If you or someone you love is struggling with recovering from alcoholism or addiction, it can feel like there is no hope. The good news is that recovery is possible, and there are many books out there that can help guide you on the journey to sobriety. This article will discuss 11 of the best dramatic recovery books available today. These books offer hope and inspiration to those fighting addiction and seeking a better life.
1. ‘Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget’ by Sarah Hepola
Hepola’s memoir is a powerful and candid account of her struggles with alcoholism and addiction. She chronicles her downward spiral into addiction and eventual recovery, offering readers insight into the mind of an addict.
“Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget” is full of hope, inspiration, and even a good amount of humor. For those who are recovering from alcoholism or addiction, it is a must-read.
2. ‘Drunk Mom: A Memoir’ by Jowita Bydlowska
“Drunk Mom” tells the story of her battle with alcoholism and postpartum depression after the birth of her son. Jowita relapses after years of sobriety, and the book chronicles her difficult journey back to recovery. While trying to keep her addiction a secret from her loved ones, Jowita must also deal with the shame and stigma that come with being an alcoholic mother.
This is an eye-opening and moving account of recovering from alcoholism and motherhood. For parents struggling with addiction, this details one woman’s experience of overcoming incredible odds.
For more information and tips on how to beat alcoholism, check out our post here.
3. ‘Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction’ by David Sheff
This is the story of David Sheff’s son Nic and his battle with addiction. It is a heart-wrenching account of a family torn apart by addiction and the lengths they went to to try and save their son.
“Beautiful Boy” offers a candid look at addiction and its effects on close loved ones. David also ponders what he could have done differently to prevent his son’s addiction throughout the book. It serves as a reminder that addiction can happen to anyone, no matter how much love and support they have.
A film adaptation of the book, starring Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet, was released in 2018.
4. ‘We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life’ by Laura McKowen
“We Are the Luckiest” is a book about sobriety, but it’s also about how to live a good life full stop. It’s about how to find joy in every day, how to connect with others, and how to be present in your own life. It’s an incredibly moving and inspiring read and one that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it. For addicts, it sheds light on the positives of living a sober life.
Laura McKowen is a writer, speaker, and recovery advocate. She is the co-founder of The Luckiest Club, a sober media company, and her work has been featured in TIME, Oprah.com, Prevention, Huffington Post, and more.
5. ‘BACK ON TRACKmarks: From Hopeless to Dopeless’ by Matt Peterson
“BACK ON TRACKmarks” is about Matt Peterson’s addiction to heroin and his journey to recovery. Being the son of a Southern Baptist minister, Matt struggled with the stigma and judgment that came with addiction. He felt like he was a hopeless case, but he was able to get clean and turn his life around through hard work and determination.
The journey chronicles his introduction to opiate painkillers, his addiction to heroin, and eventually, his recovery. Throughout this book, themes of hope, resilience, and second chances are prevalent, and it explores the ideas of loving someone with addiction and enabling them.
It is a powerful story of hope and redemption, and it will resonate with anyone who is struggling with addiction.
6. ‘Scar Tissue’ by Anthony Kiedis and Larry Sloman
This is the story of Anthony Kiedis, lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It details his life of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll and covers many of the ups and downs he’s experienced throughout his career. Kiedis candidly discusses his battle with addiction and how it has affected his life and work.
“Scar Tissue” is an honest look at the life of a rock star, warts and all. It’s a fascinating read for anyone interested in music or addiction. For fans of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, it offers an intimate look at one of the men behind the band.
7. ‘Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction’ by Elizabeth Vargas
Elizabeth Vargas is a popular news anchor and journalist. She has battled anxiety and addiction for most of her life, and in this book, she opens up about her struggles. Vargas is candid about the dark times she’s experienced and how she’s fought to get to where she is today.
“Between Breaths” offers a rare look at the life of a high-functioning alcoholic. It uncovers the shame and secrecy surrounding addiction and the struggles of being a public figure with a hidden problem. It’s an honest and brave account of one woman’s battle with addiction, and it will inspire anyone who is struggling with similar issues.
8. ‘Drinking: A Love Story’ by Caroline Knapp
“Drinking: A Love Story” is an honest and moving account of the author’s battle with alcoholism. Caroline Knapp offers a candid and insightful look at what it is like to live with this condition, providing readers with valuable insight into the mindset of an alcoholic.
Many alcoholics start drinking at a young age, and Caroline Knapp was no different. She details how she had her first drink at 14 and how alcohol quickly became a central part of her life. The book provides insight into coping with addiction and offers hope for a life after sobriety.
9. ‘Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions’ by Russell Brand
“Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions” is part memoir, part self-help guide, and it provides an insightful and entertaining look at addiction and recovery. Brand candidly shares his own experiences with drug and alcohol addiction and his journey to sobriety. As a well-known comedian and actor, his humorous take on serious topics makes this book an enjoyable and easy read.
Brand also extends the scope of addiction beyond drugs and alcohol to include other areas such as work, sex, and food. He offers valuable advice for anyone who is struggling with addiction or knows someone who is.
10. ‘The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober: Discovering a Happy, Healthy, Wealthy Alcohol-Free Life’ by Catherine Gray
“The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober” is a must-read for anyone who wants to give up drinking and live a sober life. It’s an inspiring and practical guide to recovering from alcoholism, written by someone who has been there herself.
Catherine Gray chronicles her journey from being a heavy drinker to living a happy and healthy life without alcohol. She offers valuable advice for anyone considering giving up drinking, including how to deal with social pressure, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. Gray also dispels common myths about sobriety and provides readers with the motivation they need to give up alcohol for good.
For the book, Gray connected with some top neuroscientists and psychologists to explore the science behind addiction and sobriety. The result is a comprehensive and inspiring guide to giving up alcohol and living a happier and healthier life.
11. ‘A Happier Hour’ by Rebecca Weller
Rebecca Weller, a health coach, was a heavy drinker for many years until she finally decided to go on a three-month sobriety challenge. In this book, she documents her experience of giving up alcohol and shares the lessons she learned along the way.
Readers will appreciate her honesty, and her story is proof that it is never too late to make a change. “A Happier Hour” covers everything from Weller’s drinking habits to the people and things she had to let go of to achieve sobriety. It sheds light on the amazing benefits of having a solid support system and how even the most difficult challenges can be overcome with time, patience, and caring loved ones.
For many, a three-month sobriety challenge may seem daunting. If you are looking for easier ways of recovering from alcoholism, consider doing a shorter sobriety challenge. Whether it be a few weeks or one month, breaking down these insurmountable challenges into smaller chunks can be beneficial for your recovery.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many excellent books available on the subject of addiction and recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, these books can offer valuable insight, inspiration, and hope.
Remember, if you are having a difficult time recovering from alcoholism or struggling with addiction, there is help available. Summit Detox is a leading provider of detox and addiction treatment, offering various programs to meet your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you on the road to recovery.
