Beginning the journey of recovery from substance use can be a lonely and scary experience. As alone as you may feel when first embarking on this path, there are many others who have not only survived, but thrived in recovery. Thankfully, some have chronicled their recovery journey by writing books.

Writing about a recovery journey is a deeply personal experience. Stories are often told with excruciating honesty. But their efforts will continually help other people looking for support in their own recovery journey.

Books on Recovery

Each individual’s experience with a substance use disorder (SUD) is uniquely their own. Many factors are involved in the development of an SUD, such as genetics, trauma, health issues, low self-esteem, and negative life events, just to name a few.

Because the nature of addiction covers such a vast landscape, you can be sure that someone whose story you can relate to has written a book about their own experience. There is much wisdom to be gleaned from a well-written recovery memoir, novel, or self-help book. Here is a small sampling of some standouts in the recovery category:

  • Dry, by Augusten Burroughs
  • Addict in the House: A No Nonsense Family Guide Through Addiction and Recovery, by Robin Barnett
  • Alcoholics Anonymous: The Big Book, by Anonymous
  • My Fair Junkie: A Memoir of Getting Dirty and Staying Clean, by Amy Dresner
  • The Big Hustle: A Boston Street Kid’s Story of Addiction and Redemption, by Jim Wahlberg.
  • Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions, by Russell Brand
  • Drinking: A Love Story, by Caroline Knapp
  • High Achiever, by Tiffany Jenkins
  • Ballad of a Sober Man: An E.R. Doctor’s Journey of Recovery, by J.D. Remy
  • Crystal Clean: A Mother’s Struggle with Meth Addiction and Recovery, by Kimberly Wollenburg

To read reviews on these books, search the titles on Goodreads.com or Amazon.com.

While a firsthand account of someone’s recovery journey in a book can be a potent source of advice, inspiration, and hope, you can also learn a lot from books that cover topics related to recovery. These books may touch on family dynamics, coping techniques, and peripheral issues that are relevant to the recovery process. Consider taking a look at these titles:

  • The Addiction Recovery Skills Workbook: Changing Addictive Behaviors Using CBT, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing Techniques, by Suzette Glasner-Edwards
  • Codependent No More, by Melody Beattie
  • I Love You, More: Short Stories of Addiction, Recovery, and Loss from the Family’s Perspective, by Blake E. Cohen, CAP
  • Addicted to the Monkey Mind: Change the Programming that Sabotages Your Life, by J.F. Benoist
  • Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction, by David Sheff
  • Addiction in the Family: Helping Families Navigate Challenges, Emotions, and Recovery, by Louise Stanger EdD LCSW

Faith-based books are another excellent source for additional spiritual support in recovery. Spiritual reading materials can help you move closer to the spiritual awakening that is so central to recovery success. Here are some books that can offer inspirational messaging for those on the recovery journey:

  • Celebrate Recovery 365 Daily Devotional: Healing from Hurts, Habits, and Hang-Ups, by Johnny Baker
  • Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence, by Sarah Young
  • Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel, by Edward T. Welch
  • The Holy Bible, various versions

Insight from others who have already travelled the road to recovery can be a valuable source of both knowledge and inspiration. Fortify your recovery by adding some quality reading time to your weekly routine.

Ashley Addiction Treatment, formerly Father Martin’s Ashley, is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader in integrated, evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and is accredited by The Joint Commission. We offer both inpatient and outpatient programs, holistic addiction treatment, drug detox, relapse prevention plans, family wellness programs and a variety of other services tailored to each patient’s needs. Our driving principle — “everything for recovery” — reinforces our mission to heal each individual with respect and dignity, and reflects on our ongoing commitment to meet new challenges. For information about our comprehensive programs, please call (866) 313-6307.