Suggested Reading List
The following is a list of books that I have found particularly helpful in my own recovery and in helping others get clean and sober. There are also a number of books for families or those concerned about someone's use of alcohol or drugs. If you are interested, simply click on the title to:
Buy it directly from Amazon.com.
This book explains the recovery process. It defines the six stages of recovery and what must be accomplished in each stage of the process. It describes the "building blocks" to obtaining a solid recovery program - a new way of living.
This is one of the best books I found for helping people to truly understand the tasks involved in working the steps. Too often addicts and alcoholics think they understand when in fact they are confused or too embarrassed to ask. Success with the steps comes from practical application of the principles in daily life. This book takes a no-nonsense approach and "tells it like
it is." It provides great examples of how to use the steps in real life.
Dr. Twerski uses wonderful example and cases to describe the irrational and contradictory patterns of addictive thinking. It is great for helping addicts and alcoholics to overcome the negative and self-destructive barriers this "stinking thinking" produces. If not overcome, these barriers often lead to relapse, low self esteem, and self sabotage.
Dr. Gerald May perhaps has done the best job of describing what addiction really is. He covers the biological, psychological, social, and the spiritual aspects of the disease process. Moreover, he speaks profoundly about the recovery process and the acceptance of grace. One of my all time favorites.
"Lighten up, will ya." When was the last time you laughed so hard tears came to your eyes and your sides hurt with joy. A great book with wonderful hieroglyphics throughout. Deals with topics pertinent to anyone's recovery acceptance, fear, denial, and insanity to name a few. Lot's of truyth in this book.
The book contains the entire text of the 1st edition
of Alcoholics Anonymous with hundreds of explanatory notations and
thousands of cross-references. This book will help to broaden and
deepen the reader's understanding of the 12 Steps. --This text
refers to the new second printing.
For Families
This is a great guide for family members concerned about someone with alcoholism or drug addiction. It provides useful guidelines, strategies, and information to help motivate someone to seek help.
This book is great fun. Quotes, humor, healing, and great wisdom for family members can be found between the covers of this book. Filled with sayings and slogans that will help any family member gain a strong spirit.
Special Topics
This book has been a lifesaver for many of the female clients I have worked with over time. Without many of the tools in this book, most would have relapsed and never enjoyed the gifts that recovery has brought them. Truly a magnificent effort by the author. A must read for addicts/alcoholics who are victims of rape or incest.
An important book for those who suffer with addiction and depression. A therapist provides insights into how to "undo" depression. He takes a holistic approach to this all too common problem and challenges the reader to replace and repair depressive patterns of thinking, relating, and behaving with a new skills.
Graphics used with permission of Amazon.com
Denial is Not a River in Egypt (Buy It)
