No matter where you are in your recovery journey, there is always more to learn. We can discover a lot from other people’s experiences. It can also be helpful to hear about other people’s success stories whenever you may be feeling unmotivated or just need a boost to inspire you to keep on track with your recovery.
Most people in recovery are aware and probably even very familiar with the “Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book.” This is a very useful tool used during support group meetings and by individuals in the program. It has played an important role in the recovery of many people across the world. However, there are also a lot of other great books out there that can help you in your recovery. Remember, this isn’t an alternative to traditional treatment but something supplemental that you can do.
Why Reading Books About Recovery Can Help You
Recovery is often referred to as a journey and not a destination. That is because it is not something that you just achieve one day and then are done with. It’s something you must continue to work toward every single day. Just like with any journey, there will be times when you’re feeling more motivated and encouraged than others. The times when your motivation is beginning to falter may be associated with certain stressful life events or circumstances that have been weighing on you. During these times, you may start to doubt yourself, question why you decided to get sober in the first place, and consider turning back to substance misuse.
Sometimes, these periods of feeling unmotivated can come out of nowhere and may not be related to any particular life event. This is why it is so important to continue to be putting in the work to stay focused. Reading about other people’s perspectives and triumphs over substance misuse can help provide you with a fresh perspective and increased motivation.
5 Books About Recovery You Should Check Out
#1. Integral Recovery by John Dupay: This book is written by a man who is in recovery himself. It is very detailed and gets into the specifics of addiction. It discusses new ways to treat the core of drug and alcohol misuse and takes a particular focus on more holistic treatment methods. The book talks a lot about the benefits of utilizing both older treatment methods in conjunction with more modern forms of treatment. This is a good choice not only for those who are in recovery but for friends and family members who may be trying to better understand addiction.
#2. The Easy Way to Stop Drinking by Allen Carr: Many people who struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD) know that they need to stop but keep thinking of different reasons or excuses not to. In every chapter of this book, the author debunks common justifications that people use to keep drinking. This is an eye-opening read that may be able to help you to remember why you gave up drinking. It also uses medical data to further discuss the health benefits of sobriety.
#3. Rewired: A Bold New Approach To Addiction and Recovery by Erica Spiegelman: This book discusses the many different aspects of one’s journey to get sober. It encourages readers to look into themselves, recognize their damaging behavior, take back their power, and make a positive change. It also includes some inspiring stories from other people who have found healing and success after struggling with substance misuse.
#4. Codependent No More: How To Stop Controlling Others And Start Caring For Yourself by Melody Beattie: This book is specifically for the family members of those struggling with addiction, but it can be an informative read for anyone who is looking to understand addiction better. Many people enable their loved ones to continue to engage in dangerous drug or alcohol use without even realizing it. This can be dangerous and can prevent their loved one from actually getting the help they really need. This book discusses how to heal from a codependent relationship and find healing.
#5. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown: This book is more about mental health than addiction, but it is an excellent read for anyone who is in recovery or thinking about starting their recovery. It discusses the pressure that many of us place on ourselves to try to be perfect and fill a mold that we think is meant for us. It encourages readers to break free of the standards they think society is holding them to, and to learn to love themselves, flaws and all. This is a self-reflective read that may help you learn more about yourself.
It doesn’t matter if you are a month into your recovery or a decade. There is always more to learn about your mental health and the topic of recovery. This year, consider checking out some new books about recovery. They can help you gain a better understanding of where you’re at in your recovery and provide you with a fresh perspective. If you’re in a place where you’re not feeling particularly motivated or excited about your sobriety, hearing about the success stories of others can really help. If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, you are not alone, and there is hope. Call The Ho Tai Way at (714) 581-3974 to learn about our programs.
