20 Best Books For Sobriety (2023 Update)

“a classic. read it. use it. it can help guide you step by step into the bright light of the world of recovery.” —from the foreword by harry haroutunian, m.d., physician director, betty ford center “the recovery book is the bible of recovery. everything you need to know you will find in here.” —neil scott, host, recovery coast to coast radio hope, support, and a clear road map for people with drug or alcohol addiction. the recovery book provides a direct and easy-to-follow road map to every step in the recovery process, from the momentous decision to quit to the emotional, physical, and spiritual issues that arise along the way. its comprehensive and effective advice speaks to people with addiction, their loved ones, and addiction professionals who need a proven, trusted resource and a supportive voice. the new edition of the recovery book features the revolutionary recovery zone system, which divides a life in recovery into three chronological zones and provides guidance on exactly what to do in each zone. first is the red zone, where the reader is encouraged to stop everything, activate their recovery and save their life. next is the yellow zone, where the reader can begin to rebuild a life that was torn apart by addiction. finally, the reader reaches the green zone, where he can enjoy a life a recovery and help others. readers also learn how to use the recovery zone re – check, a simple, yet very effective relapse prevention tool. the recovery zone system works hand-in-hand with the 12-step philosophy and all other recovery methods. in addition, the recovery book covers new knowledge about addiction mechanisms and neuroplasticity, explaining how alcohol and drugs alter the brain. the authors outline a simple daily practice, called tamers, that helps people to use those same processes to “remold their brains” around recovery, eventually making sobriety a routine way of life. in 26 chapters and over 600 pages, the recovery book tackles issues such as:committing to recovery: identifying and accepting the problem; deciding to get sober. – treatment options: extensive information on all current options, and how to choose a program. – aa and other 12-step fellowships: how to get involved in a mutual-support group and what it can do for you. – addiction science and neuroplasticity: how alcohol and drugs alter pathways in the brain, and how to use the same processes to remold the brain around recovery. – relapse prevention: the recovery zone re – check, a simple new technique to anticipate and avoid relapses. – rebuilding your life: how to handle relationships, socializing, work, education, and finances. – physical and mental health: tips for getting healthy; how to handle common ailments. pain control: how to deal with pain in recovery; how to avoid a relapse if you need pain control for surgery or emergency care. – family and friends: how you can help a loved one with addiction, and how you can help yourself. – raising substance-free kids: how to “addiction-proof” your child. the epidemic of prescription drugs: now a bigger problem than illegal drugs. – dr. mooney has been helping alcoholics and addicts get their lives back for more than thirty years, using both his professional and personal experiences at his family’s treatment center, willingway, and most recently through his work as medical director for the healing place of wake county (nc), a homeless shelter.

"why try?" but the answers are all around us, in the rich and spirited lives of those who have made the journey before us, each one a member of the joyful possibilities that await. in this book, those who have freed themselves of alcohol or drug addiction share the gifts that sobriety has given them. their stories are, in turn, a gift–for those who have made the journey and for those who, just embarking, seek gladdening news of the good life to come. cole ph.d., for many years a drug and alcohol professional with the betty ford center, now works as a psychotherapist in private practice. she lives in studio city, california.

From aa grapevine, inspiring stories about how getting sober can lead to a rich, rewarding life. fun in sobriety features 50-plus inspiring stories by members of alcoholics anonymous about the many ways they've learned to have a good time. getting sober is not easy, but through taking action and developing a sober network, life can begin to take on new, exciting adventures. the stories in this book show how aa members have enhanced their lives now that they're sober. chapters include: travel (road trips, cruises, etc.), outdoor activities (hiking, biking, camping), arts & hobbies (dancing, singing, painting, carpentry), social events (parties, holidays, events) and, of course interesting aa activities and sober events.

The author of the classic 12 stupid things that mess up recovery offers a fresh list of "smart" things to do to attain and sustain emotional sobriety.learn the attitudes and behaviors that are key to attaining and sustaining emotional sobriety and developing a deeper trust in the process of life. dr. allen berger draws on the teachings of bill w. and psychotherapy pioneers to offer us twelve hallmarks of emotional sobriety. dr.

