As a Psychologist and former substance abuse counselor, I have witnessed many attempting recovery from drugs and alcohol. Many succeed but many do not, which I feel comes from their viewpoint “If I just cut back or control it, I am okay.” Robert Bolch was one of the latter. His personal journey from using to attempting recovery and finally “getting it” was not an easy one as readers will find through his narratives and notes from his journaling.  Not only did he have problem with substances, his wife did as well. She chose to go to a rehabilitation program in California and Robert chose to do it on his own by going to Europe.

By traveling to Europe he thought he would be away from the distraction of substances, however, he took drugs with him. “Might as well use it all up, no sense letting it go to waste,” was his stance, a common thought for many addicted to substances. 

The author takes us through his nightmare and successes by addressing honesty, resentment and humility just to name a few. He does state several times that he is not telling readers how to become recovered, but he is telling what worked for him. I liked his honesty and ability to admit weaknesses during this process and letting readers know that abstinence is not sobriety, regardless of drug of choice. Journaling is very therapeutic and it is very hard to read after you have written your thoughts.

This is a journey of change from the inside. Robert, as many of us, always needs to take a self-inventory frequently. It is not an easy thing to do, but is a necessity. “Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting!” by Robert Bolch certainly is a book that I will recommend to my college Psychology students as it gives an honest point of view on recovery.