Best Books on Addiction Recovery | Resources for Substance Abuse (2024)

Struggling with alcohol addiction, drug addiction or other addictive behaviors can be life-altering. Seeking resources to begin the process toward recovery is not always an easy first step, but it can aid in defining support systems sooner. There are many reasons that individuals may seek help for substance abuse. It’s possible that you’re coming to grips with the fact that understanding addiction and overcoming it are two different actions. However, they both require mind, body, and spirit to work together as reframe outlooks and ultimately change unhealthy, life-threatening habits. As you begin that work toward addiction recovery and renewed mental health, here is a list of the best books on addiction recovery.

Finding support groups outside of books or authored publications can also help to provide perspective. There are various resources available to family members and individuals who are battling substance abuse issues. Further, AspenRidge REACH offers an online recovery program that addresses alcohol and drug addiction. Contact us directly (720) 650-8055 to learn more about our program offerings.

Best Books on Addiction Recovery | Resources for Substance Abuse (1)

Online Addiction Help

Our online addiction recovery programs are committed to providing you with compassionate support and accessibility to therapy, plus other resources that focus on long-term care. Through our proven, evidence-based systems, we help individuals to identify and build on the skill sets required to overcome substance dependency and mental health challenges.

As technology changes the way Americans receive critical care, online addiction support can provide additional resources as you move forward in your recovery journey. Understanding your history, relationships, and thought processes will help you break free from the old patterns that impact your health, wellbeing, and relationships. Online therapy statistics reaffirm the effectiveness of technology used to treat the disease of addiction.

You’ll make more informed and empowered choices that put you and your well-being first.

Is Online Addiction Right for Me?

Though addiction can leave you feeling isolated and confused, you can break free of these chains. Through online addiction treatment in Colorado, you can learn the skills you need to overcome your addiction, even if you can’t get to a physical treatment facility. At AspenRidge, we are as committed to your successful treatment as you are. Therefore, we want to help you in every possible way. Our Online Intensive Outpatient in Colorado is proven to help treat:

  • Alcohol addiction
  • Meth addiction
  • Cocaine addiction
  • Heroin addiction
  • Opiate addiction
  • Marijuana addiction
  • Prescription addiction

You can choose to get treatment with our online addiction treatment program, AspenRidge REACH.

Best Books on Addiction Recovery | Resources for Substance Abuse (2)

Best Books on Addiction Recovery & Other Resources

Addiction recovery is a personal path that entails a deeper understanding of how this disease can take hold of life. While substance abuse is scary and oftentimes overwhelming, there remains one simple fact to consider: you are not alone. While each path and experience is different, there are striking similarities among individuals that help to build strength in numbers. It can be a powerful example that although our circ*mstances and history remain unique to us, there are others out there that may be able to empathize and relate. It can provide hope.

Here are some of the best books on addiction recovery:

1. Good Morning Monster

We’re adding this one to our list of the best books on addiction recovery because, while it’s written by an addiction specialist and psychologist, it covers stories from five different individuals who’ve lived through alcohol and drug abuse. The five accounts that offer different backgrounds and challenges as it pertains to this particular disease helps to shape the story into something authentic and relatable.

The book was listed on Good Morning America’s SEPTEMBER 2020 READING LIST and FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2020!

2. Rewired: A Bold New Approach to Addiction and Recovery

Rewired is a book that reviews a new, breakthrough approach to fighting addiction and self-damaging behavior. The premise lies within acknowledging our personal power to bring ourselves back from the brink. The entirety of the book is centered on the concept of self-actualization and works to provide guidance not only in physical sobriety, but mental, emotions, and spiritual sobriety. Within the book, a reader can expect to learn how to identify key principles including:

  • Authenticity
  • Honesty
  • Gratitude
  • Understanding the need for Solitude

Each section in Rewired includes:

  • Personal anecdotes from the author’s own struggles with alcoholism and addiction
  • Inspiring true success stories of patients overcoming their addictions
  • Questions to engage you into finding what is missing from your recovery
  • Positive affirmations and intentions to guide and motivate

3. Unbroken Brain

Addiction is ubiquitous. Sure, not everyone suffers from alcohol and drug dependency, but in examining society and the role it plays in our everyday life, most of us are struggling with mounting addictions to technology, the internet, p*rn, sex, gambling, sugar or food, and much more. Addiction specialists are challenging the notion that addiction is relevant to crime or brokenness.

