Wasted - Michael Pond and Maureen Palmer

Wasted: An Alcoholic Therapist's Fight for Recovery in a Flawed Treatment System

Michael Pond Maureen Palmer January 21, 2016
Greystone Books Ltd

Psychotherapist Michael Pond is no stranger to the devastating consequences of alcoholism. He has helped hundreds of people conquer their addictions, but this knowledge did not prevent his own near-demise. In this riveting memoir, he recounts how he lost his practice, his home, and his family–all because of his drinking. After scores of visits to the ER, a tour of hellish recovery homes, a stint in intensive care for end-stage alcoholism, and jail, Pond devised his own personal plan for recovery. He met Maureen Palmer and together they investigated scientific alternatives to the rigid abstinence doctrine pushed by 12-Step programs.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Michael Pond has a private therapy practice in Vancouver, where he specializes in addiction treatment. He has a degree in psychiatric nursing and a Masters in Social Work. Maureen Palmer is a critically-acclaimed documentary filmmaker and former radio and television producer at CBC. In 2002, she co-founded Bountiful Films. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with partner Michael Pond.