Sober living

Best 20 Books About Addiction Recovery to Read in 2020

The majority of “experts” will tell you that you can never drink again if you’re an “alcoholic.” But in fact, there are people who have transcended addiction and proceeded to drink minimally. There are many reasons for why a person might develop an attachment to drinking that leads to physical dependence. Genetic factors, environmental influences, cultural norms, belief systems, and a lack of alternative coping mechanisms can all factor into the risk of developing alcoholism. The premise of this book is that every living creature has evolved to seek mind-alteration from the natural world around us. To deny the fact that we do so is to deny an essential part of our nature, not simply as human beings, but as evolutionary creatures with fundamental needs.

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She wasn’t self-medicating and was able to truly feel her feelings and live honestly. We Are the Luckiest is a life-changing memoir about recovery—without any sugarcoating. I chose Atlas of the Heart because it touches on the important theme of second chances. I am not sure I’d be sober today if it weren’t for Tired of Thinking About Drinking. As you embark on a sobriety or moderation journey, building a toolkit to keep you motivated and inspired can help you reach your goals. I started reading addiction memoirs in college, well before I admitted to having an alcohol use disorder.

Books about Addiction, Alcoholism and Recovery

  • Instead, he presents a straightforward viewpoint, showing that it’s perfectly fine to trip up and even chuckle at yourself during the journey.
  • I recently came to terms with my own problematic relationship with alcohol, and my one solace has been in books.
  • The book discusses drug policies, substance use treatment, and the root causes of substance use.
  • When 15-year-old Cat moves to a new town in rural Michigan, she’s ecstatic to find a friend in Marlena, a beautiful, pill-popping neighbor.
  • If you want to transcend alcoholism once and for all, it’s groupthink – whether around alcohol, or around defective mainstream recovery – that you will have to challenge and rise above on your own.

At Fit Recovery, we do not believe that positive change can be caused by fear tactics or one-size-fits-all dogma. If you have a problem with substances, it probably makes sense to take an indefinite break and save the “forever” question for later. Repair your body, rebalance your brain, and then decide your future path with a clear mind and a plethora of natural feel-good chemicals coursing through your body. Science cannot presently explain why some people experience severe physical addiction, even DTs, and proceed to drink “socially” later in life. Mainstream programs often write these people off as “not real alcoholics,” but this is a dogmatic categorization that often fails to account for real physical dependence at an earlier stage of life. A family friend gave me this book, telling me that it had kept him from drinking for the decades since he’d last had a drink.

“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk

best alcohol recovery books

Mitchell S. Jackson frames the narrative around his own experiences and those of his family and community. Weaving together poems, historical documents, and photos, this is an essential book about, among many other things, alcoholism and survival. In college, my friends and I joked that it’s not alcoholism until you graduate. Then I told myself it was because I was a journalist working the night shift. Punch Me Up to the Gods is a beautifully written series of personal essays that describe Brian Broome’s experience growing up Black and queer in Ohio, and the effect early substance use had on his upbringing. As a team of experienced medical providers, therapists and counselors, we help you recover in a loving, compassionate environment.

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I really liked this book because it focuses a lot on her spiritual crisis and how it related to her alcoholism. She is a Christian, as am I, and I often battled in my head with being a Christian and being an alcoholic. Eventually my faith brought me to my knees and I began my journey of sobriety after having a spiritual experience. “The Tears That Taught Me” by Morgan Richard Oliver is a prose and poetry collection about finding peace in our challenges and pain and accepting that each experience has a greater purpose. This is an excellent book to read while navigating grief and loss in your recovery journey. Punch Me Up to the Gods is a beautifully written series of personal essays that describe Brian Broome’s experience growing up Black and queer in Ohio, and the effect early substance use had on his upbringing.

  • These pages are filled with the teachings of ancient Stoics such as Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus.
  • The simple fact that we are not alone in our struggle can be enough to find our way out of the dark.
  • Brach’s warm and understanding style, skillfully blends personal stories with impactful insights, showing readers they aren’t alone in their tough times.

I love her perspective on drinking as an act of counter-feminism—that in reality it actually dismantles our power, our pride, and our dignity as women, though we intended the opposite. Books are excellent tools for inspiring, motivating and entertaining yourself during your recovery journey. One of the first of its kind, Drink opens our eyes to the connection between drinking, trauma and the impossible quest to ‘have it all’ that many women experience. Ann Dowsett Johnston masterfully weaves personal story, interviews, and sociological research together to create a compelling, informative, and even heartbreaking reality about drinking and womanhood. Written with courage and candor this book leaves you ready to push against a society suggesting alcohol is the solution to women’s problems. The authors provide actionable advice for setting boundaries, enhancing communication, and nurturing healthier interactions, empowering readers to reclaim their own well-being while maintaining Alcoholics Anonymous relationships.

“12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery” by Allen Berger, Ph. D., delivers concise, direct advice on recognizing and overcoming the biggest obstacles to long-term sobriety. Learn how to develop healthier behaviors, make amends, seek help for relationship challenges and value growth over perfection. Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more. I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage. For those who prefer digital reading, many of these publications are easily accessible in digital versions like e-books.

best alcohol recovery books

The authors offer a hands-on, practical way to learn and apply key DBT skills, empowering readers to manage their emotional experiences. One of the coolest things about The Sober Diaries is how relatable Pooley makes the whole experience. She’s not hesitant to share the messy, unfiltered moments of recovery, but she balances those with humor and warmth, showing us that being sober doesn’t mean you have to miss out on fun or happiness. Instead, Pooley shows how life can really blossom when alcohol isn’t in charge anymore, giving a realistic yet optimistic take on what it’s like to take back your life.

best alcohol recovery books

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Recovery is a tumultuous process, and recovering individuals often benefit from learning about the experiences others have undergone in their quest to live substance-free. There are countless books that have been written about addiction and recovery. The following list recounts 10 of the most notable books on this subject. These books are valuable resources for professionals working with individuals facing alcoholism and related issues. They offer evidence-based insights, personal stories, and practical guidance to enhance their understanding best alcohol recovery books and approaches to treatment. ” Lisa Frederiksen delves into the complex world of addiction, offering readers a profound understanding of the disease and its impact on relationships.

One of the most powerful elements of Clean is Sheff’s in-depth look at the science behind addiction. Methamphetamine is a highly destructive drug, and he does not mince words when conveying the ruination that it brought to his life. His raw and graphic accounts of youthful experimentation with drugs and alcohol segues quickly into an out of control addiction.

She inspires readers to face their fears and uncertainties, turning painful moments into chances for growth and resilience. Her gentle wisdom strikes a chord, reminding us that finding peace amidst chaos is indeed possible. Szalavitz’s perspective is both enlightening and thoroughly researched, yet she makes complex neuroscience and psychology approachable. Drawing from her own battles with addiction, Szalavitz adds a relatable touch that enhances her credibility and compassion for others navigating similar paths. David Sheff’s Clean is a heartfelt and eye-opening exploration of the intricate world of addiction.

If you happen to be after a sprinkle of enlightenment, https://www.leepartners.my/6-reasons-your-body-aches-after-drinking/ a novel angle, or merely a serene escape, there’s something remarkable awaiting you. If you wish to contact a specific rehab facility then find a specific rehab facility using our treatment locator page or visit SAMHSA.gov. But in my case, these texts helped me to transcend addiction once and for all.

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