Unbroken Brain offers a radical and groundbreaking new perspective, arguing that addictions are learning disorders and shows how seeing the condition this way can untangle our current debates over treatment, prevention, and policy. Like autistic traits, addictive behaviors fall on a spectrum — and they can be a normal response to an extreme situation. By illustrating what addiction is, and is not, the book illustrates how timing, history, family, peers, culture, and chemicals come together to create both illness and recovery- and why there is no “addictive personality” or single treatment that works for all.

Best Books on Addiction Recovery | Resources for Substance Abuse (3)

4. Recovery: Freedom from our Addictions

Russell Brand is a celebrity and actor that has made a name for himself due to his past and his outspoken personality as it centers around the disease of addiction.

Brand has been forthcoming about his own struggles with heroin, alcohol, sex, fame, food, and more. With a rare mix of honesty, humor, and compassion, Brand details his own journey and shares the advice and wisdom he has gained through his fourteen years of recovery.

Brand speaks to those suffering along the full spectrum of addiction–from drugs, alcohol, caffeine, and sugar addictions to addictions to work, stress, bad relationships, digital media, and fame. Brand understands that addiction can take many shapes and sizes and how the process of staying clean, sane, and unhooked is a daily activity. He believes that the question is not “Why are you addicted?” but “What pain is your addiction masking? Why are you running–into the wrong job, the wrong life, the wrong person’s arms?”

As with most things, addiction is often not a standalone condition. Co-occurring disorders are becoming more common and prevalent among today’s youth. It’s critical to start the conversation not only around addiction and overall recovery, but how mental health plays a larger role in the choices we make for ourselves.

5. The Naked Mind Control Alcohol

Alcohol is so deeply embedded into our everyday lives that it’s difficult to discern when causal drinking becomes problematic. We are taught early on that celebrating major life events and victories begins with a toast and a round of drinks with friends. This book challenges the status quo.

This Naked Mind offers a new, positive solution. Here, Annie Grace clearly presents the psychological and neurological components of alcohol use based on the latest science, and reveals the cultural, social, and industry factors that support alcohol dependence in all of us. Packed with surprising insight into the reasons we drink, this book will open your eyes to the startling role of alcohol in our culture, and how the stigma of alcoholism and recovery keeps people from getting the help they need. With Annie’s own extraordinary and candid personal story at its heart, this book is a must-read for anyone who drinks or is in need of recovery from alcohol dependency.

AspenRidge REACH: Online Substance Abuse Help

To learn more about our online addiction treatment program, or to enroll in one of our programs, call AspenRidge REACH at 720-650-8055. Together, we can help you do what, up until now, you’ve only dreamed about: breaking free from your addiction.

An estimated 10 million adults live with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders. AspenRidge REACH helps clients get to the root of their addiction, treating more than just substance use disorder. We offer dual diagnosis treatment programs through secure, HIPPA compliant video therapy. Contact us today to speak with an addiction specialist.

Best Books on Addiction Recovery | Resources for Substance Abuse (2024)

FAQs

What are the 4 C's of addiction? ›

These four factors, compulsion, craving, consequences and control, are unique to addiction alone and are classified as the 4 C's. The behaviors of most addicts are very similar.

What are the 3 steps of overcoming addiction? ›

There are three main steps to solving addiction at home.
  • Acknowledge the Addiction. The first step to overcoming any addiction is to acknowledge that you have a problem. ...
  • Seek Professional Addiction Treatment. Once you have admitted your addiction, it's time to find a treatment program. ...
  • Prevent Relapse Of Past Addictions.

What is the best evidence based practice for addiction? ›

The most frequently used evidence-based behavioral therapies that currently have the most rigorous empirical support for treatment across a variety of substance use disorders include: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

What are the 5 steps of recovery from drug addiction? ›

What Are the Five Stages of Change? The five stages of addiction recovery are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance.

