Addiction recovery group discussion

I'm interested in what recovery books helped you the most. I read a lot when I first got sober and found several that really helped me. 'Feel the fear and do it anyway' by Susan Jeffers and Codependent No more by melody Beattie where particular helpful.

Unwasted: My Lush Sobriety by Sasha Soblic was humorous and honest.
Caroline Knapp's Drinking: A Love Story was also very refreshing. Her hyper analytical essay style might not be for everyone, but I personally connected with so much of her self-searching.

Hi,

I'm new to the group. I am really interested in responses to this question. I've been in recovery for a few years. Looking forward to sharing good thoughts and feelings.

I also really liked Caroline Kanpps book. As I get longer into recovery it's spiritual books like Conversations with God or anything by Marrianne Williamson that inspire me.As a memoir Kristen Johnstons book 'Guts' is fantastic.

Thank you very much for the recommendations. I look forward to checking them out.

Hi everyone - I'm a middle aged woman, new to Goodreads, this group, and "recovery". I have recently discovered that my reading of psychological thrillers and/or autobiographies by "survivors" and "strugglers" is facilitating and enhancing my recovery of 30 days. Not until recently, have I possessed the ability to focus my mind and quite literally, the muscles in my eyes, to read for any length of time. I am gratified to include it in my daily life. Happy reading everyone!

Welcome, Kristen. Thirty days is an awesome achievement! Congratulations on that. Yes, reading the experiences of others and writing my own book on my own struggles helped me a great deal. I have found that it gets a little easier each day. You'll be in my thoughts.

All the best,
Matt

There were lots of books that really helped understand myself and what was missing and thus why I drank. I believe knowledge is power. I'm 14 years sober and recently became a mum, now I find all the parenting books I'm reading are helping me understand my own childhood

I'm wondering how folks in recovery feel about "The Big Book?" I have very mixed feelings.

Wow, it is hard to put my response into a few words. I will say that my experiences with AA have not been good. If you'd like to discuss further, message me.

All the best,
Matt

I hear ya, Matt...no worries. I was just wondering how anyone feels about the "book" itself, as far as it being a "recovery book."

It's a 'recovery' book. It 'speaks' to some people it doesn't to others. There are plenty if other books out there if you get nothing from it.

I loved the big book when I first came in recovery,then after some years I wanted to do some more work on me and went down the road of Co-Dependency. There is still so much in the Big Book that I will use at times,to date I have 27 years of Recovery

Kristen wrote: "I'm wondering how folks in recovery feel about "The Big Book?" I have very mixed feelings."
Though the Alcoholics Anonymous - Big Book is a bit outdated, the more recent editions speak to this addict/alcoholic. I find the stories comforting as well as terrifying, if that makes any sense. I need to stay in touch with those who understand the addict's perspective.
Recovery can be found almost anywhere, but in terms of books, I'll go with the original every time!
Thanks for letting me join this very promising group...

Greetings, everyone! I have a book that could help you all quit drinking for good: Two Drinks At A Night's Waltz! I first self-published it 3 years ago. Check it out!

I'm the 'new kid on the block' ... for now :) ... name is Dan and I am a 'codependent' Most helpful book? By far ... "Addiction & Grace" by Gerald G. May. Spiritual, obviously, and very 'soul-stirring' ... Anyone else read?

Just posted earlier. I am also a recovering sex-aholic. As I'm finding out, especially from Pia Mellody, addiction (whichever it is) is rooted in very dysfunctional 'family of origin' issues leading to behaviours/addictions that simply medicate the pain & hurt. I may have been a victim, but today I must be pro-active and be responsible for my recovery.

Veronica wrote: "I'm interested in what recovery books helped you the most. I read a lot when I first got sober and found several that really helped me. 'Feel the fear and do it anyway' by Susan Jeffers and Codepen..."

I sent a friend in the San Francisco County Jail my second story via Amazon, Two Drinks At A Night's Waltz, which surprisingly helped her stop drinking!

Hi, I'm Eric-Brand new to the group, Hi evrryone! Been clean for somewhat over 12 years, with some previous years before I had a couple of relapses. The AA Big Book is a Great resource although the language is from the 30s, a classic which has helped save many, many lives, and has given millions freedom from alcoholism. The 12&12, and living sober are good as well. Personally The NA Basic Text, and other NA literature resound more closely with my story and distorted thinking with language which is a little more modern- the book Living Clean is a wonderful piece of recovery literature. I have read some of the Al-Anon literature too and found it very helpful, as well as ACOA and books on co-dependency.

Hi, Dan here ...
"Addiction & Grace" has been most helpful; this is over and above my CoDA literature! Feeling free especially that I've just seen my sponsor an hour ago!

Biography of Bryan L. Hutchinson.