'With eloquence, clarity, skill, and artistry, Diamond opens up a whole new perspective on the process of therapy for client and clinician, and on how narrative techniques can help in achieving recovery. Without abandoning biological or neurological research findings, he demonstrates innovative, flexible ways to help clients understand their lives and the role that drugs and alcohol play.' - Readings '[Diamond] exhibits good knowledge of psychotherapy's theoretical underpinnings in his lucid explanations of analytic concepts such as transference and countertransference... What comes through is the experience of a compassionate, successful therapist who integrates 12-step and psychotherapeutic principles in the treatment of his patients... Because he is such a good writer, the reader feels his and his patients' joys and sorrows... Narrative Means to Sober Ends will appeal both to new addiction treaters and to experienced therapists. With its integrated approach, the book should likewise attract a multidisciplinary readership.' - Psychiatric Services 'Strongly recommended for anyone interested in (or concerned about) addiction and substance abuse, this is one of the most interesting books on addiction treatment to come out in years. Diamond provides a fresh approach to the topic in a highly readable format... All libraries need to purchase this book for the use of undergraduates, researchers, and general readers.' - Choice

Treadway, Foreword. Prologue. Introduction: Remembering Addiction. Part I. Writing for Our Lives. A Sobriety of Literary Merit. Letters of Invitation and Dismissal. Bargaining: Controlled Drinking and Other Negotiated Settlements. Telegrams from God: Reauthoring Spirituality. Epilogues: Letting Go. Part II. Detoxing the Theory. Becoming 12-Step Literate. Part III. Stories for Our Times. Trauma and Recovery. Reality Bytes: Narrating Food Addictions. Writing Home: Applications to Family Therapy. Sobering Up Ophelia: Therapy with Children and Adolescents. Narrating Our Own Stories: Therapists in Recovery. Part IV. No Conclusions. A Less Convenient Fiction. Postscript: Muddling Through.