What are the 4 A's of addiction? ›

There are four levels of addiction: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. We will discuss each level in-depth and provide tips for overcoming addiction. Most people who try drugs or engage in risky behaviors don't become addicted.

What are the 3 types of addiction? ›

However, in terms of substance addictions, some of the more common types of addiction include: Alcohol addiction. Prescription drug addiction. Drug addiction.

What is the most effective way to deal with addiction? ›

5 action steps for quitting an addiction
  • Set a quit date. ...
  • Change your environment. ...
  • Distract yourself. ...
  • Review your past attempts at quitting. ...
  • Create a support network. ...
  • For more information on finding an effective path to recovery, check out Overcoming Addiction, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.
Jan 14, 2021

What are the 10 stages of addiction? ›

Read on to learn more!
  • Stage 1: Denial. You should be proud of yourself during recovery. ...
  • Stage 2: Avoidance/Defensiveness. ...
  • Stage 3: Crisis Building. ...
  • Step 4: Immobilization. ...
  • Step 5: Confusion/Overreaction. ...
  • Stage 6: Depression. ...
  • Stage 7: Behavioral Loss of Control. ...
  • Stage 8: Recognition of Loss of Control.

What are the 5 components of addiction? ›

Authors Sussman and Sussman (2011) conduct a literature search to determine the definition of addiction, landing on and further defining five common elements: (1) feeling different; (2) preoccupation with the behavior; (3) temporary satiation; (4) loss of control; and, (5) negative consequences.

What is the most popular model for the treatment of substance abuse? ›

Behavioral therapy is perhaps the most commonly utilized types of treatment for addiction that is frequently used during substance rehabilitation. A general behavioral therapeutic approach has been adapted into a variety of effective techniques.

What is the most popular theory of addiction? ›

Positive reinforcement, based on classical learning theory,8 is probably the most familiar preclinical model of addiction.

What is the most effective treatment for Sud? ›

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is especially effective for people who have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions. DBT has proven to be effective for treating and managing various mental health conditions, including SUD.

What are the 7 steps to recovery? ›

The 7 steps are: 1) awareness, 2) surrender, 3) readiness, 4) receptivity, 5) acceptance, 6) perspective, and 7) action.

What is the first step in treating a drug abuse problem? ›

Usually the first step is to purge your body of drugs and manage withdrawal symptoms. Behavioral counseling. Individual, group, and/or family therapy can help you identify the root causes of your drug use, repair your relationships, and learn healthier coping skills.

What is typically the first step in the substance abuse treatment process? ›

Detoxification is normally the first step in treatment. This involves clearing a substance from the body and limiting withdrawal reactions. In 80 percent of cases, a treatment clinic will use medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

What are the 3 C's in recovery? ›

The Three C's of Dealing with an Addict
  • I didn't cause it.
  • I can't cure it.
  • I can't control it.

What are the three C's of addiction craving? ›

The framework for addiction is comprised of the 3C's (1) craving; (2) loss of control; and (3) negative consequences.

What are the 6 characteristics of addiction? ›

6 Personality Traits Linked to Addiction
  • Impulsivity. Impulsive people are often viewed as fun to be around due to their spontaneous nature, but this personality trait has a serious dark side. ...
  • Nonconformity. ...
  • Anxiety. ...
  • Low Tolerance for Stress. ...
  • Sensation Seeking. ...
  • Blame Shifting.
Sep 13, 2017

What are the three most harmful addictions? ›

Nassim Nicholas Taleb has a famous phrase that goes as such: The three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary.

What does God say about addiction? ›

Corinthians10:13. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. Godis faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

What are the main causes of addiction? ›

Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress, and parental guidance can greatly affect a person's likelihood of drug use and addiction. Development. Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a person's life to affect addiction risk.

