When you find an awesome tool for your recovery – like these addiction recovery books – you want to share it with everyone you know. If you or someone you know is in alcohol addiction recovery, the following eight books can help you to understand the underlying issues that are related to it, how we came to have such a problem with addiction as a society, as well as the journey toward sobriety.
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
By Brene Brown
While it’s not specifically about alcohol abuse and addiction, Daring Greatly touches on two concepts that are essentially engrained in the foundation of any addiction: shame and vulnerability. It takes the reader through what vulnerability is, the uncertainty of it and how it plays a huge role in our relationships not only with others but with ourselves. It’s the perfect read for someone who is new to alcohol or drug addiction recovery as well as for loved ones who want to understand with empathy what their addicted loved one is going through.
Chasing the Scream
By Johann Hari
If you are even the slightest bit curious about the War on Drugs, this New York Times Bestseller, Chasing the Scream is a must read. Journalist, Johann Hari set off on a three-year long quest to find out what people around the world know about drugs, addiction, and the drug war and what he reveals is really something. It provokes a conversation and a dialogue that we, as a country, have been in dire need of for many years. It really answers the question, how exactly did we get here, and more importantly, where do we go from here?
Blackout
By Sarah Hepola
Many addicts turn to drugs and alcohol abuse to self medicate, to forget. This memoir by journalist, Sarah Hepola, is the story of how alcohol became what she thought to be her key to creativity and an empowering tool in the wake of the timid, classy cocktail sipping ladies of decades long past. She dubbed alcohol “the gasoline of all adventure” in her life and thought she needed it for all the aforementioned reasons. But the price she paid was in the form of the minutes and hours that were consistently missing from her memory. This book will speak to those who have struggled with alcoholism and blackouts.
Wild
By Cheryl Strayed
After the death of her mother and divorcing her husband as a result of her substance abuse and addiction, Cheryl Strayed embarks on a solo adventure along the Pacific Coast Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State. This book is powerful and life changing while at the same time relatable and sprinkled with humor. Strayed perfectly portrays what it’s like to find strength, recovery, and healing in an unconventional and unexpected way.
Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption
By William Cope Moyers
A celebrated New York Times Bestseller, Broken is a true-to-life memoir that takes you on a journey through Moyers’ addiction and recovery. Growing up, Moyers’ had it all and lacked for nothing. Good family, strong background, a financially comfortable upbringing – but despite this he battled with addiction to alcohol and drugs for five years. Compassionate and raw – it’s proof that the disease of addiction does not discriminate.
In My Skin
By Kate Holden
Real, honest, and beautifully written, In My Skin places the reader in the world of Kate Holden, an educated and well-loved young woman who one day decides to try heroin and falls into the disease of addiction, leading her to a life of prostitution. While a bit graphic at times, In My Skin is a compelling memoir that shines a light on the addicted and the lengths they will go to to feed their disease.
Scar Tissue
By Anthony Keidis
Frontman of one of the most successful bands in the world (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Anthony Keidis shares his compelling story of sex, drugs, and rock and roll in his memoir, Scar Tissue. The book follows his journey which began in the ‘60’s and being raised by a drug dealing father. Additionally, it takes the reader through the throes of adolescent fame, nights of debauchery, and in the end his full-blown account of his recovery.
Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines
By Nic Sheff
Nic Sheff shares his hopeful story of a young addict who is conflicted by his past, his family, his substance use, and ultimately by himself. He was an optimistic addict, thinking that he could quit anytime if he wanted to but it took a violent relapse to convince him that it wouldn’t be so simple. Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines is a dark and moving must read.
Which addiction recovery books help you in your journey? Share with us in the comments below or on our Facebook page. We love hearing from you!