20 best books on addiction recovery 2023 reading list & recommendations

Stephanie Gillespie is a dedicated professional who has made a significant impact in the fields of developmental psychology, Autism, and Addiction Treatment. In this role, Stephanie leverages her expertise to help addiction treatment centers increase their online presence, ultimately reaching more individuals in need of support. They provide a lifeline of hope, coping techniques, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be in recovery. The Empathy Exams author’s stunning book juxtaposes her own relationship to addiction with stories of literary legends like Raymond Carver, and imbues it with rich cultural history. The result is a definitive treatment of the American recovery movement—a memoir in the subgenre like no other. Blackout is a compelling and thought-provoking read that offers a profound insight into the struggles of addiction, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this pervasive issue.

“Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors” by Janina Fisher

His writing is startling in its earnest simplicity, drawing a vivid picture of his descent into heroin use and addiction. His inner tumult seems to reflect the paranoia and uproar of the 60’s era, creating an intense portrayal of his formative years. The Basketball Diaries exemplifies the euphemistic fall from grace that an addiction can cause, as well as the devastation that relapses can wreak upon an addict’s life. „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.

‚High Achiever: The Incredible True Story of One Addict’s Double Life‘

By the end of the year, she is booze-free and cancer-free, no longer has a wine belly and two stone lighter. This is a collection of stories that make one of the most incredible books about addiction. The reader goes through all kinds of events that somehow are connected. You get to read about the Columbine High School shooting, angels, demons, pictures of politicians who feature Jesus in the background or people found dead – it sounds crazy and unusual, but it all makes sense.

About The Author

But as their dreams get further and further, Henriette develops a passion for pills. She ends up needing a kidney transplant and worried that her husband may not understand the situation, her slight passion becomes a full grown addiction. It turns into a pharmaceutical affair that ends up threatening her life from all directions. He ended up partying in an excessive manner, but he also turned to alcohol and drugs.

A therapy approach called the Inner Child Recovery Process is founded on the idea that your childhood is the first step on the road to recovery from a sex/porn addiction. It can assist you in overcoming your addiction and has proven effective with a large number of people in my counseling practice. Mike Majlak was a 17-year-old from a loving middle-class family in Milford, Connecticut when he got caught up in the opioid epidemic.

It provides best addiction recovery books real-life success stories from people who have conquered their addiction. Also, by drawing from his own journey, he challenges traditional views and encourages readers to embrace a holistic path toward freedom from addiction. Moreover, Brand emphasizes the importance of community, spirituality, and self-awareness in sustaining long-term recovery. Elton shares his journey through the highs of superstardom and the lows of substance abuse, offering an honest glimpse into how addiction affected his life and relationships. As a result, with humor, vulnerability, and insight, this memoir celebrates his resilience and the power of transformation.

Unlike many traditional methods, Unbroken Brain argues that addiction is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower, but rather a learning disorder. Szalavitz explores the brain’s role in addiction, explaining how it can be rewired through both positive and negative reinforcement. She emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding, advocating for a shift from punishment to treatment in our approach to addiction. Writer Lisa Najavits looks at the impact of traumatic experience on a person’s current addiction in her book Recovery from Trauma, Addiction, or Both. This motivational book provides actual examples of how to develop coping skills and set achievable objectives for a healthy life.

Practicality

There have been numerous books produced on how to cure addiction and get one’s life back in order. Below is a list of some of the most famous books on the subject of addiction, along with a brief explanation of their subject. We selected these books from a long list of recommendations and we hope these books help you in your journey through addiction recovery.

‚Easy Does It Dating Guide: For People in Recovery‘

• Their story serves as a reminder that recovery is possible, and that the love and support of family can make all the difference.
• If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, the best thing to do is get help.
• Mason and Kreger offer clear explanations of the behaviors linked to these disorders, which demystifies the experience for both those supporting a loved one and those directly impacted by it.
• Wurtzel’s book clearly illustrates the link between mental health issues and addiction.
• He skillfully weaves together personal stories, scientific research, and his own experiences to shed light on the deep emotional and psychological pain that often underlies addictive behaviors.

However, this book is not just a memoir; it is a comprehensive exploration of the broader issues surrounding addiction and recovery. This book about addiction recovery delves into the complex emotions and experiences that come with sobriety, as well as the societal stigmas surrounding addiction. Jamison’s writing is raw and honest, capturing the despair, hope, and moments of triumph that are part of the recovery process. Unlike many other books about addiction recovery, Lewis goes beyond the well-known 12-step approach and delves into the intricacies of the brain and how it becomes wired for addiction.

The authors provide actionable advice for setting boundaries, enhancing communication, and nurturing healthier interactions, empowering readers to reclaim their own well-being while maintaining relationships. They stress the importance https://kevinshortland.co.uk/the-impact-of-isopropyl-alcohol-on-skin-health/ of self-care and understanding, enabling readers to handle these challenging dynamics with more confidence and resilience. Tara Brach’s Radical Acceptance is a powerful guide that invites readers to nurture self-compassion and embrace their lives with open hearts.

• Sheff’s writing tackles tough realities, but it remains optimistic in its tone.
• The popular actress Mackenzie Phillips talks about her lifelong battle with personal demons and near-death experiences due to drug addiction.
• She decides to get sober and conquer her own addiction, but is put off by the patriarchal and religious systems of recovery available to her.
• I found this book uncomfortable at times and very funny at other times.
• What really distinguishes Fisher’s work is her emphasis on the fragmented pieces of the self that often arise in trauma survivors.
• This is definitely one of the most motivational books about addiction.

„My fair junkie: A memoir of getting dirty and staying clean“ by Amy Dresner

Spirit Junkie can help people suffering from addiction reconnect with feelings of optimism, appreciation, and empathy – all of which are useful skills in recovery. Recovery should emerge from a position of tranquility and delight, as Gabrielle Bernstein’s definition of “love” demonstrates. Transformative methods look like easy, logical actions as a result. Recovering from addiction is a challenging and rewarding journey that requires courage, commitment, and support. Reading books about addiction and recovery can provide valuable insight, inspiration, and guidance on this journey. Frey recounts his journey through rehab, as both an alcoholic and a crack cocaine addict.

• Remember, recovery is not just about physical sobriety; it’s about finding yourself, healing your past, and creating a future filled with hope and resilience.
• His approach combines humor with honesty, making it relatable for people who have lost sight of themselves due to addiction.
• Addiction is a complex and challenging disease that affects millions of people around the world.

A year that started with her quitting booze and then being given the drug addiction devastating diagnosis of breast cancer. By the end of the year she is booze-free and cancer-free, she no longer has a wine belly, is two stone lighter and with a life that is so much richer, healthier and more rewarding than ever before. Sober Diaries is an upbeat, funny and positive look at how to live life to the full. Jowita Bydlowska is three years into her sobriety when she becomes a mother. What was supposed to be a joyous moment triggers a relapse when, on a whim, she has a glass of champagne to celebrate the birth of her first child. Bydlowska’s memoir is an eye-opening account of her relapse, the many ways she justifies her “mommy needs wine” moments, and her eventual second recovery.