Resources for Recovering from Addiction For Individuals & Family
Recommended Resources for Understanding Addiction
Explore our curated list of articles, books, and movies that offer valuable insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you understand the sickness and complexity of addiction. These resources are designed to help you build be more resilient and recover.
Discover our recommendations
Curated YouTube Playlist on Addiction and Codependency
1. Understanding Addiction:
“What is Addiction?” by Dr. Gabor Maté : Dr. Gabor Maté explains the nature of addiction, its root causes, and how it impacts the brain and behavior.
“Addiction: A Disease of the Brain” by Nora Volkow : Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, discusses how addiction affects the brain and why it should be considered a disease.
2. Understanding Codependency:
“What is Codependency?” by Dr. Les Carter : Dr. Les Carter explains codependency, its characteristics, and how it affects relationships.
“The Truth About Codependency” by Dr. Patrick Carnes : Dr. Patrick Carnes provides an in-depth look at codependency and its relationship with addiction.
3. Alcohol Addiction:
“Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder” by Mayo Clinic : This video explains the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for alcohol use disorder.
4. Drug Addiction:
“What is Drug Addiction?” by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) : NIDA provides an overview of drug addiction, including its effects on the brain and body.
5. Gambling Addiction:
“Understanding Gambling Addiction” by BBC Three : This video explores the nature of gambling addiction and its impact on individuals and their families.
6. Internet Addiction:
“The Science of Internet Addiction” by AsapSCIENCE: AsapSCIENCE explains the science behind internet addiction and its effects on the brain.
7. Food Addiction:
“What is Food Addiction?” by Dr. Vera Tarman : Dr. Vera Tarman discusses food addiction, its symptoms, and how it can be treated.
8. Sex and Love Addiction:
“Understanding Sex and Love Addiction” by Dr. Patrick Carnes : Dr. Patrick Carnes explains the complexities of sex and love addiction and the path to recovery.
9. Work Addiction:
“Work Addiction: The Hidden Epidemic” by BBC : This documentary highlights the signs, symptoms, and consequences of work addiction.
10. The 12 Steps:
“What Are the 12 Steps?” by Alcoholics Anonymous : An overview of the 12 steps used in Alcoholics Anonymous and other recovery programs.
“How the 12 Steps Work” by Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation : This video explains the principles behind the 12 steps and how they can help in recovery.
Curated List of Books for Addiction Recovery For Individuals, Couples and Families
List of Books
| No. | Book Title | Author | Year | Synopsis | Site From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alcoholics Anonymous: The Big Book | Alcoholics Anonymous World Services | 1939 | Often referred to as the Bible of recovery, this book outlines the 12-step programme used worldwide for those seeking sobriety from alcoholism. | Goodreads |
| 2 | Narcotics Anonymous: The Basic Text | Narcotics Anonymous World Services | 1982 | A foundational text for the Narcotics Anonymous community, providing personal stories and principles of recovery for those overcoming drug addiction. | Goodreads |
| 3 | Sex Addicts Anonymous: The Green Book | Sex Addicts Anonymous | 1987 | A comprehensive guide for those struggling with sex addiction, offering steps, tools, and personal accounts to aid recovery. | Goodreads |
| 4 | Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction | Patrick J. Carnes | 1983 | Patrick J. Carnes delves into the psychological roots of sexual addiction, offering insights into its causes and treatment options. | Goodreads |
| 5 | Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction | David Sheff | 2008 | A heartbreaking yet hopeful memoir by a father navigating his son’s addiction, exploring the impact on families and the journey of recovery. | Goodreads |
| 6 | Codependent No More | Melody Beattie | 1986 | This classic book offers guidance for those caught in codependent relationships, teaching self-care and how to establish healthy boundaries. | Goodreads |
| 7 | Women and Addiction: A Comprehensive Handbook | Kathleen T. Brady (Editor) | 2009 | This comprehensive handbook explores the unique challenges women face in addiction and recovery, including societal pressures, trauma, and gender-specific treatments. | Goodreads |
| 8 | A Woman’s Way Through the Twelve Steps | Stephanie S. Covington | 1994 | A practical guide for women in recovery, this book adapts the Twelve Steps to address the unique experiences and needs of women. | Goodreads |
| 9 | Addiction and Recovery for Women | Annalisa Barbieri | 2010 | This book examines addiction and recovery from a woman-centered perspective, discussing therapeutic approaches that cater to women’s specific emotional and psychological needs. | Goodreads |
