The bookstores these days are lined with books on the topic of addiction and recovery.
That seems to tell something about the interest in this topic and the impact this disease has on families. Here are two of the many books that have been helpful to me and that I would recommend if you are starting down this road with your child or other family member.
The Lost Years
I was stunned by the depth of her denial. She truly believed that somehow this was all going to pass and everything would be okay. She was so wrong. I was worn out and ready to get on with my life, even if she was not.” ~ Constance Curry
Have you read The Lost Years, by Kristina Wandzilak and Constance Curry? This is a book I would definitely recommend if you are struggling with addiction in your family.
This book was recommended to me through a friend, and it one of the main books that has stayed with me through this process. This is not a book of advice about the disease of addiction, but rather tells Kristina’s struggle and pain with her disease and her harrowing journey to recovery. It is one of the most engaging books that I have ever read on the topic.
The story keeps you interested and yearning to find out more, as you feel the depth of despair that her family endured.
Kristana’s mother is Constance Curry. Constance had a strong ability to seek help for Kristina when she saw the need, and was also able to detach when her family’s safety was at stake. She stood by her daughter as long as she could, but when she realized her entire family was feeling the emotional exhaustion of Kristina’s relentless addiction, did she give in to the need to let go. One of the key parts of this amazing story reveals a mother’s strength and determination knowing that her daughter, Kristina was at death’s door.
Kristina has gone on to use her experience as an addict to help others in this devastating situation. She is now an addiction counselor, and a nationally recognized interventionist, with her own company, Full Circle Intervention.
You may also have seen Kristina as the host of “Addicted,” on TLC, and she is filming now for the second season. Kristina has been a role model and the beacon of hope for many. If Kristina, who was on the verge of death on the floor of a homeless shelter can turn her life around, there is hope out there for anyone.
Why Don’t They Just Quit
Quitting, as wonderful as that may be, is not the same as recovery. Recovery means taking responsibility for the broken relationships that occurred when the addict was using. Repairing broken relationships is critical to the process of recovery. With patience and time, progress can be made. Never give up hope.
Another book that gives a great amount of factual information on the subject of drug abuse is Why Don’t they Just Quit, by Joe Herzanek, (founder of Changing Lives Foundation).
This is a very thorough book that explains all aspects of addition and recovery. Joe tells his own story throughout the book. For anyone new to addiction, this book would be helpful and gives you a complete overview of the topic.
Joe intersperses quotes throughout the books to emphasize his topic. There is a questionnaire at the end of the book to determine if you or someone you care about is a heavy user or addict, as well as a glossary to explain the addiction and recovery terms that Joe uses throughout the book.
Why Don’t they Just Quit helps family members understand the confusion, drama and pain of addiction. Joe gives a clear and real picture so you don’t feel so alone. Understanding drug abuse and your role in the situation, helps family members, especially parents let go of their guilt and shame, and move on with their lives.
Joe writes the book very clearly in an easy to read format which holds your interest from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is dealing with a family member’s addiction.
Links to these books and many more informative books can be found on the lower sidebar and on the Resource Page.
Do you have a book you can recommend on the subject of addiction? Let me know in comments.
Be Well,
Beyond Addiction:
Embrace the New Life
This FREE Ebook will show you how to create the LIFE you want after addiction.
- Accept and cope with your family's addiction.
- Create your own life rather than react to events around you
- Don't feel so alone on your addiction journey.
- Experience new meaning for your life.
- Find peace, serenity and joy
The Lost Years sounds like an inspiring and heart-wrenching read, Cathy. I so admire people who fight back from the brink, then help others to do the same.
Debra Eve | Later Bloomer recently posted..Freya Stark: Late Bloomer & Fearless Nomad, Part 2
Hi Debra,
Kristina has been an inspiration to many with her book and all the other work she has done in the field.
Cathy recently posted..Are You a Parent that Needs to Let Go of Denial and Enabling?
The most helpful book on addiction for me is Addict in the Family: Stories of Loss, Hope and Recovery by Beverly Conyers.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a good one to check out.
Cathy recently posted..Two Must Read Books on Addiction and Recovery
Cathy,
Although I haven’t had to deal with addiction, the stories you tell and the information you offer continues to inform me about a subject I only have a superficial knowledge of.