What gets rid of addiction? ›

Common medications used to treat drug addiction and withdrawal
  • Opioid. Methadone. Buprenorphine. Extended-release naltrexone. Lofexidine.
  • Nicotine. Nicotine replacement therapies (available as a patch, inhaler, or gum) Bupropion. Varenicline.
  • Alcohol. Naltrexone. Disulfiram. Acamprosate.
Jul 10, 2020

How do I stop being addicted to drugs? ›

Know your triggers
  1. avoiding places where you know drugs and alcohol will be available.
  2. surrounding yourself with friends who don't use drugs.
  3. knowing how to resist temptation.
  4. learning how to cope with stress and relax without drugs.
  5. distracting yourself with activities like exercise or listening to music.
Mar 4, 2020

What are solutions to drug abuse? ›

Structured treatment programs, substance abuse counseling, and 12-Step programs do help. While they are not the only sources of help, they are the most consistently effective, especially when combined in some systematic fashion. Treatment and counseling provide structure, support, and intervention.

What are the 8 signs of addiction? ›

Signs of Addiction
  • Obsessive thoughts and actions: ...
  • Disregard of harm caused: ...
  • Loss of control: ...
  • Denial of addiction or hiding drug use: ...
  • Blackouts: ...
  • Legal trouble: ...
  • Troubling drinking patterns: ...
  • Panic regarding access:

Why is sleep important in recovery? ›

Sleep helps with recovery by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol breaks down tissues in the body for energy, which is the opposite of what growth hormones do. So, by lowering cortisol levels, sleep allows growth hormones to more effectively rebuild injured tissues.

What are the personality traits of an addict? ›

Some signs of addiction are:
  • Always wanting more.
  • Constantly needing more.
  • Continuing despite negative outcomes.
  • Inability to follow rules you have set.
  • Not being able to stop.
  • Obsessing.
  • Replacing relationships.
  • Secrecy.
Mar 10, 2019

What are the 9 types of addiction? ›

The DSM-5 specifically lists nine types of substance addictions within this category (alcohol; caffeine; cannabis; hallucinogens; inhalants; opioids; sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics; stimulants; and tobacco).

What are addictive behaviors? ›

Any activity, substance, object, or behavior that has become the major focus of a person's life to the exclusion of other activities, or that has begun to harm the individual or others physically, mentally, or socially is considered an addictive behavior.

What wellness drink is like opioids? ›

Highlights. “Kratom” commonly refers to an herbal substance that can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects.

What is the better treatment model for substance abuse for older adults? ›

Some recommended and effective treatment approaches for substance abuse in older adults and the elderly include but are not limited to: Family therapy. Group therapy approaches. Cognitive behavioral approaches.

Is CBT effective for substance abuse? ›

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a form of psychotherapy that is effective in treating a range of mental health issues including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders.

What is the most socially acceptable addiction? ›

Caffeine. Probably one of the most socially acceptable addictions, whether you believe it or not, caffeine is one of the most popular drugs. Found in sodas, coffee, diet supplements and other goods, caffeine provides a great pick-me-up.

What psychological theory best explains addiction? ›

Psychoanalytic theories explain addiction as an imbalance between the id, superego, and ego. When the id overpowers the ego and superego, a person may take substances without thinking of the consequences.

What is cap theory of drug abuse? ›

The CAP theory of drug abuse emphasizes the interaction of cognitive-affective-pharmacogenic effects of drug taking. The belief that one is powerless to affect the environment and cope with stress plays a central role in the theory.

What is early remission for SUD? ›

DSM-5 differentiates two phases of alcohol dependence remission. Early remission means that within 1 year a patient has not had any symptoms of dependence for at least 3 months. Sustained remission means that within a year a patient has not had any symptoms except a strong desire or urge to drink alcohol.

What is the most effective treatment for most mental health disorders? ›

Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is the therapeutic treatment of mental illness provided by a trained mental health professional. Psychotherapy explores thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and seeks to improve an individual's well-being. Psychotherapy paired with medication is the most effective way to promote recovery.

What are the 4 A's in recovery? ›

Try using one of the four A's: avoid, alter, accept or adapt.

What are the 4 R's of recovery? ›

Conclusions

Based on the available evidence, we have identified a mnemonic entitled the 4R's which stands for Rehydrate, Refuel, Repair, and Rest.

