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Best Books for Overcoming Addiction

Home Resources Best Books for Overcoming Addiction

Recovery Centers of America surveyed our Twitter followers by asking “What genre of books helped the most with your recovery?”

Reading books about overcoming addiction can help you recover and stay sober. There are many physical and mental health benefits which result from reading books which many people may not be aware of. For example, picking up a book and limiting screen time before bed can aid in a good night’s rest. MRI studies have shown reading strengthens the brain and helps it to stay engaged, which can aid in preventing diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Feeling the effects of the pandemic and cabin fever isn’t easy for those in recovery, and adding some reading time to the day can also help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Recovery Centers of America at Devon has taken reading to a whole new level and recently opened Alumni Connections, a bookstore for current RCA patients and RCA Alumni, who are patients that have completed treatment with us. Alumni Connections isn’t just about books. This safe, welcoming space is a way for Alumni to connect and meet with current patients to share positive recovery stories.

Christy Eichinger, Alumni Relations Coordinator at Devon recognized the importance of current and former patients connecting.  

The primary reason we opened the space was to have a place for current patients to engage with Alumni.  It’s a space where patients can go to get information about recovery services, meetings and sponsorship. Most importantly, patients will learn from Alumni why staying connected to the support offered by the Alumni Association is vital to their journey in recovery.”

An inside look at Alumni Connections at Recovery Centers of America at Devon

Alumni Connections provides books for patients to purchase while in treatment on topics such as the 12 Steps, self-help, and gratitude.  Therapists and book lovers at Recovery Centers of America at Devon have provided some excellent reading recommendations that are now part of our bookstore. Here is an inside look at some our available books.

Breathing Underwater by Richard Rohr

This novel is a short read but nonetheless a game-changer for those in recovery and/or those with a loved one in recovery. Each chapter is a commentary on the 12 steps breaking down the principles and ultimate goals behind each step. If you’re struggling with the 12 steps, struggling with spirituality or just struggling to understand the concept of a 12 step program this book is definitely worth the read!

Book recommendation by Zachary A., Devon Primary Therapist  

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts:  Close Encounters with Addiction by Gabor Mate, MD.

I’ve written In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts because I see addiction as one of the most misunderstood phenomena in our society. People–including many people who should know better, such as doctors and policymakers–believe it to be a matter of individual choice or, at best, a medical disease. It is both simpler and more complex than that.

-Gabor Mate, MD

Book recommendation by Meg F., Devon Primary Therapist

Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction by: Judith Grisel

From a renowned behavioral neuroscientist and recovering addict, a rare, page-turning work of science that draws on personal insights to reveal how drugs work, the dangerous hold they can take on the brain, and a surprising way to combat today’s epidemic of addiction.

Book recommendation by Jill F., Devon Music Therapist

Stay tuned for more book recommendations and additions from the clinical staff at Devon! We are excited to make Alumni Connections a special addition to our facility and are looking forward seeing this space where people from all walks of life can connect and share their recovery journeys. Please reach out to Christy Eichinger at [email protected] with any questions about Alumni Connections or getting involved with RCA at Devon Alumni.

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