to solve the addiction first and then mental health issues. This approach seems to work for him and would be considered consistent with a Family Therapy approach. So if you're interested in addiction, narrative therapy, or both topics, then definitely give the book a try. He's written an accessible, knowledgeable and downright intriguing book.

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I think this is a great book describing narrative therapy. Easy to understand and follow.

This beautifully written book describes the author's clinical discovery and use of the power of letter writing for (initially) adolescent alcohol and drug abusers whose lives had left them with too much felt and unsaid. It teaches patience and realism in the face of addiction while unfurling a technique which builds compassion and connection on both sides of the treatment equation. Hurray for Jonathan Diamond! I look forward to his next book and recommend this one wholeheartedly to professionals and laypersons alike.

With great sensitivity and understanding, Dr. Diamond takes us on a poignant and poetic journey with his clients -- all of whom were transformed by the narrative approach to their struggles. This book offers a positive and refreshingly creative look at issues that have universal significance. A compelling read that touches the heart as well as the mind. I gifted my family and friends with this book, and highly recommend you do the same.