The Alcohol Illusion

Publisher's Summary

Alcohol is a drug that has achieved the ultimate illusion. It has managed to convince the western world that it isn’t a drug at all, but rather a harmless social pleasantry. A product that does none of the things that the marketing promises that it does and yet remains unchallenged for such false advertising.

A beverage that kills over 63,000 people a year and yet still remains legal in virtually every country around the world. Craig Beck is known as the Stop Drinking Expert because he helps people to see the truth about alcohol, hidden behind the smoke and mirrors of the marketing and our own self-created social conditioning.

His book Alcohol Lied to Me has topped best seller charts for many years and has been translated into several different languages."Alcohol is the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing, a deeply insidious and dangerous drug packaged into pretty bottles and marketed as a fun, social pleasantry by the drinks manufacturers. The western world is conditioned from birth to believe that good times and alcohol go hand in hand. In reality consuming this drug is like playing a very dangerous game of Buckaroo, the longer you keep playing the more chance you have the mule will kick and destroy your world." (Craig Beck)

In The Alcohol Illusion Craig gives away the secrets of the magician and helps you see how the drug traps you and keeps you locked in a never ending loop. Once you see how the trick is done…escape is only a matter of time. If you are worried about your drinking this audiobook can change your life!

©2013 Viral Success Ltd (P)2013 Viral Success Ltd

Decent ideas, mean spirit

What the hell? Why would you go after Kathy Bates? You've revealed yourself to be an entertainer, not an expert. You've used sleight of hand to get me to buy this book, but I don't have to finish it.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

It Was Okay...

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend it to a friend with a severe drinking problem. I got it because I really like Craig Beck and his approach to things. I am a social drinker and I was totally open to stopping drinking if it was as bad as he said it was. However, every story was about someone with a huge problem, a life that was falling apart, health that was failing. That's not me. I sort of hoped it would address occasional drinkers like me. It did not. On the other hand, if someone's life was falling apart (and if they were able to listen to logic), this would be a great book.

Would you recommend The Alcohol Illusion to your friends? Why or why not?

No. I don't have a lot of friends who drink like the people in this book. Or they do but I am not aware of it.

What about Craig Beck’s performance did you like?

He is quite emphatic about his beliefs. He clearly believes what he is talking about. He is an enthusiastic speaker. I felt like some of the stories and metaphors were a little on the cheesy side, but I see where he was going. I wish he had re-written one or two of his analogies.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I would not. It's a little preachy and, as I said before, it didn't convince me that I should quit drinking the occasional glass of wine here and there. I'm addicted to other things. Too much alcohol just gives me a headache and makes me go to sleep, so I rarely overdo it on the drinking. A completely movie of this would get tiring.

Any additional comments?

I like Craig Beck a LOT. I've listened to his other books and enjoyed them, and I thought that this would be interesting. It was, but I didn't enjoy it. I was ready for it to be over. It got just a little repetitive towards the end. Probably good for someone who is drowning him or herself in alcohol every night.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Alcohol Lied To Me, Again, and Again, and Again

Is there anything you would change about this book?

No. In its own right, this book is incredible. If it weren't a near-exact clone of Alcohol Lied To Me, I wouldn't have knocked off two stars from my rating.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Alcohol Illusion?

Craig's enthusiasm. His simple yet powerful message was delivered flawlessly.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes. I anticipate The Alcohol Illusion: The Movie.

Any additional comments?

Craig Beck's method of quitting drinking is extremely similar to Alan Carr's version of quitting smoking; see the addiction for what it really is, and let go of the willpower. It's a direct contrast to AA and religion-based recovery programs, and that's why I love it.

The main problem with The Alcohol Illusion is that it's practically the exact same book as Alcohol Lied To Me. There was nothing new in here, and most of his memorable catchphrases seemed to be directly borrowed from Alcohol Lied To Me ("an attractively packaged poison!"). Essentially, I paid twice for the same book.

A secondary, minor problem is that although subjects like 'The Kick' could be easily backed up with scientific evidence and explained in greater detail (especially the interplay of neurotransmitters being chalked up to a 'chemical reaction'), he tends to oversimplify the concepts for the wide audience that may come to find this book. However, his delivery makes up in enthusiasm where it falls short on data, and that's what makes his message brilliant.

I don't think I would have enjoyed the book, but I loved the audiobook. It's worth the second purchase.

Amazing!

I have enjoyed listening to the information twice. It offers hope. Now it's time to give a cure a try. Thank you.

Fantastic mind shifting view

If you could sum up The Alcohol Illusion in three words, what would they be?

The alcohol truth

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/a

What about Craig Beck’s performance did you like?

Craig cares a lot about helping people see the truth about alcohol.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Dark Magician

Any additional comments?

If you have already stopped drinking and need some additional evidence of just how dangerous alcohol is then this book is a must. If you are still drinking you might find it an uncomfortable listen.

Alan Partridge does alcoholism...

What would have made The Alcohol Illusion better?

More reliable and valid statistics and an evidential basis to support the book's arguments. Less of an Alan Partridge "I'm a regional radio personality" vibe.

What could Craig Beck have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

See above. As cod-psychology goes, this ranks at Daily Mail level. Oh, and avoid the massive incongruous detours into regional radio land.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Craig has a good reading voice and some interesting experiences to share about his drinking, but don't we all..? Who needs another D-list celebrity drunk-alogue?

What character would you cut from The Alcohol Illusion?

The author, but then that would leave a very thin book...

Any additional comments?

There's a lot of good literature on alcoholism and recovery today, and goodness knows we need it - particularly those people for whom AA isn't an answer.

This book, unfortunately, doesn't quite make the contribution required. It is one re-write short of being ready for publication in my honest opinion.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful