This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol (2018) by Annie Grace
Annie Grace, an advertising/marketing executive, has created an approach she calls “The Naked Mind” based on a foundation of cognitive re-framing/cognitive restructuring she utilized to stop drinking (and that she proclaims can help anyone). I will say that she has done her research and there is a lot of valuable and valid information. I especially appreciate the information she shares about the impact that advertising has on our consumption of alcohol, and her firsthand knowledge of the skills and tactics used by advertisers to facilitate this (to the financial benefit of the alcohol companies). That being said, it also feels like she is utilizing those same tactics to “sell” her program. I’m not making a judgement that it is or is not intentional (because I know that all professions/fields are trained in a particular writing style and that then often becomes an inherent way we communicate), but I did notice a common use of binary language, inferring causal (as opposed to correlational) relationships when reflecting on research studies, as well a lot of over-generalized and over-simplified arguments about how simple this process can be if we just know and acknowledge the truth about alcohol that felt off-putting to me. Additionally, there were not really any suggestions about skills (CBT skills, for example) to utilize to apply the information; it seemed like the message implied that just knowing the information would be enough to de-condition the social and cultural messaging we’ve received, change your mind about wanting to drink, and help get you through the challenges of withdrawals and cravings. There was, however, reference to the value of community and encouragement to join the community she has created. And this IS a very important part of the recovery process.
Ultimately, I think her book and her approach can be helpful for a certain population of people. But I think her causal and definitive messaging that is generalized to EVERYONE rather than her niche and/or saying “this is what worked for me…” feels a bit concerning. However, unlike some of the other books I’ve read recently, the author does briefly encourage folks who identify underlying mental health conditions, and/or who are physically dependent to get professional help to support their recovery process.
How did I hear about this book: A client was reading it
Would I recommend it to colleagues: Sure, it has some helpful content in it.
Would I recommend it to clients: Sure, with caveats.
How do I apply this content to my work: As a dual-licensed therapist, I specialize in treating clients with co-occurring mental health and addiction. Additionally, as a certified Dance/Movement Therapist, my lens for approaching healing for addiction is focused on integrating mind and body, encompassing the integrative bio-psycho-social-(spiritual) model of treatment. This book focuses entirely on cognition (the head). And while cognitive re-framing and cognitive restructuring are important pieces of the treatment/recovery model (CBT absolutely has a vital role), it is only one piece of the puzzle. Addiction affects the entire body (not just the head). And my concern is that this book’s message reinforces the societal/cultural head/brain-centric values that I try to undo in my practice–messaging that suggests we can “logic” our way out of anything and thereby discouraging the connection with our body and all of the wisdom that it also carries.
Disclaimers: These reviews are based on my own personal experience reading these books and do not reflect on the book’s author or publisher. I have not received any commissions or other incentives to promote my reviews. My reviews express my own unbiased opinions.
