According to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, almost 21 million people in the United States struggle with an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Professional treatment and ongoing care through therapy, support groups, and other activities are key to sustaining long-term recovery. One way to find support is by listening to or reading the stories of others. Stories about addiction provide insight, motivation, and a feeling of connectedness. We’ve collected below a list of five must-read books that speak to the heart of drug and alcohol addiction and recovery.
Scar Tissue
Written in collaboration with Larry Sloman, Anthony Kiedis, the lead singer and songwriter for The Red Hot Chili Peppers, tells of his battle with heroin addiction. Scar Tissue is an autobiographical journey that begins when Anthony was living with his father in his early teen years and goes through the early days of the band. He tells how he was exposed to drugs at twelve and getting high on heroin at fourteen. Kiedis recounts his many successes, exploits, failures, and attempts to get clean. The book relays the feelings of deep despair and sadness that go hand in hand with heroin addiction and of the loss of Kiedis’ fellow band member and best friend, Hillel Slovak. Scar Tissue also tells of Kiedis’ growth and how he turned his life around to get clean.
Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption
A true-to-life story of addiction and recovery, Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption tells the hard truth of drug addiction. It is the story of William Cope Moyers, as told to Katherine Ketcham. Moyers, the oldest son of journalist Bill Moyers, had every advantage but still found himself in the clutches of crack cocaine. He tells of how his addiction led him to the brink of death and how he was able to recover thanks to his loving, strong support system. Moyers found a balance between recovery and spirituality and was able to change his life and overcome his shame; he has since dedicated his life to changing America’s politics of addiction. The story offers hope and inspiration for all those struggling with addiction.
Rewired: A Bold New Approach To Addiction and Recovery
Written by Erica Spiegelman, an addiction and wellness expert, Rewired: A Bold New Approach To Addiction and Recovery, addresses the whole self. Her approach is centered on the concept of self-actualization and acknowledging the power within yourself. The author explains that once you learn how to identify your own key principles, including honesty, authenticity, gratitude, and your need for solitude you will be able to attain physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual sobriety. By building a healthy supportive space for recovery, Ms. Spielgelman shows how you can change the negative behaviors that lead to addiction.
Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines
Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines is the story of Nic Sheff. He tells it in a way that is honest, raw, and compelling. Nic relays how he was eleven when he got drunk for the first time. He describes how he was abusing pot, Ecstasy, and cocaine in his early teen years and quickly became addicted to heroin and crystal meth. At the time he did not believe he had an addiction despite having all the signs. He felt he could stop anytime he wanted to and pull his life together without a problem. It took a violent, nearly fatal relapse to make Nic realize the truth. He tells the true, heartbreaking story of his relapse and his journey to recovery.
In My Skin: A Memoir of Addiction
In My Skin: A Memoir of Addiction is the true, chilling story of Kate Holden. A college graduate, Kate came from a strong middle-class family and seemed to have it all. But she was chronically depressed and extremely shy. When she first tried heroin, she had no idea of the devastation it would cause. She thought it would be a one-time adventure with her friends. But the drug took over, and soon she was addicted. Kate lost her job, her friends, and her apartment. She stole money from her family. She even resorted to selling her body to get the money for her next heroin fix. Although her family was hurt, they never abandoned her. With their love and acceptance, Kate was able to get the help she needed to overcome her addiction.
If You Need Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, there is help available. Call and speak to a professional at English Mountain Recovery, located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. They will answer your questions and help you get started on your journey to living a clean and sober life.