A mother shares the story of her first year of sobriety – a real woman's memoir and her story of recovery in hopes that she inspires other mothers to maintain sobriety. – a mom who turned to alcohol. with three children under five, a set of twins and a newborn, rachell brownell wanted to feel like an adult again. so she turned to three bottles of white wine a night. – the good, the bad, and the ugly of getting clean. through wit and honesty, brownell lets readers into her world of addiction, but also towards hope. through examples of community, wisdom, and support, this book provides a map for anyone trying to get through the early stages of recovery. learn how a couple of glasses of wine lead to a big problem. understand how mommy cocktail groups and the desire to feel like "more than a mommy" can lead to addiction. in mommy doesn't drink here anymore you will find: the good, the bad, and the ugly of parenting – the truth about the first year of recovery – hope for a light at the end of the tunnel – mommy doesn't drink here anymore is one woman's recollection of the pressures of motherhood, addiction, and the first year of sobriety. without preaching, brownell lets you into her heart-wrenching and inspiring story. if you learned from books like the happier hour, drunk hour, or quit like a woman, then you'll want to read mommy doesn't drink here anymore.

See what folks are saying about seeds of sobriety: "for every alcoholic/addict uneasy with religious programs, seeds of sobriety is must reading."-jim christopher, founder and executive director, sos international (secular organizations for sobriety/save our selves), hollywood, california "seeds of sobriety is jam-packed with powerful tools for staying sober."-barry solof, m.d., fellow, american society of addiction medicine, regional chief of addiction medicine, kaiser permanente, los angeles, california as desirable as any of these might be in themselves, you needn't work any x-step program, believe in a higher power, or achieve and maintain an attitude of serenity to stay sober. the main emphasis of seeds of sobriety is on the alcoholic's/addict's need to acknowledge their illness and prioritize their sobriety each day. seeds of sobriety also gives helpful hints on coping with different issues without drinking or using. liz purcell is a freelance writer and long-time sober alcoholic. she is also a long-time member of secular organizations for sobriety.

Jack canfield, the #1 new york times bestselling author of the chicken soup for the soul franchise and coauthor of the success principles, and dave andrews, a recovery expert, join forces to present a "sensitively written yet no-nonsense guide" (publishers weekly, starred review) to help you cut back or quit drinking entirely–in the privacy of your own home. "for readers who sincerely want to stop drinking, the lessons in this book will pave the way."–library journal "not everyone wants to join a support group to deal with their drinking problems. with that in mind… canfield and andrews carefully guide readers through a series of daily 'solutions, ' which include psychological insights, personal accounts (some from celebrities), and honest appraisal… anyone who needs to be kept on track or inspired will find genuine help in this honest, insightful book."–booklist the 30-day sobriety solution grew out of jack canfield's decades-long work in self-esteem and success training. its principles were carefully developed into a program by dave andrews and tested by thousands whose inspiring stories of recovery are shared throughout the book. organized into five phases that span 30-day periods, this book guides you through each day with practical exercises that, over time, allow you to more easily make positive choices again and again. integrating neuroscience, cognitive therapy, proven tools, and teachings, the 30-day sobriety solution's daily program will help you achieve your goals–whether that's getting sober or just cutting back–and create positive, permanent change in your life.

What is the one thing that is critically missing from society's debate on addiction? these 12 stories of hope from college students, graduates, and a mother of a child in addiction, will illuminate the debate and help those struggling to find answers.emotional fitness expert susan packard (fully human) shines a bright light on how our emotions are a critical contributor to substance use disorders, much like our genetics are. she shares how loneliness, disconnectedness, and despair lead millions of young adults to substance misuse – and many thousands to suicide." in the hundreds of recovery meetings i've attended," susan says, "i hear some version of this: 'i am unlovable.' our culture thinks addiction is weakness, but it's really the language of the deeply wounded." susan interviewed college students, graduates, and a mother of a child who strugged in addiction, to discover ways young adults gain and grow their sobriety. she uses her own experience as a long-term member of the recovery community to reach across the divide of generations, and to establish that addiction is a disease of emotions, genetics, and experiences.these stories are often harrowing, but their honesty and vulnerability will connect with anyone struggling to become sober, or to gain new foundations in sobriety. it's thrilling to watch for the moments when sparks of light and hope come back into the lives of the students.this book is a must-read for students, administrators, and staff working in mental health on college campuses, and in recovery high schools too. the storytellers demonstrate how young people today can move from heartache to hope, and from fear to resilience, courage, and gratitude. with this ground-breaking book, susan brings new tools to people in recovery, and new insights into the overall debate on mental health today. susan also offers a multi-media book experience, through the students' audio-taped stories available with purchase of the book. all proceeds from book sales go to the association of recovery in higher education.

