- 9 Inspiring Books About Substance Abuse Recovery
- Ibogaine Explained: Everything You Need to Know About the World’s Most Powerful Psychedelic By Peter Frank and Eric Taub
- Terry: My Daughter’s Life and Death Struggle with Alcoholism by George McGovern
- How to Murder Your Life by Cat Marnell
- Portrait of an Addict as a Young Man by Bill Clegg
- 90 Days: A Memoir of Recovery by Bill Clegg
- High on Arrival by Mackenzie Phillips
- Rewired: A Bold New Approach To Addiction and Recovery by Erica Spiegelman
- The Addiction Recovery Skills Workbook by Suzette Glasner-Edwards
- The Windows of Reality: Ibogaine for Opiate Addiction by Timothy Zigler
- Closing Thoughts…
Self-help books can be a powerful tool for individuals battling substance abuse, offering motivation and psychological support throughout recovery.
While they can’t replace therapy or professional treatment, these books provide valuable insights into addiction and practical guidance for healing.
In this article, we highlight nine of the best books on addiction and recovery—each offering education, inspiration, and tools to help navigate the path to sobriety.
9 Inspiring Books About Substance Abuse Recovery

Ibogaine Explained: Everything You Need to Know About the World’s Most Powerful Psychedelic By Peter Frank and Eric Taub
This book explains everything about ibogaine, from its history to scientific research and therapy.
He explains how different drugs can stay inside your body for months and recommends switching to other drugs that are flushed out more quickly before taking ibogaine.
Terry: My Daughter’s Life and Death Struggle with Alcoholism by George McGovern
The book was written by George McGovern, a member of the U.S. Senate for 18 years, who read his daughter’s anguished diaries.
The story revolves around Terry’s struggles with alcoholism and depression. The forty-five-year-old froze to death in a snowbank in Wisconsin when she stumbled out of a bar and fell asleep in the cold.
Apart from explaining the difficulties encountered by alcoholics, it sheds light on the trauma of losing an adult child.
How to Murder Your Life by Cat Marnell
Everybody knew her as a 26-year-old associate beauty editor at one of the top fashion magazines in America.
However, in a parallel world, she was a “doctor shopper” who spent a hefty sum of money on purchasing pills. The addiction stemmed from her past encounters with ADHD medication prescribed by her father, who was a psychiatrist.
Portrait of an Addict as a Young Man by Bill Clegg
This book is a compelling and beautifully written memoir by Bill Clegg, a literary agent who was secretly addicted to crack.
Despite the fact that he came back from rehab nine months prior, he left his partner, colleagues, and friends to set out on a two-month cocaine binge.
Clegg’s narrative voice takes you on an incredible roller coaster ride through his substance misuse journey and makes this book a real page-turner.
90 Days: A Memoir of Recovery by Bill Clegg
This one is another memoir by the talented writer Bill Clegg that describes the 90-day journey of an addict toward sobriety.
Some critics believe that Clegg has misrepresented his rehab journey and made it seem very easy. However, the way he explains how he gradually started returning to normal life within six weeks of the therapy seems appealing.
His multiple relapses might be triggering for some readers who are trying to recover from addiction. Yet, some might take it as inspiration to stay motivated towards their recovery.
Overall, the book is a good read.
High on Arrival by Mackenzie Phillips
The popular actress Mackenzie Phillips talks about her lifelong battle with personal demons and near-death experiences due to drug addiction.
The 50-year-old celebrity was arrested at an airport due to drug possession. Showcasing the raw emotions and bravery of a drug addict, the autobiography is an interesting read. It is encouraging and heartbreaking at the same time.
The writer reveals saddening truths about her abusive and neglectful parents. She describes the heart-wrenching story of how family dynamics affected her mental health and fueled her addiction journey.
Rewired: A Bold New Approach To Addiction and Recovery by Erica Spiegelman
“Rewired” is one of the best books on substance abuse.
It was written by Erica Spigelman, a counselor and wellness coach at a renowned drug and alcohol treatment center. She has helped thousands of individuals through her program, which focuses on holistic recovery.
Like the program, the book also helps recovering addicts fight addiction and establish positive habits that support abstinence.
Like its name, the book helps readers rewire their brains and attain mental and emotional sobriety.
The Addiction Recovery Skills Workbook by Suzette Glasner-Edwards
Terri Cheney describes “The Addiction Recovery Skills Workbook” as an interactive and comprehensive approach to addiction recovery science.
This is a self-help book recommended by the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). It has also won the 4th International Beverly Hills Book Award.
The writer Suzette Glasner-Edwards focuses on providing evidence-based techniques covering cognitive behavior therapy. In addition, she employs a mindfulness-based approach to reinforcing sobriety.
Some critics might not agree with the writer’s perception of substance addiction as a “brain disease.” However, the book contains a lot of useful pieces of advice that you can follow on your path toward recovery.
The Windows of Reality: Ibogaine for Opiate Addiction by Timothy Zigler
The writer talks about how ibogaine can help reset the physical patterns of addiction. If you are looking forward to undertaking ibogaine therapy, then this book might be a good pick for you!
Closing Thoughts…
With countless books on substance abuse and recovery, choosing the right one can make a huge difference in your journey. Focus on books that align with your personal experiences and struggles with addiction.
Autobiographies or works by authors who have firsthand experience with addiction and recovery often offer deep, relatable insights.
Finding a story or perspective that resonates with you can provide powerful motivation and guidance toward healing.
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