THE TOP 5 BOOKS TO READ WHEN GETTING SOBER

There are so many great books to read when you make the decision to get sober.  These are just a handful of the books that I recommend to my patients in order to help them learn more about addiction and recovery, but also to help them rebuild their self-worth.  Recovery is about learning how to live sober, but also discovering and loving your true self. 

“The gifts of Imperfection:  Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are”

by Brene Brown

This is a book that EVERYONE should read, not just those getting sober.  So often we feel as though we have to behave and live in ways that society dictates.  In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, Brene Brown challenges us to live wholeheartedly and authentically by accepting our imperfections.  Brene Brown has many books that are worth reading, but I think this one is very applicable to those getting sober.  A really great read.

“The Four Agreements:  A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom”

By Don Miguel Ruiz

This is a pretty fast read, but a beautifully written book that gives us a simple guide for life.  The Four Agreements is another one of those books that everyone should read, not just those in recovery.  It is a book about making four agreements with yourself that you can easily integrate into your life today.  The four agreements that Ruiz suggests we make with ourselves are: Be impeccable with your words, Don’t take anything personally, Don’t make assumptions, and Always do your best. I think these are 4 agreements that all of us can make with ourselves.

“The Recovery Book:  Answers to All Your Questions About Addiction and Alcoholism and Finding Health and Happiness in Sobriety”

By Al J. Mooney, Catherine Dold, Howard Eisenberg

I recommend this book to my patients who are getting sober, but also to their family members.  The Recovery Book is a thorough and comprehensive guide to all things recovery.  This book addresses every aspect of recovery, and is broken down into the different phases of the recovery process.  This is a must have book for those getting sober and their loved ones. 

“Codependent No More”

By Melody Beattie

Any list of recovery books should include Codependent No More.  Codependency is a phenomenon that is pervasive in families with addiction.  This book describes the concept of detaching with love and how to go about doing this in order to live a happy life regardless of the behaviors of others.  

“Staying Sober:  A guide to relapse prevention”

By Terrence Gorski

Terrence Gorski is well known for his work on relapse prevention.  The Staying Sober book does an excellent job explaining the disease of addiction in ways that make it understandable and applicable.  I really like how this book goes into detail about the many factors that contribute to relapse.  There is a workbook that goes along with this book as well which is helpful for those who have experienced relapse.