His writing has appeared in The Guardian, The Independent, New Statesman, the Telegraph and other outlets. Five Books aims to keep its book recommendations and interviews up to date. Even the second time around I found it so viscerally powerful that at times I was overwhelmed. It’s not easy to evoke on the page what is, to most people, the profoundly alien experience of a hard drugs binge.
“God and Starbucks: An NBA Superstar’s Journey Through Addiction and Recovery”
- The Running With Scissors author recounts what his rock bottom looked like and tells his story of healing.
- This is a self-help book by a licensed therapist that braids together anonymized client stories, personal narrative, psychological tools, and brain research.
- Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is an inability to control or stop drinking despite experiencing negative consequences.
- Ashley Holstrom helps make books at Sourcebooks.
This powerful memoir delves into the complexities of mental health and addiction, offering a poignant and relatable narrative for anyone who has grappled with similar challenges. Vargas, a well-known journalist, shares her journey of self-discovery and healing, from the height of her career to the depths of her addiction. She draws from her own personal experiences and extensive research to shed light on the unique challenges that women face in relation to alcohol consumption. He explores the genetic, psychological, and social factors that contribute to alcoholism, dispelling common misconceptions along the way.
I had to read this book in small doses because it was help for spouses of alcoholics so intense. These insights can introduce a whole new dimension of healing while on a sobriety or moderation journey. Winning career accolades by day and drinking at night, Knapp brings you to the netherworld of alcohol use disorder.
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
The bar becomes a sanctuary for the author, offering him a sense of camaraderie and support as he navigates the complexities of life. It’s a heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking account of finding a sense of belonging and understanding in a community of misfits and mentors. The book delves into the complexities of family dynamics, resilience, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. Through vivid and haunting prose, Jackson paints a vivid portrait of the mind of an alcoholic, capturing the desperation and despair that comes with the disease.
Blackout by Sarah Hepola
She grew up with a tragic journey, running away and becoming exposed to alcohol, drugs, and sex at a young age, and leaning on those vices to get by. Hepola gets through the darkest parts of her story with self-deprecating humor and a keen eye on what she was burying by drinking. Sarah Hepola always had a relationship with alcohol.
The Night of the Gun: A Reporter Investigates the Darkest Story of His Life
This eye-opening book offers a poignant and insightful look at the ways in which alcohol has become intertwined with the lives of many women, and the impact it has on their physical and emotional well-being. Milam’s compassionate and empathetic approach offers hope and understanding to those struggling with alcoholism, as well as their loved ones. With a blend of personal stories, scientific research, and practical advice, Milam delves into the myths and realities surrounding alcoholism. This book about alcoholics is a beautifully written tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of unconventional families to shape our lives. This poignant and humorous book provides a raw and honest portrayal of the author’s journey growing up without a father figure, seeking guidance and wisdom from the colorful characters in the bar. 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.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Laura’s writing is poetic, relatable, and brutally honest.
- She’s brilliant in writing and shares many actionable tips and strategies.
- From memoirs to fiction, these titles offer raw and honest portrayals of addiction, recovery, and the human experience.
- Knapp relates her story in a prose that’s a model of lucidity and understated style.
Thanks to an alcohol- and drug-free life, McKowen now feels all of her feelings, no longer has to balance multiple lies, and is fully present with her daughter. This is the story of someone who had a dream life that turned into a nightmare. If this book resonates with you, be sure to check out Grace’s podcast of the same name, This Naked Mind, where she and guests continue to dissect alcohol’s grasp on our lives and culture. This book is great for those struggling to separate alcohol from their social and/or work lives ” “I can’t have fun without a drink.” “If I stop drinking, my life will be boring” For many people struggling with addiction, one of the hardest parts is the feeling of isolation that can come along with it.
This memoir offers a unique and personal perspective on the complexities of alcoholism, as well as the impact it has on relationships, career, and self-worth. Through his witty and raw storytelling, Burroughs takes readers on a journey through his battle with addiction, his time in rehab, and the challenges of sobriety. Whether you’re seeking personal insight or a compelling story, these 20 books on alcoholics are sure to captivate you.
The prose is lush and layered, and proof that recovery is as artistic as it is painful. Mary Karr is a poet with a story. A classic in the genre, Knapp’s memoir reveals the secret lives of high-functioning drinkers, particularly women. Sarah explores blackout drinking in your 20s and 30s and how we glorify what’s actually trauma.
She eventually realizes a life of forgotten times and missing memories is no life at all, and she sets out to find her identity outside of drinking. Three years sober, Jowita Bydlowska celebrates the birth of her first child with a glass of champagne, and just like that, she is spiraling back into the life of drinking she thought she had escaped. Sure, he enjoys drinking, but it’s nothing he can’t manage; after all, he’s been doing it most of his life.
You’re entered! But wait…
Maybe none of these things apply to you when it comes to alcohol, but there’s something else in your life that’s not a positive force. Maybe you enjoyed a successful Dry January, so you’re questioning alcohol’s role in your life. During the most unsettling time of my life, I craved all the messy, tragic, complex, wonderful stories that could show me what was on the other side.
Pooley walks us through a year of her life spent battling alcohol addiction and a recent breast cancer diagnosis, two battles — spoiler alert! Luckily, there’s a whole genre of books that prove you are not the only one who has battled addiction. Nobody in my real life could meet that need, so I turned—as I always do when I need comfort, encouragement, or inspiration—to books.
Carr’s empowering message and insightful techniques make this a must-read for anyone looking to break free from the cycle of alcohol dependency. Walls recounts her experiences growing up in a dysfunctional family with deeply flawed parents who struggle with alcoholism and erratic behavior. The Glass Castle is a captivating memoir written by Jeannette Walls that offers a poignant and often shocking glimpse into her unconventional and tumultuous upbringing. Through his observations, Denby highlights the profound effect that books can have on young minds, offering a compelling argument for the importance of literary education.
With their powerful narratives and invaluable advice, these books are essential reads for anyone affected by alcoholism. Whether you’re looking for personal stories of struggle and triumph or seeking guidance on how to support a loved one battling alcoholism, these 20 best books about Alcoholics offer a wealth of insight and inspiration. This is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling and honest portrayal of the journey towards recovery from alcoholism. The Outrun by Amy Liptrot is a captivating memoir that delves into the author’s battle with addiction and her journey towards recovery.
Gripping Books About Alcoholism and Recovery
It explores how society’s perception and targeted marketing campaigns keeps groups of people down while simultaneously putting money into “Big Alcohol’s” pockets. Quit Like a Woman takes a groundbreaking look at America’s obsession with alcohol. Knapp writes elegantly about her 20+ years of ‘high-functioning drinking’. It’s a fine day when you finally figure out the right time to leave the party.” This book takes you along for a party girl thrill ride. Her story is a beautiful reminder of how safety and support can lead the way to incredible healing.
Creating healthy boundaries is one of the most useful practices we can put into place in early sobriety. Developed by registered dietitians, this book takes a new twist on classic cocktails. Plus, it’s sure to impress your guests at your next dinner party. Bainbridge combines unique ingredients with detailed preparation to create thoughtful and flavorful non-alcoholic beverages. I am not sure I’d be sober today if it weren’t for Tired of Thinking About Drinking.