Enjoy life without alcohol – our culture has normalized drinking for all occasions, whether it's celebrating, socializing, or taking the edge off a bad day. but reaching for booze habitually can be risky to your overall health and happiness. this 30-day sobriety challenge encourages you to examine your relationship with alcohol, break habits that lead to drinking, and develop new ones that support sobriety and recovery. – what sets this book apart from other sobriety books: take it one day at a time–discover a new entry for each of the 30 days, featuring prompts and activities that delve into everything from willpower to peer pressure and how alcohol affects you. – it's based in real psychology–explore proven strategies for self-care and building healthy routines that were developed by a licensed therapist who specializes in sobriety. you can find your own happy medium–try out this challenge whether you're ready to quit drinking entirely or just curious about cutting back and seeing how it makes you feel. – change your perspective on drinking and become the most content and authentic version of you with the 30-day sobriety challenge.

If you feel bad, you feel like you're losing hope, like you can't resist the urge, it's okay! this sobriety and addiction recovery journal coloring book is designed to be a thoughtful and relaxing daily guide for you to help recovering from alcohol, drugs and any addictions.this book gives you access to day-to-day progress as well as do more in depth journaling and reflection with the daily guided questions and space to fill by recording the date, how you feel, a positive affirmation, goal for the day, morning gratitude, mood, if you stayed sober or not, if yes what contributed to it and if no what truggered the setback.. you'll also get 20 unique quote and some swear word with floral mandala style coloring pages (single sided to help avoid bleed through) to help relieve stress and be creative.60 day healthy habits trackerdaily personal inventory20 unique coloring pages (single sided to prevent bleed through) with inspirational addiction recovery quotes116 pages, large sized 8.5"x11"powerful, sweary mantras to help you cope and stay strongan amazing gift for people who struggle with addiction

It's the truest, most generous, honest, and helpful sobriety memoir i've read. it's going to save lives." — glennon doyle, #1 new york times bestselling author of love warrior: a memoir what could possibly be "lucky" about addiction? absolutely nothing, thought laura mckowen when drinking brought her to her knees. as she puts it, she "kicked and screamed . . . wishing for something — anything — else" to be her issue. the people who got to drink normally, she thought, were so damn lucky. but in the midst of early sobriety, when no longer able to anesthetize her pain and anxiety, she realized that she was actually the lucky one. lucky to feel her feelings, live honestly, really be with her daughter, change her legacy. she recognized that "those of us who answer the invitation to wake up, whatever our invitation, are really the luckiest of all." here, in straight-talking chapters filled with personal stories, mckowen addresses issues such as facing facts, the question of aa, and other people's drinking. without sugarcoating the struggles of sobriety, she relentlessly emphasizes the many blessings of an honest life, one without secrets and debilitating shame.

Matt salis is a husband, a father, a hard worker and a cheerful neighbor with a strong faith and a respectable reputation. but he had a secret that was killing him slowly, and it threatened to take away everything. matt was a high-functioning alcoholic, and along with his wife, sheri, they were holding on by their fingernails. aa was not a good fit, and he didn't have time for inpatient rehab. sobriety was a necessary prerequisite, but it was an incomplete solution. when he ripped off the bandage alcohol had become, he found insecurity, shame, denial, anger and a marriage on the verge of destruction. matt and sheri needed more than traditional, outdated modes of recovery. they needed to evolve away from the grip alcohol had on their lives and their marriage. in soberevolution, matt and sheri share all they have learned about the science of addiction, dealing with emotions and resentments, and rebuilding trust, family and intimacy. soberevolution goes where no book has gone before helping drinkers heal from their addiction, and helping couples recover from their alcoholic marriages with an unabashed analysis, proven solutions and compassionate empathy from a couple who stumbled into the inferno of alcoholism…and survived.

