10 Books About Addiction and Recovery You Should Read

Books can be an entertaining way to escape to a world of make-believe, but they can also help you uncover truths, spark inspiration, and serve as a catalyst for change. As individuals in recovery, we are always looking for opportunities to become better versions of ourselves, and books often serve as stepping stones in the process. So, we asked our alumni which books impacted their recovery and now we are sharing the list with you.

The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle 

From best-selling author Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now challenges the reader to use self-reflection to have more positive and meaningful interactions with themselves and others. This self-help book stresses the importance of being present in the moment and to avoid being distracted by anxiety over past or future events.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown 

This book is all about embracing your authenticity and improving your self-confidence. New York Times best-seller, professor Brené Brown, encourages readers in The Gifts of Imperfection to implement the ten guideposts outlined in the book to improve their relationship with themselves.

This Naked Mind by Annie Grace 

This Naked Mind examines society’s relationship with alcohol by delving into the neurological impact alcohol has on people and exploring the cultural factors that lead them to become dependent on this substance. Author Annie Grace also shares a first-hand account of her relationship with alcohol.

My Fair Junkie by Amy Dresner 

My Fair Junkie offers readers a front-row seat to author Amy Dresner’s 20-year journey with substance abuse and sobriety. Through humor and honesty, Amy’s account shows how no one is immune to this disease and the work it takes to fight back.

We Are the Luckiest by Laura McKowen 

The journey to self-improvement is often filled with hardships. In We Are the Luckiest, Laura McKowen shares how addiction showed made her realize that every obstacle is an opportunity to learn from her mistakes and live honestly without being ashamed of her struggles.

The Untethered Soul by Michael Alan Singer 

A #1 New York Times bestseller, The Untethered Soul is a guide towards freeing oneself from the constraints of anxiety and stress. This book uses mindfulness and meditation as a way to process difficult emotions and free you up to pursue endeavors that bring happiness and self-fulfillment.

Quit Like a Woman by Holly Glenn Whitaker 

Through her recovery journey, author Holly Glenn Whitaker noticed how deeply intertwined alcohol is with the world we live in and the factors that lead to this problematic trend. Quit Like a Woman is about how Holly discovered a more successful way to maintain sobriety and is using that discovery to help others who struggle with substance abuse.

Dry by August Burroughs 

This bestselling memoir, Dry, follows August Burroughs through his highs and lows in addiction recovery. Through humor and heartbreak, August shares an accurate and personal account of his struggles with substance abuse and how he strives to maintain his sobriety after returning from rehab.

Sober Mercies by Heather Kopp 

Complex in nature, the obstacles that prevent someone from seeking help can be just as significant as the stressors that led them to self-medicate in the first place. For Heather Kopp, her barrier to recovery was the shame she felt when her faith did not stop her from using. In Sober Mercies, Kopp shares the challenges that she faced as a Christian woman grappling with her addiction.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott 

In life, inspiration can come from the mundane as much as it can from the extraordinary. Bird by Bird embodies this by serving as a guide to aspiring writers. In a friendly and relatable voice, Anne Lamott uses personal anecdotes and literary tutorials to inspire others.