The Twelve Steps: A Modern Hero's Journey

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In this inventive and profound exploration of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, an old-timer of the program reveals the recovery journey for what it truly is: a modern retelling of the classic hero's journey of transformation that frees spiritual energy trapped by addiction, pouring it back into the world, thus healing both the individual and the society.

The Twelve Step journey of recovery is, at its core, the modern retelling of the age-old archetype of the Heros Journey. This powerful pattern of transformation is revealed in three stages: separation, initiation, and return. These stages perfectly describe the journey of recovery as well, and when further broken down into their individual stepssuch as answering the call, getting a mentor, and, most important of all, having that mentor introduce the hero to a Power greater than himselfthe true meaning and purpose of the recovery journey comes alive. The Twelve Steps: A Modern Heros Journey deepens and inspires all those on their own journey of recovery, regardless of the type of program they are in. The treasures awaiting those bold enough to venture into the adventure will heal not only themselves, but all of humanity as well.

Classic tales from mythology, such as The Odyssey and the adventure of Hercules, as well as modern stories from popular literature and film, such as Luke Skywalkers in the Star Wars series and Harry Potters journey through Hogwarts, plus many more, illuminate the Twelve Step journey, and offer a deeper and more reverent understanding of this sacred pattern of transformation. The Twelve Steps: A Modern Heros Journey entertains, informs, and delights readers with a profound new understanding of the journey they are on, a journey countless of heroes before him or her have taken since the beginning of time.

Reviews

The Twelve Steps: A Modern Hero's Journey, guides the reader through the transformative path of the Twelve Step journey of recovery in a thrilling and inventive new way.Using examples drawn from modern and ancient stories alike, the author illustrates the variety of pathways offered throughout cultures and across the millennia that have been navigated by heroes to achieve both redemption and self-actualization.This book's relevance extends beyond those with substance use disorders and offers hope, direction, and encouragement to individuals at any stage in their lives and with their own hero's journey. It is an important addition to both the recovery literature and self-help genres.

Chris Budnick, executive director, Healing Transitions
The Twelve Steps: A Modern Hero's Journey takes us on an exhilarating tour of the recovery process through the lens of Jungian mythology and the quest through the long dark night of the soul and into the light of a renewed life. This is a fascinating read and an important interpretation of the journey of recovery.

Bill Stauffer, executive director, Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance (Pro-A)

Author Bio

In keeping with the traditions of the Fellowship, the author wishes to remain anonymous.