I learned a lot from Clegg—or I hope I did—about how to convey the terrifying experience of a runaway binge. I tried to be as brutally unsparing of my faults as both those writers. I’d like to think Jerry Stahl’s Permanent Midnight influenced me, too, particularly by encouraging me to try and be harrowing and funny at once.

Jamie Lee Curtis comments on Stamos’ addiction journey in the book

• More than anything, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts provides a voice of kind generosity and understanding to anyone who is looking to learn more for themselves or a loved one.
• But they can provide fresh perspectives and inspiration—and reinforce that you’re not alone.
• Complemented by an array of revealing personal photographs, the narrative alternates between heartfelt nostalgia about the seedier side of Manhattan’s go-go scene and funny quips about her unconventional stage performances.
• This book provides language for sharing our most heartbreaking moments as a way to connect.
• This book is a great place to start if you’ve been feeling sober curious.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of Sober Recovery’s “Terms of Use”, “Privacy Policy”, “Cookie Policy”, and “Health Disclaimer”. The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Retired from the grind of daily journalism, Melissa is promoting her memoir, hoping its message inspires. The Stoeltjes will celebrate 40 years of marriage in November. Melissa gained sobriety and won an against-all-odds battle to save her marriage.

The Recovering: Intoxication and its Aftermath by Leslie Jamison

“And although the book’s title and emphasis are on women, it is valuable reading for anyone,” Willoughby adds. For a true story of addiction and a view into the world of alcohol addiction, psychotherapist and mindset coach Ella McCrystal recommends Tiffany Jenkin’s memoir. If you’ve read and enjoyed Annie’s books but are still struggling with quitting alcohol, best books for alcoholics she does offer courses and training to help people quit drinking.

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Grace Walsh is woman&home’s Health Channel Editor, working across the areas of fitness, nutrition, sleep, mental health, relationships, and sex. In 2025, she will be taking on her third marathon in Brighton, completing her first ultra marathon, and qualifying as a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. This Naked Mind by Annie Grace was another expert favorite, recommended by therapists and coaches alike. It introduces the idea that cutting back on alcohol (or giving it up completely) is all about reprogramming your thoughts so your perspective on alcohol changes.

But they can provide fresh perspectives and inspiration—and reinforce that you’re not alone. Accompanying Jamison on her flight to discover those constraints is thrilling, if often harrowing. But the stories of others seem to weigh her down, and the tedium she fears begins to find its way into the book. Perhaps this is due to the contrast between her way with words and theirs, or between her talents as a memoirist and as a reporter. But, although she interrogates herself relentlessly, she seems content to let her subjects rest in their “practiced narrative grooves.” And when she does question one of them the result is a jarring reinforcement of the A.A.

The Night of the Gun: A Reporter Investigates the Darkest Story of His Life

Between Breaths reveals how she lived in denial and secrecy for years before finally entering rehab and a life of sobriety. Whether you’ve been to treatment, you’re contemplating rehab, or your loved one is struggling with substance misuse, the more tools you have in your arsenal the better. Everything from inpatient rehab and sober living facilities to peer-support groups and outpatient care can move you or your loved one another step closer to long-term recovery. James went to my college, Denison University, and is friends with many of my friends, so I loved reading the parts that took place (“fictionally”) in Granville, Ohio. This is one of the first books I read about addiction ever, before I realized I had a problem.

• Ahead, see the 15 stories of struggle, failure, recovery, and grace that have moved us the most.
• His writing has appeared in The Guardian, The Independent, New Statesman, the Telegraph and other outlets.
• Overall, this book is perfect for anyone who’d enjoy an entertaining and surprisingly uplifting story about ending the cycle of addiction.
• Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder.
• “It talks about how you’re emotionally detached,” I remind him, and he nods.

Brad Pitt On ‘Rebooting’ In Alcoholics Anonymous After Angelina Jolie Divorce

• The book is a poignant and moving portrayal of the author’s resilience and determination to overcome her demons, while finding solace in the untamed beauty of the natural world.
• By the time she was an adult in a big city, all she did was drink.
• A great starter book for anyone looking to begin changing their relationship with alcohol.
• When she’s a child, we’re presented with the world as a child might see it.
• Additionally, I examine the way mental and physical health as well as our relationships with others impact the reasons people drink and their role in maintaining sobriety long-term.
• The story is a poignant and raw portrayal of the struggles faced by those battling with addiction, and the devastating impact it has on their lives and relationships.

There is much controversy about the cause alcohol rehab of his death just as there is about alcoholism and addiction. London’s brutally frank and honest analysis of his own struggles and bouts with alcohol was way before its time and more modern theories of addiction. With remarkable candor and insight, London describes the demons and gods he encountered through both friend and enemy, John Barleycorn.

It can provide ongoing reminders of why you’re making a change, and give you new tools to incorporate as you continue on your journey. Plus, you’ll get to read beautiful writing, and expand your worldview and perspectives. If you’re looking for more sobriety resources, check out Monument’s therapist-moderated alcohol support groups and anonymous online forum. This is a self-help book by a licensed therapist that braids together anonymized client stories, personal narrative, psychological tools, and brain research. White thoughtfully explores boundaries, emotional regulation, body image, shame, and self-care in a way that’s actionable and accessible.