New york times bestseller – “an unflinching examination of how our drinking culture hurts women and a gorgeous memoir of how one woman healed herself.”—glennon doyle, #1 new york times bestselling author of untamed“you don’t know how much you need this book, or maybe you do. either way, it will save your life.”—melissa hartwig urban, whole30 co-founder and ceothe founder of the first female-focused recovery program offers a groundbreaking look at alcohol and a radical new path to sobriety. yet no one ever questions alcohol’s ubiquity—in fact, the only thing ever questioned is why someone doesn’t drink. it is a qualifier for belonging and if you don’t imbibe, you are considered an anomaly. when holly whitaker decided to seek help after one too many benders, she embarked on a journey that led not only to her own sobriety, but revealed the insidious role alcohol plays in our society and in the lives of women in particular. what’s more, she could not ignore the ways that alcohol companies were targeting women, just as the tobacco industry had successfully done generations before. fueled by her own emerging feminism, she also realized that the predominant systems of recovery are archaic, patriarchal, and ineffective for the unique needs of women and other historically oppressed people—who don’t need to lose their egos and surrender to a male concept of god, as the tenets of alcoholics anonymous state, but who need to cultivate a deeper understanding of their own identities and take control of their lives. when holly found an alternate way out of her own addiction, she felt a calling to create a sober community with resources for anyone questioning their relationship with drinking, so that they might find their way as well. written in a relatable voice that is honest and witty, quit like a woman is at once a groundbreaking look at drinking culture and a road map to cutting out alcohol in order to live our best lives without the crutch of intoxication. you will never look at drinking the same way again.

New york times bestseller – “an unflinching examination of how our drinking culture hurts women and a gorgeous memoir of how one woman healed herself.”—glennon doyle, #1 new york times bestselling author of untamed“you don’t know how much you need this book, or maybe you do. either way, it will save your life.”—melissa hartwig urban, whole30 co-founder and ceothe founder of the first female-focused recovery program offers a groundbreaking look at alcohol and a radical new path to sobriety. yet no one ever questions alcohol’s ubiquity—in fact, the only thing ever questioned is why someone doesn’t drink. it is a qualifier for belonging and if you don’t imbibe, you are considered an anomaly. when holly whitaker decided to seek help after one too many benders, she embarked on a journey that led not only to her own sobriety, but revealed the insidious role alcohol plays in our society and in the lives of women in particular. what’s more, she could not ignore the ways that alcohol companies were targeting women, just as the tobacco industry had successfully done generations before. fueled by her own emerging feminism, she also realized that the predominant systems of recovery are archaic, patriarchal, and ineffective for the unique needs of women and other historically oppressed people—who don’t need to lose their egos and surrender to a male concept of god, as the tenets of alcoholics anonymous state, but who need to cultivate a deeper understanding of their own identities and take control of their lives. when holly found an alternate way out of her own addiction, she felt a calling to create a sober community with resources for anyone questioning their relationship with drinking, so that they might find their way as well. written in a relatable voice that is honest and witty, quit like a woman is at once a groundbreaking look at drinking culture and a road map to cutting out alcohol in order to live our best lives without the crutch of intoxication. you will never look at drinking the same way again.

This best-selling meditation book for those in recovery offers daily thoughts, meditations, and prayers for living a clean and sober life.since 1954, twenty-four hours a day has become a stable force in the recovery of many alcoholics throughout the world. with over nine million copies in print, this "little black book" offers daily thoughts, meditations, and prayers for living a clean and sober life. a spiritual resource with practical applications to fit our daily lives. "for yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision" is part of the sanskrit proverb quoted at the beginning of the book which has become one of the basic building blocks for a life of sobriety. in addition to a thought, meditation and prayer for each day of the year, this handy, pocket-sized volume also contains the serenity prayer and the twelve steps and twelve traditions of alcoholics anonymous.

