books we love

Best Addiction Recovery Books

Reading about Recovery? 

Any local library or bookstore will be sure to have some selection of books for addiction recovery. There are a few standard books that every person in recovery tends to seek out first if they want to read about addiction recovery. But are there any really great books that can help a person in addiction, that aren’t just about addiction? Of course there are! We’ve compiled a list of the best books we recommend for those in addiction recovery–and these aren’t your standard addiction books! Adding any or all of these books to your reading list will be helpful. Since they aren’t strictly “about” addiction, there should be no stigma to reading these at your local pool or on the beach! And when you’re done, maybe pass one on to a friend or loved one who just needs a bit more understanding of themselves, their psychological process, or just wants a great read! 

So, what are the best books for addiction recovery, that aren’t about addiction? Here are our top four: 

From a pioneer in the field of mental health comes a groundbreaking book on the healing power of “mindsight,” the potent skill that allows you to make positive changes in your brain–and in your life. What if you could escape traps like these and live a fuller, richer, happier life? This is not mere speculation but the result of twenty-five years of careful hands-on clinical work by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. A Harvard-trained physician, Dr. Siegel is one of the revolutionary global innovators in the integration of brain science into the practice of psychotherapy. Using case histories from his practice, he shows how, by following the proper steps, nearly everyone can learn how to focus their attention on the internal world of the mind in a way that will literally change the wiring and architecture of their brain.

What I love about it: Mindsight is chock-full of information about your brain and psychological process, but is written in a way that is easy to understand for even a lay person. Dr. Siegel’s work is very closely aligned with our work at Centered, understanding mindfulness, attention, and awareness, and all of his writings are not just useful, they’re necessary! Maybe later teens-early college and up. 

We all have so much going on. A million different projects, to-do lists longer than your arm. We all worry about things – money, deadlines. With all this buzzing around in our heads it’s often a nightmare trying to concentrate on one thing. What if someone could show you how to empty your mind of all the noise? If you could be shown how to de-clutter your mind and concentrate on one important thing? Well Jamie Smart, state-of-mind specialist, can do just that – with Clarity he will show you how to get real clarity of thought. You’ll learn how to clear your mind and become less stressed and more productive – and as a result, more confident in your abilities.

What I love about it: Jamie Smart is like the wise best friend you always wanted. He’s smart, succinct, and doesn’t pretend to be anything he’s not. It’s just good information, that if put into practice, can easily improve your life, relationships, work, and anything else.  Preteen and up. 

Would you like to experience amazing clarity, peace, and freedom, even in the midst of challenging circumstances? In this groundbreaking new book, bestselling author Michael Neill shares an extraordinary new understanding of how life works that turns traditional psychology on its head. This revolutionary approach is built around three simple principles that explain where our feelings come from and how our experience of life can transform for the better in a matter of moments. Understanding these principles allows you to tap into the deeper intelligence behind life, access your natural wisdom and guidance, and unleash your limitless creative power. You’ll be able to live with less stress, greater ease, and a sense of connection to the larger unfolding of life. Welcome to the space where miracles happen… Are you ready to begin?

What I love about it: Anyone who has ever been in one of my classes knows about my love for Michael Neill and his work. Through sometimes goofy wit and beautiful candor, Michael helps break down even the trickiest mental model barriers through personal analogies and vignettes that are easy to understand and get right to the point. My 12 year old has read and understood this! Preteen and up. 

To make the journey into the Now we will need to leave our analytical mind and its false created self, the ego, behind. From the very first page of Eckhart Tolle’s extraordinary book, we move rapidly into a significantly higher altitude where we breathe a lighter air. We become connected to the indestructible essence of our Being, “The eternal, ever present One Life beyond the myriad forms of life that are subject to birth and death.” Although the journey is challenging, Eckhart Tolle uses simple language and an easy question and answer format to guide us. A word-of-mouth phenomenon since its first publication, The Power of Now is one of those rare books with the power to create an experience in readers, one that can radically change their lives for the better.

What I love about it: Eckhart is well-known for a reason! This amazingly quotable book will have something for readers of all backgrounds, and it is a staple that you can return to again and again for fresh insights as you move along your journey. Teen (especially teens who have read other books of this genre) and up. 

All descriptions from Google.com