The First 30 Days off Alcohol & Drugs: 12 low cost, low tech tips from the Old-timers of AA & NA with evidence-based results to support the newly recovering

What did the Old-timers do when someone needed help and there were no treatment centers?

There were very few hospitals that would take a drunk or addict int he 30s, 40's and 50's. So the founders of AA and NA had specific measures they took to help the newcomer live through the detox process. Although we never suggest that people forgo detox (especially the first week), the founders used common sense so that their prospects might find sobriety. Their methods combined with new research about what works in the detox process gives some sound guidelines for helping the newcomer make it.

This book is a very basic primer for those that want to help the alcoholic and addict stay clean and sober. It is for small treatment centers with small budgets, half way houses, it is an adjunct for 12 Step work, it is for sober coaches, sponsors and those in private practice so they can offer useful advice. Although many of the suggestions in this manual are based on the experiences of the those who started AA, some are newer approaches from evidence-based best practices.

Do not think this is just a manual for those in 12 Step programs. It is for anyone who wants to help another who is trying to get off drugs and alcohol. The basis for these suggestions, for the most part came from people in 12 Step programs--mainly the old timers from the fellowship, but much of the information is drawn from medical and psychological research, as well. This is NOT a manual to get people into recovery as in the 12 Steps or Narkanon—it is not a program to maintain long term sobriety—it is for the messed up body and mind of the person trying to get off alcohol and other drugs, without using drugs and high tech expensive approaches.This manual will help you help them.

Please note, this is not written by a medical professional. It is only sharing the experiences of early people in sobriety and a few things they have learned. Always seek medical advice before detoxing and do not rely on this book for detoxing information.