Addiction Recovery

Meetings like 12-steps are free and readily available across the world. Even if you don’t “want” to go, show up.

My Recommendation: 30 meetings in the first 30 days after leaving inpatient rehab.

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – The original 12-steps of recovery group.
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – A spinoff of AA catering to substance abuse other than alcohol.
• Celebrate Recovery – A Christian-specific 12-step program.
• Smart Recovery– A non-12-step based alternative with no spiritual component.

These are the top 15 books that help in recovery as voted on by thousands of JourneyPure alumni. Click the link to buy on Amazon or find at your local library.

Book	Title	Recommended For:
	The Road to Freedom By: Johnny Baker	Recommended for those open to a religious outlook who want to break the cycles of dysfunction, feeling stuck or simply looking for healing and self-improvement.
	12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery By: Allen Berger, Ph.D.	Recommended for anyone in recovery looking for growth through the steps, this book helps you acquire tools and avoid common relapse triggers that many people slip up on.
	Drop the Rock - The Ripple Effect By: Fred H.	Recommended for anyone looking for proof of success in the 12 steps, this book provides multiple perspectives from people successfully attaining a sober life free of fear and resentment and full of gratitude.
	Recovery - Freedom from Our Addictions By: Russell Brand	Recommended for those looking for a lighter take on recovery, this book is a mix of honesty, humor and compassion. Russell tells his story and shares advice he has gained through his fourteen years of recovery.
	NA Living Clean By: The NA Fellowship	Recommended for anyone looking for a 12 step approach and way to enhance your recovery. Great for anyone who has felt lost looking for their “purpose” after getting clean.
	A New Pair Of Glasses By: Charles Chamberlain	Recommended for anyone open to stories from an "Old Timers" point of view. This book shares stories of those caught up in alcoholism and addiction, getting through the struggle and finding a new way to live.
	Scar Tissue By: Anthony Kiedis	Recommended for anyone who thinks their lifestyle won’t allow them to stay clean. Anthony tells his story of dedication, integrity, of recklessness and redemption. This book shows it doesn’t matter who you are, addiction doesn’t discriminate.
	Trauma & the 12 Steps By: Jamie Marich	Recommended for those looking for bridge to connect the 12 steps and trauma, using trauma informed therapy and recovery for the whole entire person - who you are, what you’ve been through, not just your addiction.
	Save Me From Myself By: Brian Welch	Recommended for those looking for a non-traditional read. This is the incredible story of a rock star, his secret addiction to meth, and a miraculous salvation through Jesus. Different than anything you’ve ever read.

The last 6 books are about spirituality or becoming mentally healthy or happier (not specific to addiction).

Book	Title	Recommended For:
	You Can Be Happy No Matter What By: Richard Carlson, Ph.D.	Recommended for anyone searching for peace. This book shows you that you have the ability to be happy right now — no matter what situation you’ve found yourself in. Things don’t have to be perfect to be happy.
	The Power of Now By: Eckart Tollee	Recommended for anyone seeking a spiritual journey to find their true and deepest self and reach personal growth and spirituality, especially with those struggling with Christianity or defining a higher power.
	The Highly Sensitive Person By: Elaine Aron, Ph.D.	Recommended for anyone who identifies as overly sensitive or always on edge. This book explores the studies behind being a Highly Sensitive Person as well as the challenges they face in the world.
	Lovingkindness By: Sharon Salzburg	Recommended for anyone Anyone open to or following the Buddhist path, searching for a guide to self discovery. This powerful book helps you to realize your own capacity for goodness and a new connection with yourself and others.
	The Language of Letting Go By: Melody Beattie	Recommended for anyone struggling with codependency, or anyone unable to let go of a relationship or situation that is toxic. This book is filled with daily meditations that offer growth and renewal, and remind us that the best thing we can do is take responsibility for our own self-care.
	The Purpose Driven Life By: Rick Warren	Recommended for anyone seeking a religious road map to a spiritual journey specific to Christianity. Each chapter provides a daily meditation and practical steps to help you discover and live out your purpose.

