I just finished reading “Sobriety Breakthrough” by John Merkel. The title of this book and the back cover say it all. Having been in recovery for the past 29 years I can see it as a tool to help others achieve sobriety and move forward toward a life worth living, not losing the hope that got them to the point of “introduction” to this book. My first thought after reading was “where was this when I got sober”. Working this method with a partner should rocket many into the Fourth Dimension.

Sobriety Breakthrough? More like a rocket ship to the fourth dimension! Brilliant insight and evolution of a lifesaving program that’s been in great need of an accelerated path like everything else in our world. As someone with 34 years of sobriety, we spent the first 15 years in meetings, this is going to be a game changer for millions of newly sober alcoholics who experience traditional AA like watching a pot boil. I am buying a bunch of these for Christmas gifts.

This book is amazing. A great way to kickstart sobriety. It’s obvious the author has a deep understanding of the process of getting sober. This offering shows compassion and the author’s commitment to helping others. Highly recommend.

Just great! Simple but very profound. I have had a chance to use it with a dear friend who had almost completely relapsed; their distress and depression acute. Over two mornings we worked through all twelve steps, sharing back and forth to a new awareness and action! It gave as much to me as the other person as we worked like the founders of AA did, sharing and talking honestly and openly with each other. Anyone who wants to stop living compulsively and find new ways to live their life, grab a friend and try this guide!

Game Changer "Sobriety Breakthrough" is an incredible tool for anyone working through the 12 steps of AA and is looking for an outline of what to expect. As someone with lived experience in Recovery and who now works with individuals in treatment, I had the opportunity to use this workbook in a group session, and the impact was immediate. The layout is clear, practical, and deeply personal as it gave my clients the chance to reflect on their current level of sobriety in an honest way. When they recognized that their present state was not desirable and felt empowered to move forward, it was a breakthrough moment for all of us. What sets this book apart is how it guides people step by step, not just explaining the process, but inviting them to engage with it. The sections on The Doctor’s Opinion and The 7 Levels of Sobriety were especially powerful tools for sparking self-awareness and motivation. This workbook does not just teach; it facilitates transformation. I highly recommend Sobriety Breakthrough for anyone struggling with substance use or supporting others on their recovery journey. It is practical, compassionate, and effective. A resource that can truly make a difference in moving from hopelessness to hope.

A simple and effective way to understand and get started in AA’s 12 Step process. Great for newcomers who have been to AA meetings and are ready to move deeper into the program. A wonderful tool for sponsors to use when guiding alcoholics through the 12 steps. Highly recommend!

The 7 Levels of Sobriety section gave me a roadmap for where I actually stand in recovery. I could see myself bouncing between levels 4 and 5 for years - stuck in defiance and dabbling. Seeing it laid out so clearly, without judgment, gave me hope. It showed me that moving forward doesn't take perfection, just willingness. The reflection and sharing exercise made me realize just how much I had been coasting on dry time instead of growing. This chapter alone was worth the price of the book - it made me hungry for real progress instead of just settling for "good enough". Thank-you!