I don’t think we get TLC’s Addicted here. But it doesn’t mean that I can’t download it from the movie site that I subscribe to…am going to check it out. Have a great weekend. xxoo- Fran
Fran Sorin recently posted..How Tough Times Can Drive Your Creativity Into Third Gear
Hi Fran,
This the beauty of sharing my topic with wonderful people like yourself. Many have not experienced addiction. I had no knowledge of it until my family was faced with it, and I was feeling the need to search for answers in a short amount of time, which was stressful. Thanks so much for being interested in the topic and for your amazing support. Hugs.
Cathy recently posted..Little Joys Were Sprinkled Upon Me: Meet Mark Matthews
These sound like amazing reads, Cathy even for those not dealing with the trauma of addiction. So heart-breaking to even witness a loved one going through it and also very frustrating.
Thank you for the link love!
Hugs to you!
Vidya Sury recently posted..The Haiku Challenge 2012 – Day 23 – The Joy Of Giving
Hi Vidya,
They are wonderful books for anyone, but especially if you are faced with this issue in your family. It is heartbreaking and hopefully with awareness, more can make healthy choices and live a full life. Take care, and hugs back to you!
Cathy recently posted..Saying Goodbye to Etta James and Now Whitney Houston
Cathy,
I read so many books on addiction when I worked in rehab. The Lost Years…the title itself says it all. Thanks for the recommendation.
Tess The Bold Life recently posted..Relationships, Non-Internet Connections, and Bold Living
Hi Tess,
It is a perfect title, isn’t it? Great book as well. Both Kristina and Constance demonstrate the depths that addiction can take you as well as the glory when you slowly begin to rise above it all, and where you like then take you.
Cathy recently posted..Find the Bridge from Recovery Back to College
Cathy,
Both books sound very intense but like an incredible reads. Especially The Lost Years.
I’ll definitely recommend them both.
Thanks so much!
Betsy at Zen Mama recently posted..The Family That Plays Together, Stays Together!
Hi Betsy,
Thanks so much for sharing the books!
Cathy recently posted..Are You the Child of an Alcoholic?
I can’t wait to pick up the book The Lost Years. It sounds like just the type of thing I need to read right now. Someone that I’m very close to is struggling with alcoholism and I’d love to read about the journey of someone who successfully recovered. Thanks for the recommendation, Cathy. You rock!
Nea | Self Improvement Saga recently posted..12 Easy Ways to Get in a Good Mood On a Bad Day
Hi Nea,
My heart goes out to you that you have someone close dealing with this disease. You are not alone and there are not only books, but lots of other support out there as well. I think you will enjoy The Lost Years. It is a powerful, heart wrenching story, but demonstrates the strength that is possible when someone makes up their mind to change their life. Take care.
Cathy recently posted..Treatment Talk Monthly Message – January 2012
Hi Cathy,
These sound very informative books on getting rid of addiction. I’m sure it will help many people who suffer from addiction. Thanks for sharing Cathy
Dia recently posted..The keys to success
Hi Dia,
They both are helpful, for anyone, but especially if you are dealing with addiction. Take care.
Cathy recently posted..Let Go of Your Bad Habits and Find Your Passion
These are both wonderful books for all the reasons you’ve described. Thanks for highlighting them — they will be very helpful to anyone grappling with or trying to understand addiction.
Lisa Frederiksen – BreakingTheCycles.com recently posted..Worried a Loved One’s Drinking May Be Alcoholism? Here’s Information on Treating the Disease
Hi Lisa,
They are wonderful books, yours included! All books can be found on the right sidebar for anyone who has not read them, or on the resources page. I will continue to highlight various books on recovery each month.
Cathy recently posted..Ten Things Addiction has Taught Me
The Lost Years was one of the first books I read and it was impactful to my own recovery. I was lucky to have been given Kristina’s AA speaker tape on CD. When she shared how her mother told her how much she was loved and how happy she was to see her daughter alive BUT that she was not welcome in their life until she chose a path of recovery (and shut the door on her) I was moved. It was a defining moment for me. Would I be abe to do say that to my son? In time I became able to do just that – I had to stop rescuing because it was not helping either one of us. It took time, this does not come easy.
Hi My3Sunz,
The book really moved me as well. Constance was amazing, so strong and protective of her other children when Kristina was not willing to face her addiction. I don’t know if I could have shut the door in my child’s face either. The book is powerful and a must read for anyone dealing with this situation. Take care and thanks for stopping by.