Practical guidance for those in post rehab or early sobriety

“The Other Twelve Steps” came about when the authors (mother and daughter) realized that there were many things not taught in rehab or AA that someone in early sobriety might be facing post rehab, such as organizing all the paperwork that’s stuffed in shoe boxes and under the car seats, mending relationships, getting their finances in order, etc. In other words, mopping up the mess that addiction had made of their lives.

The book’s comprehensive approach offers a fresh perspective on what it takes to truly recover and thrive after rehab. It encourages those in early sobriety to embrace and experience a refreshing approach to the path of addiction recovery that focuses on all aspects of their well-being (physical, emotional, social, financial, educational, legal, etc.), supporting them in achieving a balanced and rewarding life recovery.

Brenda has long years of experience helping others through both her work life and as a devoted member of her faith community. She has seen first-hand the impact of addiction on individuals and families and is committed to helping those who are in early sobriety to achieve post rehab success by straightening out the crooked path that addiction has made of their lives. This includes offering practical ways to take back control of, among other things, their paperwork, finances, legal matters, creativity, physical and mental health, and relationships. 

Addiction killed Jenna’s Rock Star Dad when she was 16, leading her to heavy alcohol use in her teens and 20s, living her own rock star life. At age 20 love found Jenna when she met her fiancé; however, he too died tragically, sending Jenna into a terrible downward spiral. Consequently she “ran away and joined the circus,” where she found other sad addicted performers. She became destructive, reclusive, depressed, and very good at hiding and lying. She also, unfortunately, became addicted to nitrous oxide.

As her addictions worsened, Jenna lost most of her music equipment to pawn shops and most of her friends to just plain meanness. Then she lost the use of her legs due to the nitrous oxide, and was wheelchair-bound all one summer. Oddly, that wasn’t what finally made her go to rehab. It was the turning away of her last two most loyal and tolerant friends.

It took Jenna five years to get clean, with years of off-and-on classes followed by rehab and much research on her own. Now, post rehab, she feels good about herself as a person. She has mended her burnt bridges and feels like she is the healthiest she’s ever been. With two years of feeling comfortable in body and mind, Jenna is setting attainable goals for post rehab success. Having gained confidence in herself, she has come to realize her unlimited potential, and now feels equipped to offer valuable advice and support to others. Finally, Jenna sees herself as someone worthy of helping and inspiring others in early sobriety!