I read a book that was given to me some time ago. This is something I wanted to read but couldn't find the time. This mission seemed like the perfect time to open the book “Being Sober” by Dr. Harry Haroutunian. The book is written by a doctor who works in recovery and is also in recovery. I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book. This is the first time I've read a recovery book outside of the AA book or the 12 Step book. I have read and know a little about addiction, but I have never taken the time to read a book about sobriety, recovery, and life in recovery. The first chapter is about understanding drug addicts and alcoholics and how it is a disease that affects a person's brain and understanding that addiction is not something that some people can just stop . It's important to understand that there is more to addiction than just quitting and that many people still don't believe that addiction is a disease when it really is. Addiction affects a person's brain by affecting dopamine neurotransmitters. Some medications bind to dopamine and directly stimulate these receptors. Some medications bind to dopamine but do not stimulate dopamine receptors. This book really opened my eyes to the world of addiction. I really like the examples their book gives us. The book understands that it is difficult for most people and their family members to understand that addiction is a disease. This could be because drug addicts and alcoholics have done some pretty bad things, because addicts' behaviors can be intolerable and living with an addict can bring a family member to the brink of insanity. It's easy for a person to think that someone can just stop using drugs and alcohol, but I learned a little better... in the middle of this article... and the steps to dependence. The first step is to start accepting the things that cannot change. This is something I tell myself every day because it reminds me that I can't control everything all the time. I must allow my higher power to guide me through life. The Serenity Prayer reminds us to have the courage to change the things we can. I control my life and my happiness and I need to make changes to keep it that way. Having the wisdom to know what I can and cannot change is helpful because it allows me to let things go. The Serenity Prayer has been adopted by AA groups but should be adopted by everyone because it is very useful in my life. Reading this book “Being Sober” by Dr. Harry Haroutunian was a revelation when it comes to helping families understand addiction and how everyone must surrender to the same words.