There is no shortage of books on addiction and recovery in the world. Books are written by current addicts, reformed addicts, people actively going through recovery, licensed therapists, licensed drug counselors, nurses, doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical approaches, holistic approaches… the list goes on. There are so many aspects of and avenues to recovery along with so many points of view that trying to find a book to read can feel entirely overwhelming. Whether you are searching for a step by step guide or would like to hear the story of somebody else’s journey, there is a book out there perfectly suited to your needs. I promise. What follows are just two recommendations for books about substance abuse and recovery. Reading can prove to be a very effective way of keeping yourself on track when you are out in the world, keeping yourself motivated when you wonder why you should even bother, and for seeing for yourself that recovery is possible!
RECOVERY: FREEDOM FROM OUR ADDICTIONS
RUSSELL BRAND
“What unhealthy habits and attachments are holding your life together? Are you unconsciously dependent on food? Bad relationships? A job that doesn’t fulfill you? Numb, constant perusal of your phone, looking for what? This is the age of addiction, a condition so epidemic, so all-encompassing and ubiquitous that unless you are fortunate enough to be an extreme case, you probably don’t know that you have it. Recovery has given me freedom from all addictions and it will do the same for you.” – Russell Brand
BEAUTIFUL BOY: A FATHER’S JOURNEY THROUGH HIS SON’S ADDICTION
DAVID SHEFF
“What had happened to my beautiful boy? To our family? What did I do wrong? Those are the wrenching questions that haunted every moment of David Sheff’s journey through his son Nic’s addiction to drugs and tentative steps toward recovery. Before Nic Sheff became addicted to crystal meth, he was a charming boy, joyous and funny, a varsity athlete and honor student adored by his two younger siblings. After meth, he was a trembling wraith who lied, stole, and lived on the streets. David Sheff traces the first subtle warning signs: the denial, the 3 A.M. phone calls (is it Nic? the police? the hospital?), the rehabs. His preoccupation with Nic became an addiction in itself, and the obsessive worry and stress took a tremendous toll. But as a journalist, he instinctively researched every avenue of treatment that might save his son and refused to give up on Nic. Beautiful Boy is a fiercely candid memoir that brings immediacy to the emotional rollercoaster of loving a child who seems beyond help.” – David Sheff
From practical, hard-won advice and life lessons to a heartbreakingly gritty portrait of what drug use and addiction do to a family and how it is possible to heal and become whole again these books cover the spectrum of addiction reading without being preachy or coming across as self-help books. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, I would also check out The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band, by Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe. Our staff here at Asana Recovery knows how difficult this road is to walk. We also know that with the proper help and support, it is entirely possible. Please visit or website or give us a call today to speak with a trained professional and let us help you take your first steps on your personal road to recovery.
