No matter what one is going through, everyone has a story to share. And, it is essential to be heard and understand what they are suffering from. Even though self-help books or memoirs are not a direct solution, however, they can make be useful for emotional sobriety throughout the recovery journey. In this article, we are going to read about the 9 best books on addiction and recovery. But first let’s understand what we mean by addiction and recovery.
Addiction is a complex condition that can affect a person’s physical and mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. It is characterized by a strong and persistent desire to use a substance or engage in a behavior, despite the negative consequences it may have on a person’s life.
Recovery is the process of overcoming an addiction and learning to live a healthy and fulfilling life without relying on the substance or behavior. It can be a long and challenging journey, but with the right support and treatment, it is possible to achieve lasting recovery.
Best Books on Addiction and Recovery
Beautiful Boy by David Sheff
David Sheff was filled with tormenting questions regarding his beautiful boy, his son Nic. This book follows the journey of David’s journey as the father of an addict. Nic was a charming, happy, and funny boy. He was an honor student and athlete in university, and very much adored by his siblings. After he got addicted to crystal meth, he became a liar and a stealer. As a father and journalist, he researched and found every possible way to save his son, and most importantly he was not ready to give up.
Dreamland by Sam Quinones
Sam Quinones blends two classic stories of American capitalism – young men in Mexico, independent of drug cartels looking for their American dream via the profits of trafficking cheap black tar heroin to rural and suburban addicts. And, that of Stamford’s Purdue Pharma who are determined to corner the market with their expensive drug, Oxycontin. Sam talks about how these two tales just sit well and how these things affect people.
Feeling Good by David D Burns
David D Burns not only talks about self-help but he also offers a guideline of several options for treating depression – deal with guilt, recognize the cause of mod swing, handle criticism, build self-esteem, and overcome addiction to love and approval. Burns outlines scientifically proven techniques that will help you create and grow an optimistic outlook towards life.
Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allen Carr
“Easy Way to Stop Smoking” is a self-help book written by Allen Carr, a British author and journalist who struggled with addiction to cigarettes for many years. The book has been widely popular and has been translated into over 40 languages.
In the book, Carr presents a method for quitting smoking that he claims is easy and effective. He argues that smoking is not an addiction to nicotine, as is commonly thought, but rather an addiction to the psychological effects of smoking. He encourages readers to understand and challenge their beliefs about smoking and to adopt a new mindset that allows them to see smoking as a choice rather than a necessity.
Cherry by Nico Walker
2003, Cleveland – A young college freshman meets Emily. Both of them share an interest in Edward Albee and ecstasy, and they both fall fast in love. Soon, Emily moves home to Elba and he flunks out of school and joins the army. They are desperate to keep their relationship alive and as a result, they get married before he ships to Iraq. He is oblivious to what he is about to face. His fellow soldiers smoke, take painkillers, huff computer duster, and watch Adult Content. And several of them die. Emily and he is trying to make the long-distance thing work, however, his PTSD is profound when he returns from Iraq. Soon both he and Emily are hooked on heroin. When their money begins to die he turns to robbery – bank robbery.
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
“The Gifts of Imperfection” is a self-help book written by Brené Brown, a research professor and author who has studied vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. In the book, Brown explores the idea that we can all live more authentic and fulfilling lives by embracing our imperfections and vulnerabilities.
Brown argues that we often try to hide or cover up our imperfections because we fear rejection or failure. However, this can lead to a sense of disconnection and unhappiness. Instead, she encourages readers to embrace their imperfections and to practice self-compassion, gratitude, and mindfulness in order to build resilience and create a sense of belonging and connection with others.
The book includes a set of 10 guideposts that Brown identifies as essential for wholehearted living, including cultivating authenticity, self-compassion, and a sense of connection with others. It also includes practical exercises and suggestions for how to incorporate these guideposts into daily life.
“The Gifts of Imperfection” has been widely popular and has been recognized as a valuable resource for those seeking to improve their mental and emotional well-being. If you are looking for ways to cultivate a sense of self-acceptance and build resilience, this book may be a helpful resource.
Never Enough by Judith Grisel
Addiction and drug abuse is the most formidable health issue worldwide. If we are not the ones suffering, we are aware of people who are. Grisel drawing on her personal experience as a recovered addict and years of research has reached a fundamental conclusion. Grisel talks about the brain’s capacity and how an addict can live with or without drugs. She shows one by one how distinct drugs affect the brain.
Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker
Alcohol is available in book clubs, brunch, weddings, work events, and more. Still, no one questions the ubiquity of alcohol. However, a question that is often asked is “why don’t you drink?” You will be considered an anomaly if you don’t drink. We are all obsessed with wellness and health and yet uphold alcohol as if it is an elixir. Holly Whitaker believes the ways of recovery are archaic, old, and ineffective in a lot of cases. So, when she found an alternative method to get out of her addiction, she created a sober community for the ones in need of help. Her feminine-centric recovery program concentrates on the root cause of overindulgence and provides help.
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Maté
Even though he might argue, Gabor Maté is something of a empathetic machine. He is diligently treating drug addicts of Downtown Eastside, Vancouver. He never judges anyone and his book is both a sympathetic and informed view of addiction and for the decriminalization of drugs. This book begins with some of his patients who sell sex, steal, cheat, and self-harm. Maté looks at the root of the cause of addiction from a psychological viewpoint and answers why people inflict such catastrophe on themselves. He also talks about War on Drugs and how to fight drugs.
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