Ben Pugh

Beyond This Darkness Ben Pugh

Beyond this Darkness is a brand new faith-based recovery program. It is not based on 12 steps, though it takes the best of 12-step wisdom and updates it by adding some of the best things that have been tried in addiction therapy since the 1930s. Addiction therapy has moved on a long way since Bill Wilson and his brilliant book. This book seeks to harness these newer insights and wrap them up within a framework that is inspired by some of the most intriguing and liberating insights of the Apostle Paul. All the way through the reader is encouraged by the voices of addicts that have overcome their habit. There is story after story of victory over the most hopeless cases of alcohol, drug, gambling, and porn addiction--and even one case of chocolate chip cookie addiction! In every case, the program tries to identify what has worked and point the way for the reader to shake themselves free of their darkness. ""Beyond this Darkness gets to the heart of why people become and remain addicted. Drawing on people's experiences, previous therapeutic methods, culture, and the Pauline discourse, it stresses the significance of Christian community and identity in the struggle towards freedom. It's a hopeful, practical, and spiritual companion for anybody wanting to break free from life-controlling problems, or for anybody who wants to journey with addicts in their struggle against the forces that ensnare them."" --Darren Howie, reformed heroin addict and Pioneer Minister at St. Peter's in the City, Derby, UK ""There is a marvelous light in this book. It has been written by people with a heart for recovery who see a way through the darkness based on experience and scholarship. It shows how new choices can be made with fresh insights from God's knowledge, grace, and the fruits of loving relationships. Practical examples provide encouragement and there is a hope that change may happen for you or ones that you care for."" --Richard Lynch, Sheffield Hallam University, UK Ben Pugh is a former artist who, after becoming a Christian+ devoted his life to the study of theology and spirituality, and now lectures at Cliff College, UK. He did the illustrations for this book. Jason Glover has over ten years' experience of working with addicts covering many aspects of their needs from mentoring to homelessness prevention. Daniel Thompson is an experienced sponsor with Cocaine Anonymous and has travelled widely in support of addiction groups. He is studying theology at Cliff College.