| 10 | Adult Children of Alcoholics | Janet G. Woititz | 1983 | This groundbreaking book explores the unique challenges faced by adult children of alcoholics, offering insights and strategies for healing and growth. | Goodreads |
| 11 | Healing the Child Within | Charles L. Whitfield | 1987 | A powerful guide for those recovering from the effects of growing up in a dysfunctional family, focusing on reclaiming inner peace and emotional health. | Goodreads |
| 12 | Breathing Underwater: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps | Richard Rohr | 2011 | Richard Rohr integrates spirituality with the Twelve Steps, exploring the deep, transformative journey of recovery and its connection to spiritual growth. | Goodreads |
| 13 | The Language of Letting Go | Melody Beattie | 1990 | A daily meditation book designed to support codependents with affirmations and insights for healing and self-care. | Goodreads |
| 14 | Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines | Nic Sheff | 2008 | A harrowing memoir by Nic Sheff about his addiction to methamphetamines and his hopeful journey from relapse to recovery. | Goodreads |
| 15 | Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget | Sarah Hepola | 2015 | A poignant and humorous account of the author’s journey to sobriety and self-discovery after years of heavy drinking. | Goodreads |
| 16 | Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking | Allen Carr | 1985 | This classic book provides a simple yet effective approach to quit smoking permanently without feeling deprived, addressing both psychological and physical addiction. | Goodreads |
| 17 | The Sober Diaries | Clare Pooley | 2017 | A candid and humorous memoir detailing Clare Pooley’s journey to sobriety, interwoven with research and advice on living alcohol-free. | Goodreads |
| 18 | Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change | Jeffrey Foote et al. | 2014 | This book illustrates how people can use positive reinforcement, behavior strategies, and kindness to help their loved ones achieve sobriety. | Goodreads |
Disclaimer: Please read at own discretion. Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy takes no responsibility for anything contained in these books.
A Curated List of Movies Dealing with Addiction and Codependency
Addiction:
My Name is Bill W. (1989): The true story of Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, and their struggle with alcoholism and journey towards sobriety.
28 Days (2000): A compelling drama about a newspaper columnist who is forced to enter a rehabilitation clinic after a drunken incident, exploring her journey to recovery and self-discovery.
When a Man Loves a Woman (1994): A powerful depiction of a woman’s battle with alcoholism and the impact on her marriage, highlighting the struggles and support needed for recovery.
Clean and Sober (1988): A gripping film about a real estate agent who seeks help for his addiction to cocaine and alcohol, and the challenges he faces in trying to turn his life around.
Thanks for Sharing (2012): A comedic yet heartfelt story about three people undergoing treatment for sex addiction, showing their efforts to build meaningful relationships while maintaining their sobriety.
The Lost Weekend (1945): An unflinching portrayal of an alcoholic writer’s four-day binge, showcasing the devastating effects of alcoholism on his life and relationships.
The Gambler (2014): A gripping portrayal of a literature professor whose gambling addiction spirals out of control, jeopardizing his relationships and career.
Uncut Gems (2019): A high-stakes thriller about a jeweler with a severe gambling addiction that impacts his family and livelihood.
The Social Network (2010): While primarily about the founding of Facebook, it highlights the obsessive work behavior and the impact on personal relationships and mental health.
Disconnect (2012): A drama exploring how modern technology and the internet impact human relationships, including a subplot about internet addiction.
To the Bone (2017): A powerful drama that follows a young woman struggling with anorexia as she undergoes treatment and confronts her illness.
Feed (2017): A psychological drama inspired by true events, depicting the struggle of a young woman with an eating disorder following a traumatic event.
Codependency:
Candy (2006): A raw and emotional portrayal of a young couple’s destructive relationship centered around their heroin addiction, depicting the intense highs and devastating lows.
Christiane F. – We Children from Bahnhof Zoo (1981): Set in Berlin, this film tells the harrowing story of a young girl who falls into heroin addiction and the desperate lengths she goes to, including selling her body, influenced by her boyfriend’s addiction.
Ben Is Back (2018): A heart-wrenching story of a mother’s codependent relationship with her son, who struggles with addiction, highlighting the emotional turmoil and desperate attempts to save him.