In today’s world, there is a self-help book for everything and luckily, there are many helpful books on recovery from substance use disorders. These books give advice, information, and motivation to improve a specific aspect of one’s life. Addiction recovery is no different. Countless books have been written about how to overcome addiction and how to get one’s life back on track. Below are some of the most popular books available today on the topic of addiction, and a brief description of their content. We chose these books from the many recommended by our Alumni – one is even written by one of our alums.
We do not receive any compensation if you choose to follow the link and buy the book. It is only for your convenience.
- Being Sober: A Step-By-Step Guide To, Getting Through, and Living In Recovery
By Harry Haroutounian, 2013
256 Pages
Dr. Harry is the former physician director of The Betty Ford Clinic this classic recovery book reveals a step by step plan to stay sober. With a focus on reclaiming the power that comes from a life free of dependency, Being Sober walks readers through the many phases of addiction and recovery without judgment or the overly “cultish” language of traditional 12-step plans.
- A Very Fine House: A Mother’s Story Of Love, Faith, and Crystal Meth
By Barbara Cofer Stoefen, 2014
259 Pages
Elizabeth Vargas bravely chronicles her journey from addiction to recovery. In this book, she chronicles her life from an anxiety cursed childhood, a difficult coming of age and the guilt, struggles and denial of a working mom suffering from alcoholism.
- Between Breaths: A Memoir Of Panic & Addiction
By Elizabeth Vargas, 2016
257 Pages
A Very Fine House is an intimate memoir of a mother’s Norman Rockwell family turned upside down by her daughter’s descent into meth addiction and crime. Bright and beautiful, Annie is an unlikely candidate for meth. Living fast and hard on the streets of Bend, Oregon, she commits crimes against herself, the community, and her own family.
- Letting Go Of The Thief: A Ninety Day Journey Inside The Thoughts Of An Alcoholic
By Pamela D. Pesta, 2018
194 Pages
If You’re Dealing with Alcoholism, this Book is for You. Letting go of the Thief is a ninety-day voyage into alcoholic thinking. Welcome to the chaotic thrashing of a mind, pulsating with intoxication. Spend a few moments in the whirlwind of shame, guilt, and utter desperation. The thief will shrewdly expose the terror of that human soul drenched in remorse and fear. You will never fully understand this harrowing disease until you jump into that circus.
- Codependent No More: How To Stop Controlling Others & Start Caring For Yourself
By Melodie Beattie, 2009
278 Pages
One of the top recovery books according to Amazon sales is Codependent No More by Melody Beattie. This book, first published in 1986, covers addiction from the codependent’s perspective, which also carries over to other areas of life. Filled with case studies and real-life examples, many find this book to be very relatable to their situation and it offers advice for taking control of one’s own life.
- The Language Of Letting Go: Daily Meditations For Codependents
By Melodie Beattie, 2009
402 Pages
Another book by the same author, The Language of Letting Go, has been a staple in the recovery world since its publication in 1990. In this book, the author incorporates her own life experiences and recovery reflections in a daily meditation book. This collection also deals with codependency and how we struggle with it.
- Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors & The Drug Company That Addicted America
By Beth Macy, 2018
385 Pages
Dopesick by Beth Macy is another big seller in America today. A brand new book, Dopesick covers the opioid crisis from its very beginning to current times.
“In this masterful work, Beth Macy takes us into the epicenter of America’s twenty-plus year struggle with opioid addiction. From distressed small communities in Central Appalachia to wealthy suburbs; from disparate cities to once-idyllic farm towns; it’s a heartbreaking trajectory that illustrates how this national crisis has persisted for so long and become so firmly entrenched.”
- Recovery: Freedom From Our Addiction
By Russell Brand, 2018
360 Pages
Another self-help style book is Freedom from Our Addictions by Russell Brand. This well-known comedian, writer, and actor gives his personal testimony of addiction and recovery, giving real world advice to those entrenched in the same journey.
- Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction
By David Sheff, 2009
352 Pages
Beautiful Boy by David Sheff is a heart-wrenching memoir about his son’s addiction to meth and the impact it had on the entire family. This author does not merely talk of the struggles, but of the hope that can be found in recovery.