This best-selling meditation book for those in recovery offers daily thoughts, meditations, and prayers for living a clean and sober life.since 1954, twenty-four hours a day has become a stable force in the recovery of many alcoholics throughout the world. with over nine million copies in print, this "little black book" offers daily thoughts, meditations, and prayers for living a clean and sober life. a spiritual resource with practical applications to fit our daily lives. "for yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision" is part of the sanskrit proverb quoted at the beginning of the book which has become one of the basic building blocks for a life of sobriety. in addition to a thought, meditation and prayer for each day of the year, this handy, pocket-sized volume also contains the serenity prayer and the twelve steps and twelve traditions of alcoholics anonymous.

This bestselling recovery classic has helped untold thousands of alcoholics onto the road to recovery. written by the founder of the johnson institute in minneapolis, one of the country's most successful training programs for treatment providers, i'll quit tomorrow present the concepts and methods that have brought new hope to alcoholics and their families, friends, and employers. abstinence is not the only objective of johnson's breakthrough methods — his therapy aims at restoring the ego strength of the victim to assure permanent recovery. johnson outlines a dynamic plan of intervention and treatment that will block the progress of alcoholism and lead to a richer, more productive life.

Addiction and trauma are two of the most common and difficult issues that people face. in this motivating book, leading expert lisa najavits explains the link between addiction and trauma and presents science-based self-help strategies that you can use no matter where you are in your recovery. every chapter features inspiring words from people who have "been there," plus carefully designed reflection questions, exercises, and other practical tools. learn how you can: *build coping skills so that the future is better than the past. *keep yourself safe and find support. *set your own goals and make a plan to achieve them at your own pace. *choose compassion over self-blame and shame. *move toward your best self–the person you want to be. if you are a family member or friend seeking to support a loved one–or a helping professional–this book is also for you. now in a convenient large-size format, the revised edition features added materials for professional and peer counselors. mental health professionals, see also the author's seeking safety: a treatment manual for ptsd and substance abuse, which presents an evidence-based treatment approach developed specifically for ptsd and substance abuse.

Historically there have been few options available for individuals seeking help for treatment-resistant loved ones suffering from substance abuse. coauthor dr. robert meyers spent ten years developing a treatment program that helps concerned significant others (csos) both improve the quality of their lives and to learn how to make treatment an attractive option for their partners who are substance abusers. get your loved one sober describes this multi-faceted program that uses supportive, non-confrontational methods to engage substance abusers into treatment. called community reinforcement and family training (craft), the program uses scientifically validated behavioral principles to reduce the loved one's substance use and to encourage him or her to seek treatment. equally important, craft also helps loved ones reduce personal stress and introduce meaningful, new sources of satisfaction into their life. key features craft is more effective than other types of interventions. this breakthrough new system is sweeping the recovery field. this is its first introduction to the general public. contains simple exercises readers can practice at their own pace, with no costly or heart-breaking interventions. proven successful for numerous addictions, not just alcoholism. meyers, ph.d., is an associate professor of psychology at the university of new mexico. he is also the associate director of the clinical research branch of the center on alcoholism substance abuse and addictions (casaa). casaa is internationally known for its excellence in substance abuse research and treatment development. dr. meyers has worked in the substance abuse field for over 27 years and has published several books and dozens of articles. wolfe, ph.d., is a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress. in addition to her busy private practice, dr. wolfe is involved in research collaborations at the university of new mexico, serves as a corporate consultant for the development of psychologically based services, and is active in various professional organizations. her books and articles have appeared in both the popular and professional press.

The first in a series of three recovery guides, first-year sobriety uses personal stories to show that despite their differing experiences, all are united in the process of living without alcohol or drugs. first-year sobriety uses the voices of many women and men who are struggling in the often baffling territory of their first year of sobriety to show that despite their differing experiences, all are united in the process of giving life without alcohol or other drugs a chance. these are people who are alternately amazed, appalled, delighted, depressed, illuminated, disturbed, or simply thrown by their first days, weeks, and months of sobriety. author guy kettelhack explores the challenges all seem to face: learning to break through loneliness, isolation, and fear; finding ways to deal with anger, depression, and resentment; and learning how to deal with a new and sometimes overwhelming happiness. kettelhack has written seven books on recovery. he is completing a master's degree in psychoanalysis, and is an analyst-in-training at the boston and new york centers for modern psychoanalytic studies. a graduate of middlebury college, kettelhack has also done graduate work in english literature at bread loaf school of english at oxford university. he lives in new york city.