FAQ

Q & A with Author Tom Catton

Why did you write The Mindful Addict?

Being invited to speak worldwide, I would find myself humbled after each talk when people would swarm the stage to get more information, many times with tears in their eyes as their hearts were touched on a deep level. The message I give when I speak is in the pages of this book, and I have been wonderfully blessed through the process of writing it. I look now, with anticipation, to sharing this blessing with others through this book.

What makes The Mindful Addict unique?

An almost magical quality is found in this true-life adventure. The reader will travel through the pages of a life, on a global and at times supernatural voyage, being transformed through grace. Miracles will become obvious as the story unfolds. Readers will identify with the all-too-normal struggles, yet discover how transcendence of challenges leads to a fulfilling life that is beyond imagination. This is not a how-to book on twelve-step programs or on Buddhism, but rather a book describing one man’s extraordinary experience with turning hopeless addiction into a simple, practical way of plodding through life seeking spiritual guidance and connection. It is about a form of spiritual revolution, a life changed from the shadow of selfish motives to the light of a humble service based on love and selflessness. It is about having the courage to open one’s spirit until they are shocked by the divinity of grace.

How does The Mindful Addict address addiction?

This is not another book on addiction and the nightmares of it; The Mindful Addict moves beyond that, revealing the seemingly hopeless disease of addiction as an enlightening dilemma. It further invites the reader to hope and believe that for some, a life fraught with sickening addiction can quite possibly become a misunderstood gift and a blessing in disguise.

Currently, there are countless studies and books written on the field of addiction and the vast and growing research on what is now termed “addictionology.” Though it is an indeed fascinating arena of contemporary and, thankfully, compassion-based health care, it is also within the realm of clinical rehabilitation centers, rife with discouraging statistics and sterile data. The Mindful Addict is none of these things. It is the story of an addict who was saved from self-destruction by a Higher Power. It is the story of a person truly transformed after surrendering to the spiritually-principled life of the Twelve Steps, and devoting his life to love, service, which ultimately recovered his relationship with God.

Who is your target audience for this book?

Addiction touches everyone. Whether an individual, his or her family member, or a close friend struggles with the malady, it has found its way into the lives of every member of society. In every country around the world, people have found a way out of their addiction. On a daily basis there are millions of people attending twelve-step meetings in almost every country on this planet. The Mindful Addict will resonate in those hearts. Identification will be overwhelming. The reader will be drawn to the familiarities on each page.

The word ‘mindful’ has become a key word in the spiritual movement. You don’t have to be a yogi sitting in a cave in India to have this word resonate when you see it in the title. People are ready and starving for the message within the pages of this book.