What Books Can I Read To Help Me Stay Sober?

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle isn’t specifically about sobriety, but it can be a helpful read for anyone struggling with addiction. It’s all about living in the present moment, which can be a challenge when you’re dealing with cravings and temptation. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer is another book that isn’t specifically about sobriety but can be beneficial for anyone working on recovery. It helps readers understand the nature of the soul and learn to detach from their thoughts and emotions.

Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn is all about mindfulness, which can be a helpful tool in recovery. Learning to be present in the moment can help you better deal with cravings and temptations. The Alcohol Experiment by Annie Grace is geared towards people who want to quit drinking for 30 days, but the strategies and insights can be helpful for anyone working on sobriety. It includes information about how to prepare for a sober month, as well as tips for staying on track. The Sober Mom’s Guide to Recovery by Heather Ashton is a book specifically for moms who are struggling with addiction. It offers advice and support for navigating parenting while in recovery. The Pocket Parent Book on Alcohol and Drug Prevention for Parents of Teens by Lynn T. Goldsmith is a good book to help parents with teenagers at risk of addiction.

Teenagers struggling with sobriety can also find numerous books that they may find helpful:

• Sober Teens: A Guide to Abstinence and Recovery by Dr. Katherine Ketcham
• The Sober Teen’s Guide to Life by Shelly Marshall
• Teen Sobriety: A How-To Guide by Jennifer Matesa
• My Kid Is Back!: How One Mother Kept Her Family Together During and After Recovery from Adolescent Substance Abuse by Cynthia Kuhn, PhD, Scott Swartzwelder, PhD, Wilkie Wilson, PhD
• Teenage Drinking: Understanding and Preventing Underage Alcohol Use by J. David Hawkins, Richard F. Catalano, and Janet P. Abbey

There are also books that are drug specific like Getting Off: A User’s Guide to Quitting Marijuana by David L. Nathan, for example. Other books are geared to more general understanding of addiction and treatment methods such as Recovery Options: The Pros and Cons of Overcoming Addiction without Treatment by Paul Martin. There are also books that discuss newer solutions like Sober for Good: New Solutions for Drinking Problems – Advice from Those Who Have Succeeded by Anne M. Fletcher. Other books discuss addiction and the LGBTQ community such as Sober Is My New Gay: A Memoir by Jeremy Mark Miller and Drunken Angels: The Lost Scarecrow by Peter McWilliams.

No matter what your specific goals or needs are, there is sure to be a book out there that can help you on your journey to sobriety. While books can be a great resource for learning about recovery and sober living, it is important to remember that they are not a replacement for professional help. If you are struggling with addiction, please reach out to a qualified treatment provider for assistance.