- Clean: Overcoming Addiction & Ending America’s Greatest Tragedy
By David Sheff, 2014
400 Pages
Also by David Sheff, Clean promotes the idea that addiction is a disease and not a moral failing. This book is a guide for those struggling with addiction but also works to create awareness for the overall goal of combating addiction in America and incorporating treatment that is effective.
- Save Me From Myself: How I Found God, Quit Korn, Kicked Drugs & Lived To Tell My Story
By Brian Head, 2008
240 Pages
Brian “Head” Welch’s book Save Me from Myself is an honest recounting of this out-of-control musician’s struggle through addiction and recovery. Welch credits his faith in God for saving him from his destructive lifestyle.
- Drop The Rock: Removing Character Defects, Steps Six & Seven
By Multiple Authors, 2005
132 Pages
In this self-help book, Drop the Rock is a guide to adjusting character defects that keep many from recovering. Written by authors Bill P., Todd W., and Sara S., this 2005 book speaks in detail of applying the 12-steps to our lives of recovery.
- Breathing Under Water: Spirituality & The Twelve Steps
By Richard Rohr, 2011
176 Pages
Richard Rohr connects the idea of surrender to God with healing from addiction in Breathing Under Water. Based on the 12-steps, this book addresses the brokenness people feel in all different areas of life.
- Rewired: A Bold New Approach To Addiction & Recovery
By Erica Spiegelman, 2015
144 Pages
Written by Erica Spiegelman, Rewired is described as a breakthrough approach to fighting addiction. Incorporating the concept of self-actualization, this book encourages the reader to look within themselves for the power for healing.
- Impaired: A Nurse’s Story Of Addiction & Recovery
By Patricia Holloran, 2009
This book was written by a nurse named Patricia Holloran who found herself in the midst of the prescription opioid crisis. Caught for stealing narcotics from the hospital where she worked to feed her addiction, this author wrote this book to provide inspiration to all those who have unintentionally earned for themselves the label “addict.”
- Integral Recovery: A Revolutionary Approach To The Treatment Of Alcoholism & Addiction
By John Dupuy, 2013
312 Pages
Written by John Dupuy, Integral Recovery works to modernize drug and alcohol treatment using the latest research, techniques, and information. Promoting a holistic recovery, this author provides an informative and researched-based book about why treatment works.
- Alcohol Lied To Me: The Intelligent Way To Escape Alcohol Addiction
By Craig Beck, 2012
216 Pages
Craig Beck writes about his own journey to sobriety in Alcohol Lied to Me. This successful businessman spent 20 years being controlled by his problem drinking, even after trying countless methods to stop. Beck finally discovered his own successful method and promotes it in this book.
- In The Realm Of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction
By Gabor Mate, 2010
520 Pages
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts was written by Gabor Mate and is based on his experience working as a physician of addicted individuals. This author described addiction as a complex interplay between a person’s history, development, chemistry, and the drugs the person uses.
- The Gifts Of Imperfection: Let Go OF Who You Think You’re Supposed To Be & Embrace Who You Are
By Brené Brown, 2010
160 Pages
The Gifts of Imperfection, written by Brené Brown, is a motivational guide to finding one’s true self in order to achieve true beauty. By cultivating feelings of self-worth, this author promotes whole-person wellness and personal growth.
- Recovery From Trauma, Addiction Or Both: Strategies For Finding Your Best Self
By Lisa Najavits, 2017
277 Pages
In Recovery from Trauma, Addiction, or Both, author Lisa Najavits focuses on the impact of past trauma on a person’s current addiction. This inspirational book gives real-life examples of how to build coping methods skills and set realistic goals for a healthy life.
Get the help you need, now.
If you are struggling with substance use disorder and want to get help, we are here for you. Books written by caroline knapp and other renown authors can help your wellness, but many times rehab is necessary to get your quality of life back. If you or a loved one is struggling staying sober, don’t hesitate to call.
The Ridge offers detox programs and an inpatient rehab center in Cincinnati to aid recovery.
