Darren Littlejohn

Darren Littlejohn was born in the Midwest and grew up in California. He dropped out of school in the eighth grade in order to "pursue drugs and alcohol as a full-time endeavor." At 16, he passed his high school proficiency exam, and after a long, rough road to sobriety went on to earn an AA in Behavior Science from San Jose City College, a BA in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and completed all coursework but the final theses for the MA Pre-Doctoral Research Program, also at the Long Beach campus of California State University, in 1994.

In his personal journey, he studied Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, later integrating all of his life experience, beliefs, credentials and true passion into his work. Already practicing what he preaches, he is a dedicated, enthusiastic promoter and speaker who is eager to see others helped out of their pits of despair and self-destruction.

Darren conducts workshops and groups for adults and adolescents in and out of institutions. He is a correspondent with prisoners from the Liberation Prison Project, which brings Buddhist teachings to inmates nationally.

For more about Darren Littlejohn visit the12stepbuddhist.com.

Titles By This Author

The 12-Step Buddhist

Reviews & Press

“
Darren’s book is an insightful, personal meditation on the many fruitful intersections between 12-Step recovery programs, science, and Buddhism. For those seeking recovery, but put off by what seems like a heavy Judeao-Christian orientation in many 12-Step programs, Darren’s story will be a refreshing eye-opener to alternative possibilities.

—James Blumenthal, author of The Ornament of the Middle Way, professor of Buddhist Studies, Oregon State University and Maitripa College
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If you know an addict, or are a therapist or other type of practitioner working with them, this book will provide you with new insights into how to approach addiction recovery. And even if you’re not, you may gain new insight into how to apply the Buddhist teachings you have studied over the years to your own life.

—Lisa Erikson, Bellaonline.com
“
In this refreshing look at the true reasons behind destructive, addictive behavior, Littlejohn combines Buddhist wisdom with the traditional twelve-step program, presenting a guidebook to inner peace and spiritual sobriety—written from the point of view of someone who has made the journey himself. He provides a complementary practice to more standard treatments, and provides an inspiring resource for those struggling to overcome addictions.

—The Snow Lion Buddhist News & Catalog
“
Darren Littlejohn, a recovering addict himself, knows all too well the tribulations of drug addiction. The 12-Step Buddhist is a unique synthesis of the traditional 12-Step model and the liberating wisdom of Dharma, bridging the divide between traditional programs, which suffer from problematic terminology and pedagogy, and Buddhist teachings, which aren’t equipped to address the some of the specific needs and concerns of the modern addict. Littlejohn carefully explores each Step in turn, suggesting alternative Buddhist perspectives and providing valuable meditation exercises to serve as additional support. Peppered with raw accounts of late-night drug binges, arduous recoveries and devastating relapse, this personal presentation of the tools Littlejohn used to find his own liberation from addiction is certainly never boring, and well worth reading.

—Mandala Magazine
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In a frank and open manner, Littlejohn discusses not only his own addiction and its issues, but also the strengths and limitations of using any single approach in isolation.... Regardless of the addiction, Littlejohn’s approach offers real possibility and hope for any and all seeking to escape their habit.

—Elephant Journal
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The 12 Step Buddhist stands as a street level, no-nonsense guide to bringing the wisdom of Buddhism into the everyday life of the recovering addict. ...like having a portable, text bound sponsor.

—BuddhistRecovery.org
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This book not only provides a unique look into the mind of an addict, in and out of recovery, but also speaks from the heart to those looking for a spiritual practice to help them keep sober.

—New Age Retailer magazine
“
Recovering from addiction is perhaps the ultimate in working with attachment, and the path of recovery requires a great deal of compassion. That may be why Darren Littlejohn is able to so effectively synthesize the well-known Judeo-Christian recovery program with Buddhism. No matter where you are in recovery, this is a meaty book, with meditations, exercises, and the illuminating story of Littlejohn’s own struggles. Don’t think you have an addiction? You still might want to pick up The 12-Step Buddhist. We’re all addicted to something, Littlejohn says. Some of us just manage to have less obvious vices.

—Shambala Sun
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The 12-Step Buddhist is one of those rare books that transcends genres by seamlessly integrating the 12-step approach, Buddhist principles, and a compelling personal struggle with addiction and a quest for spiritual awakening. With its refreshingly direct, tell-it-like-it-is style, this book takes systematic approach to blending the 12-steps with timeless Buddhist meditations and wisdom. The 12-Step Buddhist is an important guidebook to living life ‘just as it is,’—beyond the insanity of addiction and recovery. This book is ideal for both spiritual seekers and those who feel that their life is out of control. As a former Buddhist monk and a practicing psychotherapist who works with recovering addicts, I highly recommend this book!

—Donald Altman, M.A., LPC, author of Living Kindness and Meal by Meal
“
Littlejohn, a recovering addict and student of Tibetan and Zen Buddhism, has written a book that thoroughly integrates the 12 steps of recovery from addiction with Buddhist principles and precepts. Each of these persuasions is so powerful that one would have thought they would leave room for nothing else, but Littlejohn effectively suggests that the richness of Buddhist insight can ground 12-step recovery in true self-knowledge.

—Library Journal Review
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"Buddhism is a rich resource with a multitude of wisdom and plentiful tools for self-examination. The 12-Step Program is a powerful and time-tested approach to issues of addiction. Littlejohn’s [The] 12-Step Buddhist demonstrates that the two models together form a very compatible alliance."

—Richard Cormier, Wildmind.org
“
If the 12-Step program leads to recovery, Buddhist practice and philosophy can provide the spiritual underpinnings needed to stabilize that recovery. [Littlejohn’s] interpretation of the 12 Steps as seen through the lens of this wisdom tradition is fascinating and useful. A very practical and inspired guide.

—Susan Piver, author of How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life
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Darren Littlejohn has created a useful tool interfacing two important contemporary paths, bringing Buddhism principles into direct relationship with the 12-Step path of recovery. A practical down-to-earth guide for those interested in integrating Buddhism and the 12-Steps which have often in the past been framed in theistic language. An important contribution to recovery literature.

—Tsultrim Allione, author of Feeding Your Demons and Women of Wisdom, founder of Tara Mandala Retreat Center
“
Darren Littlejohn's deeply personal and immensely practical book brings together Buddhism and the twelve steps in an elegant synthesis. As a guide through recovery, the book is true genius--it manages to maintain a reverence and respect for the twelve steps, while allowing for an "atheistic" interpretation of the process. I also loved how gritty and raw the author's own spirituality seemed, and how, instead of sugarcoating his process, he's not afraid to meet you in even the darkest places.

—Siona van Dijk, Gaia.com
“
... a very worthy first offering to the expanding list of books within the Buddhist community dealing with addiction and recovery.

—Rev. Alex Holt, BuddhistRecovery.org
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[T]he author has guts and clarity; this book is a welcome beacon on the troubling ocean of addiction.

—Publishers Weekly
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The 12-Step Buddhist is a must read. Littlejohn uses his own experience to embrace and surrender to his additions. "You can be addicted to anything." This book takes a difficult topic and at the end of the book you are left with Hope.

—Darlena Davis, PhD

Beyond Words

Darren Littlejohn

Titles By This Author

The 12-Step Buddhist

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