The Top 8 Must-Read Summer Books on Addiction and Mental Health

"Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world." -Napoleon Bonaparte

Photo by Elin Melaas on Unsplash

Reading is one of my favorite ways to learn new information about the world. The field of mental health and addiction treatment is changing so quickly that it’s easy to get left behind. Below is my list of the very best books on mental health and/or addiction that I’ve read this summer:

8. How to Eat to Change How You Drink          by Brooke Scheller

Brooke Scheller is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition. In this fascinating book, she lays out a compelling, detailed argument on how food choices affect your body’s desire to consume alcohol. She reviews the worse food choices that often exacerbate alcohol cravings, as well as some simple food options that help to steady blood sugar and thus reduce alcohol cravings. Thanks to her, I now add a dash of cinnamon to my daily coffee. Her book also sheds light on the reasons why the GLP-1 drugs might offer new hope for those struggling with addiction. As an Addiction Psychiatrist, I thought I knew all there was to know about alcohol’s effect on the body- boy was I wrong. Brooke offers a whole new toolbox of simple ways to lower vulnerability to alcohol. Check out my conversation with her on this topic here.

7. Unhooked                                                          by Jason Coombs

In this heartbreaking memoir, Jason Coombs offers a raw, honest, unvarnished view into his journey with addiction. While describing his struggles, he discusses specific techniques and approaches that family members can use to support a loved one in active addiction while also setting healthy boundaries and taking care of themselves. I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling with how to interact and support a loved one who is suffering in active addiction. Coombs offers simple, first-hand tested tips.

6. Strung Out                                                         by Erin Khar

Erin Khar’s beautifully written memoir, Strung Out, is a vivid reminder that addiction hits every socioeconomic class. Despite growing up in a household with wealthy, successful, and loving parents, Erin recounts her harrowing journey with addiction-starting with substance experimentation at age 8 and heroin use at age 13. Erin gives a first-hand account of how trauma makes people more vulnerable to addiction, while offering real hope that addiction is a treatable and curable disease whose victims deserve unwavering empathy and love.

5. Beyond Booze                                                     by Sarah Rusbatch

If you’ve ever wondered whether you or a loved one should change your relationship with alcohol, Sarah Rusbatch’s book Beyond Booze is a must read. As an Addiction Psychiatrist, I thought I had a pretty complete understanding of alcohol’s long-term effects on the body, until I read Sarah’s book. Backed by objective scientific research, Sarah summarizes new evidence showing just how toxic and carcinogenic alcohol really is, in any quantity. Regardless of whether alcohol is causing you any current life impairments, her sobering statistics will cause you to re-examine your current relationship with alcohol. Sarah’s book inspired me to write an article supporting her argument and calling for larger societal awareness on the hidden dangers of alcohol.

4. The Body Keeps Score                            by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD

Written by famed Psychiatrist Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, this newly released New York Times Bestseller offers a comprehensive view of exactly how traumatic experiences physically rewire brain circuitry. Dr. Van Der Kolk explains the neurobiological changes that take place in the brain after a traumatic experience. He also offers several simple treatment approaches for those suffering from the effects of trauma. This book will enhance your understanding of trauma and how it affects daily interactions, while offering tangible hope for a healthier future.

3. Codependent No More                                            by Melody Beattie

While Codependent No More is a timeless classic in the self-help canon, I recently reread it through addiction focused lenses. Melody Beattie originally wrote this book in 1986 to raise awareness and provide support for those suffering from overly dependent personality structures and unhealthy relationships. However, her tips on boundary setting, expectation management, and self-care/self-compassion are incredibly useful for anyone struggling to love and support someone with addiction or a mental health condition while not losing themselves in the process.

2. In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts                            by Gabor Mate, MD

Written by the famous Canadian physician Gabor Mate, In the Ream of Hungry Ghosts was originally suggested by a patient of mine over fifteen years ago. I’ve now read it at least five times. It is hands down the most powerful book on addiction treatment that I’ve ever read. Complete with photographs, Dr. Mate gives a detailed account of his many years as an Addiction Medicine Physician, where he worked treating the uninsured and homeless population with active, severe addiction in rural Canada.

Challenging prevailing assumptions that addiction is either a solely physical disease or a moral failure, Dr. Mate instead makes a thoughtful and compelling argument that addiction is largely due to the effects of childhood trauma, otherwise known as adverse childhood events (ACEs). Bringing a compassionate voice and face to the voiceless and faceless victims of addiction, Dr. Mate brings to light the often tragic and misunderstood journeys of his patients in ways that only a masterful, informed storyteller can do. Mate’s insightful views on the topic of addiction coupled with his intimate and specific patient stories paint a comprehensive, informed outlook on the disease of addiction both from a societal and an individual perspective.

1. This Is Going To Hurt                                        by Adam Kay

If you are looking for some lighter reading this summer, look no further than Adam Kay’s laugh out loud funny memoir This Is Going To Hurt. This seriously might be the funniest book I’ve ever read. In this book, Kay describes his long hours as a resident physician in the UK.  He describes his challenges as an early physician with a deadpan humor that will make you laugh until you cry. Kay offers a unique perspective that gives the reader insight (and empathy) into life as  both the healthcare seeker and the healthcare provider- both operating in a severely resource constrained system. As a fellow physician, I can vouch for his humorous and accurate descriptions of a less than perfect healthcare system. This novel is well worth the read.

Is your favorite book on addiction/mental health missing from this list? If so, drop a comment and let me know. I’ll make sure to check out your favorite and add it to my fall reading list.

Happy reading,

-Lauren