I read this book before I became a parent and was floored, but have thought about it even more since. It is the heartbreaking and astute account of Sheff’s experience of his son, Nic’s, addiction and eventual recovery. He viscerally paints the picture of the hope-tainted despair, anguish, and havoc that addiction wreaks on an entire family.
Top 10 Best Books on Addiction: What to Read While in Substance Abuse Recovery
Through compelling storytelling and scientific evidence, she explores the underlying causes of addiction and offers a fresh approach to recovery. This book about addiction nonfiction provides hope and insight for those struggling with addiction and their loved ones, best books for alcoholics as well as professionals in the field. Unbroken Brain is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of addiction nonfiction and a more empathetic approach to addressing this pervasive issue. Are you looking for powerful and insightful books on addiction nonfiction? Whether you are struggling with addiction yourself or seeking to understand the complexities of this issue, there are numerous books that offer valuable perspectives and guidance. From memoirs to scientific explorations, the following list compiles the 20 best books about addiction nonfiction that are sure to enlighten and inspire.
- After years of isolation, his mother finally decides to escape with Mikel and his brother.
- Prozac Nation is an important piece of work, notable for its distinctive youthful voice and confessional nature.
- With raw honesty and emotional depth, he shares the agonizing moments of despair, hope, and relentless determination as he grapples with his son’s addiction.
- From Nic’s early experimentation with drugs to his full-blown addiction to methamphetamine, Sheff paints a vivid and harrowing portrait of the impact addiction can have on families.
“We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life”
When she marries and becomes a mother, she finds that with so much to lose, she still cannot control her drive to drink. A car accident, the slow and painful unraveling of her marriage, a stay in a mental hospital and an eventual spiritual awakening finally free Karr from the substance that nearly took her life. Joseph Naus beats the odds by overcoming a difficult childhood and becoming a successful civil trial lawyer. Still, his insatiable desire for alcohol and sex upends his entire life on one fateful night. Here, Naus recounts jail time, an attempted murder charge and an uphill battle to reclaim a life nearly lost to the stranglehold of addiction in this outrageous memoir. Divorce, abandonment, foreclosure and a mass shooting… Mishka Shubaly had plenty of reasons to wallow in drink and drugs, and he does so with wild abandon in I Swear I’ll Make It Up to You.
The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression by Andrew Solomon
It’s gritty, honest, and not the perfect, happy ending we’re all looking for, but it’s real. I found myself in disbelief that his life took some of the turns it did while at the same time rooting for him. His dysfunction has the weird quality of being both uniquely his own and universal. What’s so fascinating about this book is that he approached it from the standpoint of a journalist. I would not classify David Carr as a high-functioning alcoholic or drug user.
Their story isn’t just about survival; it’s about the resilience of faith amidst unimaginable trials. I found myself captivated by their emotional journey, from forced marches through jungles to moments of despair and hope. Their unwavering belief in God and each other shines through, illustrating how they embraced forgiveness, even in darkness. This book is a profound reminder of the strength we can draw from faith, serving as an inspiration for anyone facing life’s challenges. Mikel Jollett, front man for the band The Airborne Toxic Event, has endured more than most of us can imagine.
Joining him what is alcoholism are Tommy Lee, Vince Neil, Mick Mars, Slash, Rick Nielsen, Bob Rock, and a host of ex-managers, ex-lovers, and more. Augusten Burroughs’ memoir covers a decade-long battle with sobriety, with a variety of wins and losses along the way. During his days as a young Manhattanite working in advertising, he tried everything to hide his constant drinking, including spraying cologne on his tongue.
- I felt so much shame towards the end of my drinking and couldn’t talk to anyone about it.
- Substance abuse can be just as destructive for loved ones as for addicts themselves, as journalist David Sheff’s devastating memoir of his teenage son’s methamphetamine addiction attests.
- This book explores the factors contributing to the rise of this epidemic and explores treatment options.
- Learn the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, read advice from medical specialists, learn how to recognize addiction and more in this informative piece.
- There are many factors to consider when trying to understand the causes of behavioral addictions, especially porn addiction.
Nicole and Eric think they are running away to freedom, but what they discover instead are the shackles of heroin addiction. Marni Mann’s novel sounds as real, raw, and honest as an actual memoir, and listeners describe Arden Hammersmith’s narration as “superb.” Quit lit books and addiction memoirs are powerful ways to connect with other people who have been exactly where you are. You can learn more about addiction and relate to authors through their stories, reminding yourself that you aren’t alone in your journey. In this post, we’ve put together nine of the best addiction memoirs and quit lit books for you to check out. From painfully honest stories to science-based tips, there’s a title on this list that’s sure to inspire and motivate you or someone in your life.
- Next we have Mary Karr’s Lit, which is also the third book in a trilogy; it followed The Liars’ Club and Cherry.
- Each author’s journey reminds us that “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” As you immerse yourself in these narratives, let their experiences guide you in your own challenges, reinforcing your faith and resilience.
- Feeling sexually deprived or frustrated about not getting the sexual stimulation that you need can make you turn to pornography when all it takes is the click of a button.
- Manjula Martin’s clear prose stirs and sings, balancing justified rage and anxiety with a tenderness that never veers into sentimentality.
- Binge drinking was baked into the expat experience, so my concerns about my drinking felt like a secret I had to carry.
- From the corridors of power to the struggles of those on the front lines, this powerful narrative exposes the greed, corruption, and heartbreak behind one of our time’s most urgent public health challenges.
Dr. Brown gives us tools to shape and share our thoughts in the most honest way possible, which can be a crucial step towards healing. These pages are filled with the teachings of ancient Stoics such as Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus. Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that believes self-control, courage, justice, and wisdom are the keys to happiness. This book functions as daily devotional with reflective meditations and modern day translations on how to improve your mental health. This book is for everyone, but learning to ‘tame the inner dragon’ is especially helpful to people in recovery.