If you’re in sober living and you have the opportunity to read, check out one or more of the following books. They can provide you insight, inspiration, and motivation toward reaching your recovery goals.
Nonfiction Books
Self help books are a common way to find answers, tips, and techniques for overcoming addiction. Here are a list of nonfiction books you might find useful.
Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change by Jeffrey Foote, Carrie Wilkens, and Nicole Kosanke
Almost Alcoholic – Is My (or My Loved One’s) Drinking a Problem by Joseph Nowinski, PhD and Robert Doyle MD
Get Your Loved One Sober: Alternatives to Nagging, Pleading, and Threatening by Robert J Meyers PhD and Brenda L Wolfe
Recovery Options: The Complete Guide by Joseph Wolpicelli MD PhD
Sober for Good: New Solutions for Drinking Problems – Advice from those who have Succeeded by Anne Fletcher
The Small Book by Jack Trimpey LCSW
When AA Doesn’t Work for You: Rational Steps to Quitting Alcohol by Albert Ellis PhD and Emmett Velten PhD
Recover: Stop Thinking Like an Addict and Reclaim Your Life with the PERFECT Program by Stanton Peele and Isle Thompson
Sex, Drugs, Gambling, and Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions by A. Thomas Horvath PhD
Powerless No Longer: Reprogramming Your Addictive Behavior by Peter W. Soderman and Michael Werner
Rational Drinking: How to Live Happily With or Without Alcohol by Michael Edelstein and Will Ross
365 Ways to Have Fun Sober by Lisa M Hann
AA: Not the Only Way- Your One Stop Resource Guide to 12 Step Alternatives by Melanie Solomon
Alcohol: How to Give it Up and Be Glad you Did by Philip Tate PhD
First Year Sobriety: When All that Changes is Everything by Guy Kettelhack
Full Recovery: Creation a Personal Action Plan for Life Beyond Sobriety by Brian McAlister
Stage II Recovery: Life Beyond Addiction by Earnie Larsen
12 Stupid Things that Mess Up Recovery by Dr. Allen Berger
Alcoholics Anonymous: The Big Book Anonymous
Fiction Books
Fiction books can also be inspirational. There are many novels that describe addiction and a person’s journey to sobriety and through recovery. Here is a list to check out:
Wake Up, Sir! by Jonathan Ames
In the Drink by Kate Christensen
Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney
A Fan’s Notes – A Fictional Memoir by Frederick Exley
Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes
Party Girl by Anna David
Money by Martin Amis
Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks
Less than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis
Books can be life changing for some people. When you’re in your recovery, reading one or more of the above books may indeed significantly affect your life.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
