Concept of "Raising the Bottom" Explored in Award-Winning
Alcohol & Drug Addiction Book
Released
on: July 17, 2008, 10:06 pm
Press
Release Author: Joe Herzanek/Changing
Lives Foundation
Industry:
Healthcare
Press
Release Summary: People do not have to wait for someone they care
about to "hit bottom"! Family and friends of an alcoholic
or drug addict can play an active role in accelerating the process
of "hitting rock bottom"--by allowing natural consequences
to happen. Boulder author Joe Herzanek explores the concept of
"raising the bottom" in his award-winning book “Why
Don’t They JUST QUIT?”.
Press
Release Body: Boulder author Joe Herzanek explores
the concept of "raising the bottom"
in his award-winning book “Why Don’t They
JUST QUIT?”. Herzanek explains, “This whole
idea of “hitting bottom” is out of date. Some people
will wait years—even decades—for their friend to reach
this mythical point in their alcohol and drug use. But why wait
for them to “hit bottom”? Why not help them by raising
their bottom?”
Joe
uses decades of successful experience counseling families, inmates
in the Boulder County Jail, and with his own
son, to explain how this works. "Just got my book. I'm
previewing it and hit a "Thank you, Lord!" moment on
page 105 about raising the bottom. I have wondered about that
idea for some time now, but couldn't seem to find professionals
or support groups who I felt were smart enough to answer my questions.
I could continue, but to keep it short: Bless you all for putting
out these resources!" --Robb B, Pineville, NC
Herzanek—a
recovering addict/alcoholic himself says, “My Mother
Gladys, successfully used this idea with me thirty years ago,
which led to twenty-nine days in treatment and a life of recovery.
There are ways to encourage someone to reach for help much earlier
and by doing so, we can avoid a lot of unnecessary pain and heartache—and
maybe even save their life. For some people, hitting bottom will
be six feet underground.”
Joe
explains further, “Does everyone have to hit rock bottom?
I would say no. Tough love can prevent a substance abuser from
prolonging their usage. There are loving ways to refuse to rescue
someone that in the long run will help him or her to choose recovery.
Loving means doing the right thing to help. This can take all
of our strength and energy at times. We all hate to see someone
suffer—even when the suffering is a consequence of his or
her bad choices.
This
approach, or some form of it, is something you might consider;
Raise the bottom. The next time this person you care about appeals
to you to get them out of a bind (loan them money, pay their electric
bill, buy them gas, pay for a lawyer), think twice. You just might
be prolonging their disease and robbing them of the natural consequences
that they need to experience in order to seek help and begin to
connect the dots.”
"Although
there are many books available to help the recovering person,
very few speak to those on the "outside", who want to
help, but don't know where to begin. "Why Don't They JUST
QUIT?" offers hope to families and friends, giving practical
solutions so they can help anyone struggling with addiction to
begin the road to recovery. This could be just the resource they
are looking for." -Lee Barchan, Executive Director,
Transitions Recovery Program, North Miami Beach, Florida
"Alcohol
and drugs consumed my daughter's life. I can't put into words-the
anguish of attending my daughter's funeral. I wish I would have
had this book long ago. Maybe Mia would still be here. I didn't
know how to help her. Why Don't They JUST QUIT? is full of answers
I could have used." -Pam M. (Parent), Niwot,
Colorado
About the author
Joe
Herzanek and "Why Don't They JUST QUIT?": The
Next Generation Indie Book Awards has selected "Why Don't
They JUST QUIT?", as the Winner in the Self Help Category
for 2008.
Joe
Herzanek is available for radio shows, media interviews, and speaking
engagements (email: jherzanek@gmail.com, or phone#: (303) 775.6493).
Two free copies of the book will be provided to each radio or
TV show that interviews the author.
"Why
Don't They JUST QUIT?" (book and companion DVD)
is now available on the Web (at www.whydonttheyjustquit.com
and Amazon.com) and can be ordered
in bookstores everywhere. Contact Partners West Book Distributing
(1-800-563-2385) ISBN 9781604020786.
About Changing Lives Foundation:
Changing Lives is committed to bringing to the
public--clear and concise information on substance abuse, drug
addiction and alcoholism. Perhaps more importantly, we focus on
how individuals and families recover from these problems. We are
convinced that people can recover and make dramatic changes in
their lives.
Web
Site: http://WhyDontTheyJustQuit.com
Contact
Details: Joe Herzanek, President/Changing Lives Foundation
4000 Hawthorne Circle
Longmont, CO 80503
Phone: (303) 775-6493
Book Web Site: www.whydonttheyjustquit.com
Changing Lives Foundation Web Site: www.changinglivesfoundation.org
Email: jherzanek@gmail.com