10 books about drug addiction

The phrase "Heroin saved my life" could be considered both controversial and even offensive to some. However in "Chasing a flawed sun" the author shows us how after breaking him down and almost taking his life several times, the battle with the drug did just that. This is a true story. A transparent story of the life of a young man in America, who, like many of our lost youth, found his way into the drug culture. This story is an autopsy into the mind, heart and soul of an addict. It begins at childhood and takes us through the thoughts, turmoil and inner conflicts of a person lost in the undercurrent of addiction, and ends in a climax of self discovery, and realization. It is a gripping tale of a suburban youth and his journey through the streets of Baltimore, institutions, prisons, addiction, and worst of all, his own mind. What makes it so unique is the vulnerability and transparency with which it is told. It is the goal of this story to not only to tell a vivid tale but to also share hope and experience with those who are actively struggling with their own demons, and to shed some light to those who have lost or are currently dealing with a loved one who is struggling with addiction, alcoholism and/or a lost sense of "self". Daniel McGhee lives and owns several businesses just outside of Baltimore, Md. He also owns a non-profit and works with addicts, children and homeless in his area. In his eighteen years in recovery he's learned to enjoy writing, fitness, and traveling the world. He enjoys going to other countries either for relief work, exploration or just chasing the sun that never ceases.

What many considered to be typical teenage experimentation, such as smoking pot and drinking alcohol, quickly led down a dark path that cost Timothy everything. He went from having the world at his feet to homeless, living on the streets, and addicted to heroin, ultimately coming out the other side to provide hope for those still struggling.

An inspirational, frequently disturbing memoir of a troubled youth describes how the author fell victim to the ills of the child welfare system and her long and difficult struggle to rebuild her life.

An up-close portrait of the mind of an addict and a life unraveled by narcotics--a memoir of captivating urgency and surprising humor that puts a human face on the opioid crisis. "Raw, brutal, and shocking. Move over, Orange Is the New Black."--Amy Dresner, author of My Fair Junkie When word got out that Tiffany Jenkins was withdrawing from opiates on the floor of a jail cell, people in her town were shocked. Not because of the twenty felonies she'd committed, or the nature of her crimes, or even that she'd been captain of the high school cheerleading squad just a few years earlier, but because her boyfriend was a Deputy Sherriff, and his friends--their friends--were the ones who'd arrested her. A raw and twisty page-turning memoir that reads like fiction, High Achiever spans Tiffany's life as an active opioid addict, her 120 days in a Florida jail where every officer despised what she'd done to their brother in blue, and her eventual recovery. With heart-racing urgency and unflinching honesty, Jenkins takes you inside the grips of addiction and the desperate decisions it breeds. She is a born storyteller who lived an incredible story, from blackmail by an ex-boyfriend to a soul-shattering deal with a drug dealer, and her telling brims with suspense and unexpected wit. But the true surprise is her path to recovery. Tiffany breaks through the stigma and silence to offer hope and inspiration to anyone battling the disease--whether it's a loved one or themselves.

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Meth, crank, ice, glass, fire, tina, chalk, crystal or crystal meth. Whatever you call it, it's the same thing. Addictive. Drugs ruin people's lives. I should know, they destroyed mine. I'm Hannah and I got hooked on ice. What started as a trickle, ended with a tsunami washing everything away; my family, my life. I'm not sure you're ready to read my story; it's real and confronting. Open the book, read the pages and see how easy it is for anyone to get addicted. Ice affects all types of people. It doesn't discriminate. It will SCREW. YOU. UP.

Looks at the phenomenon of drug addiction, examining its physical and psychological causes, as well as the author's experiences of the impact that it has on the patients at his urban Vancouver clinic.

A doctor in recovery provides a guided tour through the brain changes, genetics, and psychology that cause addiction... and how to use this information to beat addiction. The Alcoholic / Addict Within is a book that empowers alcoholics and addicts - and those who wish to understand them - with an understanding of the science behind why we become addicted, why we do the things we do, and why it is so difficult to stop.The science is presented in everyday language, and with a sense of humor that makes it a fun read. The information enables a deeper understanding of ourselves and our addiction. It allows those who love us to get a look inside us, and (for once) find an understanding of our disease. Anyone who reads this will never again ask us: "why don't you just stop?!?" They will see first hand that alcoholism / addiction is a disorder of biology and not a failing of morality. They will learn how they can best help us.The 12 Steps are used as a framework for applying the science to recovery. The 12 Step program was chosen because it is remarkably consistent with all aspects of the science of addictions. For those working the 12 Steps or sponsoring others the information will enrich the experience by matching the science to the program. For those who are not involved in that program the information is equally applicable to their own recovery.The science is used to explain the basis of some effects widely experienced by people in recovery: the "insanity" of alcoholism/addiction, the "pink cloud" effect, relapse dreams, hostage-taking, "wet brain," co-dependency, relationships, and obsession. Also addressed are important recovery issues such as self-esteem, coming to terms with past traumas, dealing with anger, finding peace-of-mind, self-forgiveness, and putting a stop to cravings. The question: "do I have an alcoholism / addiction gene, and will I pass it on to my children?" is answered.Also explored are the intimate ties between alcoholism / addiction and mental illness. They are so alike we can barely tell them apart, and so woven together that one can kindle the fire of the other. In fact, it can be very difficult - sometimes impossible - to figure out which came first and brought the other on. Or even to tell them apart. We get to the bottom of this compelling issue that affects well over half of addicts and alcoholics.The book speaks to many audiences. The main audience is alcoholics/addicts and those who wish to help and understand them. Loved ones, teachers, clergy, medical professionals, counsellors and therapists, all will gain insight and understanding.

A counsellor at one of the most innovative and renowned drug and alcohol treatment centres in the world, Erica Spiegelman brings a level of understanding and sensitivity in Rewired to the struggle against addiction gained through years of experience. Rewired is a revolutionary new approach to addiction recovery from an innovative expert who understands just how deeply addiction can run. Centred around the concept of self-actualisation, Spiegelman guides readers towards not only physical sobriety, but a mental, emotional and spiritual sobriety.

From one of the world's foremost experts on the effects of recreational drugs on the mind and body comes a powerful argument that the greatest dangers from drugs flow from their being illegal, and a field guide to their use as part of a responsible and happy life..