Studies show that the brain is more active listening to radio than watching videos. Podcasts help us learn from the stories of others and are a distraction from unproductive negative thinking.

Here are the top 5 podcasts, as voted by thousands of people in recovery:

• From Sobriety to Recovery – Follow Jesse through his discovery of the difference between being sober, and being in recovery. (Pretty big difference!) This podcast is about personal development, drug & alcohol addiction and so much more.
• Mindful Metal Jacket – Comedian Joe List sits down with others who also suffer from anxiety and mental health issues. A fun and light podcast that reminds you, you’re not alone in your endeavors.
• Jordan Peterson – Dr. Jordan Peterson and his daughter Mikhaila share on various topics that will change the way you view the world. He keeps it interesting with interviews and meaningful lectures to explain how individuals and culture are shaped by values, music, and religion.
• Joe and Charlie – An easy and fun way to take the Big Book with you wherever you go (sometimes we really need it). From the car, jogging, or just laying in bed on a Sunday afternoon…Over 10 hours of entertaining study to help you put your recovery first.
• Russell Brand – Hosted by comedian Russell Brand, the podcast is about recovery, politics and spiritual awakening. Expect brief meditations, interviews and always a good laugh.

There are tons of helpful apps to help build healthy habits like journaling or to connect you to others in recovery. Here are the top five free picks.

Book	Title	Recommended For:
	I am Sober  Apple Android	Recommended for anyone looking for a free sobriety counter app with more perks. The app also helps you build new habits and connects you to others in recovery.
	Meeting Guide (AA) Apple Android	Recommended for anyone looking for an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. This app is free and helps you find AA meeting details or new AA meetings anywhere in the country.
	Meeting Search (NA) Apple Android	Recommended for anyone looking for a Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting. Also bundled with this app is the daily Just For Today meditations.
	AA 12 Step Toolkit Apple Android	Recommended to get a virtual sponsor and be guided through the steps including step work, recovery calculator, the big book, readings, prayers, gratitude lists and reminders.
	JourneyPure Coaching Apple Android	Recommended for JourneyPure alumni to et access to journaling, a meeting tracker and call/text connection to an Accountability Coach (who is also in recovery).

Meditation Apps

Meditation is game-changing for mental health. To get started or to perfect your practice, check out both of these non-recovery-specific meditation apps.

• Insight Timer – Examples of medications on this app are: deeper sleep, dealing with anxiety, reducing stress, getting through addiction recovery, self-love and compassion, focus and concentration – just to name a few. Free option is extensive. [  Apple   |   Android  ]
• Balance – Daily meditations can be personalized for you based on answers to questions. The app goes beyond the meditation to quickly explain techniques and tricks that will help you get more out of meditation – at any skill level. Offers a free one-year trial. [  Apple   |   Android  ]

The treatment part of addiction recovery isn’t optional. It’s very unlikely you will safely “white-knuckle” your way to recovery long-term. (You’ve probably already tried).

If relapse prevention strategies fail and you find yourself in a full relapse, meetings, books, apps and podcasts can be extremely helpful. But, these resources usually aren’t enough to turn things around.

• Going back to inpatient treatment makes you five times more likely to stay sober long-term. There’s no shame in going back and you focus on what’s missing in your recovery plan/lifestyle. It’s not “starting over.”
• If you catch the relapse before it escalates, outpatient treatment can be a great alternative to maintain your life while you work to fix the holes in your recovery plan.

The recommendation is inpatient treatment followed immediately by outpatient treatment. And, to re-engage in some form of outpatient therapy as soon as you feel yourself slipping (before you start using again).

Inpatient Recovery Centers

Outpatient Recovery Centers

After inpatient treatment, continue some kind of therapy for the first few months when the risk of relapse is highest. (If you used insurance for rehab, outpatient therapy is likely no cost to you).