Finding real and fictional characters in books about recovery that you can relate to is even better. This article was written and published in partnership with Monument/Tempest. Quit Like a Woman takes a groundbreaking look at America’s obsession with alcohol. It explores how society’s perception and targeted marketing campaigns keeps groups of people down while simultaneously putting money into “Big Alcohol’s” pockets. Whitaker’s book offers a road map of non-traditional options for recovery. It is well-researched, educational, informative, and at times mind-blowing.

We encourage all those struggling with substance use to seek professional help. We’re here 24/7 to help you get the care you need to live life on your terms, without drugs or alcohol. Talk to our recovery specialists today and learn about our integrated treatment programs. In “Being Sober,” you benefit from author Harry Haroutounian’s expertise at the forefront of recovery and addiction treatment. Haroutounian worked as the physician director at the world-famous Betty Ford Clinic.

Beautiful Boy

Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. We can’t recommend this book strongly enough, especially if you have tried and failed to stop using drinks or drugs in the past. If you’re finding it hard to work through these steps, semi-anonymous authors give you practical tips on harnessing these steps, improving your character, and forging forward with long-term recovery. “Chasing the High” informs readers that to be an entrepreneur is to be a successful risk-taker. Unfortunately, this type of behavior can easily manifest in other more harmful ways.

Former “20/20” anchor Elizabeth Vargas shares her story of anxiety and alcohol use disorder in this compelling memoir. Between Breaths reveals how she lived in denial and secrecy for years before finally entering rehab and a life of sobriety. The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober explores the role alcohol plays in our world and insights from top neuroscientists and psychologists about why we drink. Discussing alcohol’s impact on our health and minds, author Catherine Gray illustrates how a sober life can truly be intoxicating.

Best Books for Alcoholism to Transcend Addiction

This is one of the most compelling books on recovery and humanity ever written. Dr. Maté shares the powerful insight that substance use is, in many cases, a survival mechanism. When something awful happens to us, our way to cope is to turn off and even turn against ourselves, as a method of resilience. The book discusses drug policies, substance use treatment, and the root causes of substance use. More than anything, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts provides a voice of kind generosity and understanding to anyone who is looking to learn more for themselves or a loved one.

As you embark on a sobriety or moderation journey, building a toolkit to keep you motivated and inspired can help you reach your goals. Recovery-related books, AKA ‘quit lit,’ can be great for seeing how others have navigated similar experiences, gaining tips that can help you along your journey, and learning more about https://ecosoberhouse.com/ the science behind substance use. We decided to include “Recovery and Renewal” by Baylissa Frederick in our reading list of books related to drug addiction, because the issue of dependency and withdrawal from prescription drugs is a big one. The story of author Fran Simone, PhD and her husband Terry begins happy.

‘We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life,’ by Laura McKowen

In “Beautiful Boy,” journalist David Sheff details his sporty son’s descent into crystal meth addiction. We read how Nick Sheff went from performing strongly in the classroom and as a varsity athlete to stealing from his brother and living on the streets. David explores every possible avenue of treatment in a dedicated attempt to get his son back on track. Inside the recovery center, he forms a close bond with an older Italian-American called Leonard, who turns out to have mafia connections. Frey’s relationship with this gangster forms the backbone of the narrative. He never glamorizes addiction, but rather outlines the train wreck his life had become in spare but always engaging prose.

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. Mainstream recovery programs have very little to say about personal achievement. No dream is beyond your reach simply because you suffered from a biochemical disorder. Marc Lewis is a neuroscientist with a personal history of opiate addiction, and this book is a masterpiece. Dr. Lewis sees addiction as a “phase of life” and individual preferences and desires as essentially malleable over time.