What are the 5 tools of recovery? ›

7 Recovery Tools That Can Benefit Everyone Right Now
  • 1) Take it one day at a time, or even one hour at a time. ...
  • 2) Keep calm, and set boundaries that allow you to recharge. ...
  • 3) Find support with your tribe. ...
  • 4) Practice gratitude. ...
  • 5) Learn to be more comfortable with being uncomfortable. ...
  • 6) Create a healthy routine.

What is the middle stage of drug dependence? ›

In the middle of the stages of addiction, tolerance develops. The individual's body begins to tolerate the substance. They need more and more of the substance to feel a sense of a high. Individuals in this stage find themselves buying more and more of their substance of choice.

What are the 7 drug therapy problems? ›

As given by Shargel, they are:
  • Unnecessary drug therapy. This could occur when the patient has been placed on too many medications for their condition and the drug is simply not needed.
  • Wrong drug. ...
  • Dose too low. ...
  • Dose too high. ...
  • Adverse drug reaction. ...
  • Inappropriate adherence. ...
  • Needs additional drug therapy.

What is the initial stage of drug addiction called? ›

The preoccupation/anticipation stage of the addiction cycle is the stage in which a person may begin to seek substances again after a period of abstinence.

What are the 4 stages of change in substance abuse? ›

What Are the Five Stages of Change? The five stages of addiction recovery are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. Read on to find out more about the various stages.

Which stage of the cycle of addiction is a key element of relapse? ›

The preoccupation/anticipation stage has long been hypothesised to be a key element of relapse in humans, and defines addiction as a chronic relapsing disorder.

What are the four stages of treatment? ›

What Are the Four Stages of Treatment?
  • Adjustments to Treatment.
  • Early Treatment.
  • Middle-Stage Treatment.
  • Late-Stage Treatment.
Mar 15, 2021

What does 4 C's stand for? ›

Have you heard of the 4 Cs of the 21st Century? Do you know what they are? Communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity are considered the four c's and are all skills that are needed in order to succeed in today's world.

What do the 4 C's do? ›

The 4 C's to 21st century skills are just what the title indicates. Students need these specific skills to fully participate in today's global community: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity. Students need to be able to share their thoughts, questions, ideas and solutions.

How do the four C's work together? ›

Critical thinking teaches students to question claims and seek truth. Creativity teaches students to think in a way that's unique to them. Collaboration teaches students that groups can create something bigger and better than you can on your own. Communication teaches students how to efficiently convey ideas.

Which of the 4 C's is most important? ›

A good cut will result in a better sparkle. That's why cut is the most important of the 4Cs—if a diamond is poorly cut, no clarity grating, color grading, or carat weight will make up for it. The diamond will look dull and glassy.

What is the difference between 4p and 4c? ›

The 4Ps of product, price, place, and promotion refer to the products your company is offering and how to get them into the hands of the consumer. The 4Cs refer to stakeholders, costs, communication, and distribution channels which are all different aspects of how your company functions.

What are the 4 characteristics of a diamond? ›

When choosing your perfect diamond it may be important for you to consider the Four Characteristics that determine the quality and value of a diamond. There is a grading system in place that grades the quality and characteristics of each diamond. Those being: Color, clarity, cut, and carat.

What is C diamond? ›

The 4 Cs – cut, color, clarity, and carat – are the widely accepted standard characteristics for a diamond that determine its quality.

What are the 21st skills? ›

Everett Public Schools in Everett, Washington defines 21st century skills as citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and growth mindset.

What are the 6 learning skills? ›

The six learning skills and work habits are responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative, and self-regulation.

What is 5 es lesson plan? ›

o The 5Es represent five stages of a sequence for teaching and learning: Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend (or Elaborate), and Evaluate. personally involved in the lesson, while pre-assessing prior understanding.

Which is the first step in critical thinking? ›

The first step to critical thinking is to consider more than one point of view. It's important to go beyond trusting what you hear or read as the truth, because everyone has their own opinions, motives, and biases – even academics. When learning, you should ask what evidence the source has to support their argument.

What are critical thinking skills? ›

Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.

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