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Wasted
- An Alcoholic Therapist's Fight for Recovery in a Tragically Flawed Treatment System
- Narrated by: Michael Pond, Maureen Palmer
- Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins
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Publisher's Summary
Psychotherapist Michael Pond is no stranger to the devastating consequences of alcoholism. He has helped hundreds of people conquer their addictions, but this knowledge did not prevent his own near-demise.
In this riveting memoir, he recounts how he lost his practice, his home, and his family - all because of his drinking. After scores of visits to the ER, a tour of hellish recovery homes, a stint in intensive care for end-stage alcoholism, and jail, Pond devised his own personal plan for recovery. He met Maureen Palmer, and together, they investigated scientific alternatives to the rigid abstinence doctrine pushed by 12-step programs.
"Pond's insights coupled with Palmer's section on evidence-based treatments make this an invaluable resource for readers battling their own addictions or concerned about their loved ones." (Publisher's Weekly)
"A vividly written page-turner...gripping and helpful" (Gabor Maté, The Globe and Mail)
"Few books have captured so well the challenge of managing the disease of addiction while simultaneously negotiating an often unresponsive health care system" (Dr. Keith Humphreys, former senior drug policy advisor, Obama administration)
“With tactile intimacy and surgical wit, Pond invites us to share the tragedy of his addiction with a sad smile. And then reveals a singular truth about how people quit. Truly one of a kind...a masterful job of describing the indescribable.” (Dr. Marc Lewis, neuroscientist and author of Memoirs of an Addicted Brain)
What listeners say about Wasted
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- karen McCann
- 04-23-20
Save your credit
This was the worst narrated book I've ever suffered through. Another example of an author destroying his own work by trying to narrate. The sound effects (REALLY? A TOILET FLUSHING?) were beyond annoying and distracting.
The story quickly became a church service and I returned without being able to finish. One more toilet flush, and I was out.
1 person found this helpful
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- James L.
- 04-05-22
Disappointing
I Was enjoying the memoir aspect of the book until maureen took over and i had to stop listening. The book instantly transforms from an interesting chronicle on Michael’s life to a boring lesson on sobriety. I don’t recommend wasting your money.
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- Kelli
- 01-27-22
Skip it!
A long overly wordy drunk a log from a fellow that seems to believe he invented something. Ego. Fear. Entitlement. Don’t read this book and for gosh sakes, save your ears for listening to it. This one should come with a warning from audible.
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- Anonymous User
- 07-27-21
really great book
so helpful thanks sooo much, this book has change my life. all I ever did before this book was beat myself up, thus book explains why we have these struggles. thank you so much for sharing your story.
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- Ryan Robinson
- 10-24-20
Best addiction memoir
I loved the pacing of the book, and the flow of the narrative. The author jumps to different points in his life a certain points to give back story and really flesh out the story of his life. I was engaged the whole way through, and at the end there is a lot of informative educational information. Michael is honest and open, but owns up to the fact he caused his own issues. Finally an addiction narrative that doesn't praise AA, and instead puts it out there as an option that helps many, but should not be one of the only options. Well worth the money, and have listened a couple times.
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- lea stacey
- 05-21-21
Excellent
This is one of the best autobiographies about alcoholism I have ever listened to. cannot praise it enough. I could not stop listening to it.
1 person found this helpful
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- julia wilkinson
- 02-22-22
Harrowing and insightfull
My son is an addict thank you for sharing your experience. Essential reading for politicians, medical practitioners and therapist.
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- Kitkat0154
- 01-19-22
Wow what a book
This is an amazing memoir and so well written
So true how not one solution fits all and it is so important to never judge how someone chose to recover or overcome an addiction. I admire Mike so much and happy he found his solution and also a supportive partner
I am so chuffed get his life back and carry on helping others
Also loved the sound effects!!
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- Wahzammo
- 02-25-20
A needed story!
A must for anyone who is battling alcoholism or knows someone who is.. brilliant book!