10 Recovery Books You Should Read

Here are 10 books that are incredible for those who want to overcome addiction and achieve sobriety.

Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction 

By Elizabeth Vargas

‍From the moment she uttered the brave and honest words, "I am an alcoholic," to interviewer George Stephanopoulos, Elizabeth Vargas began writing her story, as her experiences were still raw. Now, in Between Breaths, Vargas discusses her accounts of growing up with anxiety--which began suddenly at the age of six when her father served in Vietnam--and how she dealt with this anxiety as she came of age, eventually turning to alcohol for a release from her painful reality.

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Being Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting To, Getting Through, and Living in Recovery 

By Dr, Harry Haroutounian 

The disease of addiction affects 1 out of 10 people in the United States, and is a devastating—often, fatal—illness. Now, from the physician director of the renowned Betty Ford Center, comes a step-by-step plan with a realistic "one-day-at-a-time" approach to a disease that so often seems insurmountable.

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The Language of Letting Go: Daily Meditations for Codependents ‍

By Melodie Beattie

Another book by the same author, The Language of Letting Go, has been a staple in the recovery world since its publication in 1990. In this book, the author incorporates her own life experiences and recovery reflections in a daily meditation book. This collection also deals with codependency and how we struggle with it.

Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself 

By Melodie Beattie

One of the top recovery books according to Amazon sales is Codependent No More by Melody Beattie. This book, first published in 1986, covers addiction from the codependent’s perspective, which also carries over to other areas of life. Filled with case studies and real-life examples, many find this book to be very relatable to their situation and it offers advice for taking control of one’s own life.

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Save Me from Myself: How I Found God, Quit Korn, Kicked Drugs, and Lived to Tell My Story

By Brian Head

Brian “Head” Welch’s book Save Me from Myself is an honest recounting of this out-of-control musician’s struggle through addiction and recovery. Welch credits his faith in God for saving him from his destructive lifestyle.

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Letting Go of the Thief: A Ninety Day Journey Inside the Thoughts of an Alcoholic

By Pamela D. Pesta.

‍If You're Dealing with Alcoholism, this Book is for You. Letting go of the Thief, is a ninety day voyage into alcoholic thinking. Welcome to the chaotic thrashing of a mind, pulsating with intoxication. Spend a few moments in the whirlwind of shame, guilt, and utter desperation. The thief will shrewdly expose the terror of that human soul drenched in remorse and fear.

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A Very Fine House: A Mother’s Story of Love, Faith, and Crystal Meth

By Barbara Cofer Stoefen

‍A Very Fine House is an intimate memoir of a mother’s Norman Rockwell family turned upside down by her daughter’s descent into meth addiction and crime. Bright and beautiful, Annie is an unlikely candidate for meth. Living fast and hard on the streets of Bend, Oregon, she commits crimes against herself, the community, and her own family.

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Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction 

By David Sheff 

‍Beautiful Boy by David Sheff is a heart-wrenching memoir about his son’s addiction to meth and the impact it had on the entire family. This author does not merely talk of the struggles, but of the hope that can be found in recovery.

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Drop the Rock: Removing Character Defects – Steps Six and Seven

Multiple Authors

‍In this self-help book, Drop the Rock is a guide to adjusting character defects that keep many from recovering. Written by authors Bill P., Todd W., and Sara S., this 2005 book speaks in detail of applying the 12-steps to our lives of recovery.

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Rewired: A Bold New Approach To Addiction and Recovery‍

By Erica Spiegelman

Written by Erica Spiegelman, Rewired is described as a breakthrough approach to fighting addiction. Incorporating the concept of self-actualization, this book encourages the reader to look within themselves for the power for healing.