You're Addicted to You is a self-help book that outlines a specific and detailed process for overcoming self-addictions, which can be characterized as self-defeating behaviors. There are very few people who can say they have no need for this book. However, I’m not sure someone would pick up on the value of the book’s contents solely based on a title that seems to imply self-absorption, which may be an addiction but is not inclusive enough to include self-addictions such as deferring to others, doing what you are told, or being helpless. However, once past the title, you will find an essential tool for changing those self-defeating behaviors you would like to change, changes that result in increasing happiness and health, strengthening relationships, increasing confidence and success.

Trying to change a behavior can be a very frustrating experience. You know what you need to change, you know how you should change it, and yet you continue to fall into the same patterns. You're Addicted to You outlines three essential parts for defeating a self-addiction. Each part of the process requires dedication and commitments, but the payoff of a happier, healthier you is well worth it.

The first part involves Raising Awareness. This includes identifying your self-addictions; we cannot change what we don’t acknowledge. Once you have identified your self-addiction, it is important to assess the consequences of this behavior on your life - what impacts are there to yourself and/or others. Make strong commitments; “create an environment in and around you that cues your new behaviors…You need to surround yourself with an environment that rarely lets you forget about the change you are trying to make.”

The second part focuses on Building Support. This involves finding help by identifying the people in your life who can help you and the ways in which they can help support you to change. Once you have identified who can help you and how, Invite Support. “You and your supporters should be equal partners, both having a voice in how you can change and how to make the support relationship work.” This is a process that needs to be monitored and changed as required in order to Maintain Effective Support. You may find that someone isn’t working out, their role is no longer required, or that they need some guidance in helping you make the change.

The final part involves Taking Action. Prepare Yourself through increased understanding of your desired behavior and enhanced ability and confidence to perform in critical moments. It is in high stress, or critical moments, when we most often revert to old behaviors. Therefore, it is important to “design strategies to recognize and stop self-addictive behaviors in the situations in which they are most likely to surface and encourage and facilitate new, more desirable behaviors.” This allows us to Act in the Moment. Finally, you need to ensure you have a systematic way to Assess Your Progress.

While this may seem like a complex and overwhelming process, Noah Blumenthal breaks down the process, providing key information, exercises, and case studies to illustrate how these principles apply to life.

You're Addicted to You is an essential road map for modifying or eliminating those self-addictions that sabotage your health, happiness, and success. Rather than taking the approach of the myriad self-help books addressing specific problems, You're Addicted to You focuses on the process of change, a process that is consistent solution to a long list of “problems”. This book is a valuable resource for anyone willing to face their self-addictions and commit to changing them.