Title: Being Sober
Author: Harry Haroutunian, M.D.
Date Read: 9/23 – 9/24/24
Why I Read:
I received a copy of Being Sober several months ago through a free book program for incarcerated individuals. I have had it in my locker, not quite ready to read it yet. After certain situations that led me to finally committng to sobriety, I found this book stuffed in my locker and decided to see what advice it had to offer.
What I Learned:
I have always heard addiction was a disease, but I never understood why. I learned the disease of addiction affects one of our more precious organs: the midbrain, which dictates survival behaviors. Drugs of abuse affect the midbrain by causing it to release 2 to 10 times more dopamine than natural rewards do. Our natural supply of dopamine plummets, and we have a hard time feeling pleasure from normal activities.
I also seen the 12 Steps Program in a new light. I’ve read over the 12 Steps countless times before, but never realized Step 10 allowed me to start each day with a clean slate. Each day you take the day’s inventory and list my assets and liabilities for the day. Make amends if necessary and wake up with a clean slate instead of carrying the mistakes into the next day with me.
Most importantly, I learned about the 12 Promises. To sum it up:
No matter how difficult it may seem, or how scared I may be, sobriety will only better my life in ways I could never imagine.
How will my reading Being Sober contribute to my preparations for success upon my release:
Before I can prepare for success in any area of my life, I must remove my biggest hindering block: Addiction. I have always been reluctant to admit how deeply my addiction has affected me. I now understand not only is sobriety the only way to lead a successful life, it is also the only way to be truly happy.
