Recovery is by all means a deeply emotional process. Research shows that sobriety is often accompanied with changes in both negative and positive emotions, which can be both disorienting and incredibly rewarding for newly sober people. Reading about others’ journeys to recovery can help you process your feelings and work through your own difficulties. Luckily, much has been written about the ups and downs of recovery, from inspirational fictional stories to heart-rendering first-person accounts. Here we’ve compiled a list of some beautiful and inspirational stories to help you navigate your recovery.
The Sober Lush by Amanda Jardine Libaire and Amanda Eyre Ward
What will life look like once you get sober? Would you have to give up on luxury and indulgence? Many people worry about how their lives would look like once they’re sober. The Sober Lush is a collection of beautifully-written essay that proves that the exciting part of your life is far from over. The authors show that you can build an indulgent, enjoyable, and joyful life for yourself even while sober which makes The Sober Lush an invaluable and inspirational companion during the early stages of recovery.
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction by Gabor Maté
Gabor Maté has worked with people suffering from addiction for decades, which has given him an in-depth understanding of addiction. He draws upon cutting-edge research in psychology, as well as on his own experience to investigate the root causes of drug and alcohol dependency. He argues that addiction is not an illness limited to a select few people, but it’s a complex phenomenon that’s present throughout society.
Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
Over 34 million American women struggle with addiction or other mental illnesses. This captivating memoir details the struggle of one such woman. Both an award-winning columnist and an alcoholic, her sincere and introspective account sheds light on the secretive and isolating nature of addiction. Her raw and honest account has turned this book into a classic.
Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget by Sarah Hepola
This memoir focuses on blackouts — one of the most embarrassing and difficult aspects of heavy drinking. The author talks about the science of blackouts, as well as her own personal experiences with them. Finally, she gives an honest account of the incident which finally motivated her to choose sobriety. Her funny and lighthearted tone makes this book an excellent companion to those in recovery.
Take the First Step Towards Recovery with Hickory Treatment Centers
If you’re struggling with drug or alcohol dependency, we’re here to help. Whether you’re set on starting treatment or you’re just looking to explore your options, we’re happy to talk to you and discuss the best course of action with you. We prioritize meeting you where you’re at and we personalize all of our treatment plans to suit the unique needs of each individual patient. Please give us a call or use the contact form on our website to get in touch!
