Throughout history, many writers have shared their personal struggles with addiction and alcoholism through powerful and engaging literature. From William S. Burroughs’ controversial 1950s novel, Junky, to more recent releases like Leslie Jamison’s The Recovering and Cat Marnell’s How to Murder Your Life, these books offer a glimpse into the journey of recovery and the complexities of addiction.
In this article, readers will discover 15 stories of struggle, failure, recovery, and grace that have moved and inspired readers over the years. From celebrated authors to lesser-known writers, each story offers a unique perspective on addiction and the road to recovery.
1. The Recovering by Leslie Jamison
Leslie Jamison’s book, The Recovering, is a unique memoir that explores her own struggle with addiction while also delving into the history of the American recovery movement. Through her personal experiences and stories of literary greats like Raymond Carver, Jamison creates a definitive treatment of addiction and recovery. The book provides a rich cultural history and is a must-read for anyone interested in the topic.
2. Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher
Based on her successful one-woman show, Wishful Drinking is Carrie Fisher’s memoir that delves into her life growing up in Hollywood royalty, her battles with addiction, and her struggles with manic depression.
This honest and hilarious reflection on her path to sobriety also includes details about her famous parents’ marriage and her own tumultuous love affairs, including her on-again, off-again relationship with Paul Simon. Readers can order a copy of this insightful and entertaining memoir to gain a deeper understanding of Fisher’s life and experiences.
3. How to Murder Your Life by Cat Marnell
In her memoir, “How to Murder Your Life,” Cat Marnell chronicles her descent into drug addiction and the struggles she faced while trying to maintain her job in the fashion industry. Marnell’s addiction began at age 15 when she became hooked on ADHD medication prescribed by her psychiatrist father.
Her addiction progressed to Xanax, cocaine, and ecstasy, leading to a rabbit hole of prescription drug abuse. Despite her struggles, Marnell managed to manipulate doctors and lie to loved ones to maintain her job at Condé Nast.
4. We All Fall Down by Nic Sheff
In his second memoir, Nic Sheff shares his ongoing battle with addiction. Despite his efforts to stay sober, Sheff finds himself repeatedly relapsing and engaging in self-destructive behaviors. Through his honest and raw storytelling, Sheff highlights the challenges of addiction recovery and the importance of perseverance. Readers can order a copy of the book to gain insight into Sheff’s journey.
5. Smashed by Koren Zailckas
Koren Zailckas, a young girl of 14 years old, started drinking and soon became addicted to alcohol. Her addiction led to dangerous and destructive tendencies, including blackouts and hospital visits. Eventually, she realized that quitting drinking was the only way to live a healthy life. Her memoir, “Smashed,” chronicles her journey towards sobriety.
6. More, Now, Again by Elizabeth Wurtzel
In this memoir, Elizabeth Wurtzel, the author of Prozac Nation, shares her experience of addiction following her battle with depression. She describes in detail how her doctor’s prescription of Ritalin, meant to help her function, only made her condition worse.
Wurtzel’s account is raw and unflinching, providing a vivid insight into the destructive power of addiction. Readers can purchase the book to delve deeper into Wurtzel’s story.
7. Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
Caroline Knapp’s memoir, Drinking: A Love Story, recounts her journey as a functioning alcoholic and the events that led her to confront her drinking problem. Knapp’s affluent upbringing and resulting mental health issues are explored, along with the impact they had on her addiction.
The book also discusses how reading Pete Hamill’s A Drinking Life played a significant role in her path to recovery. Readers interested in Knapp’s story can order a copy of the book.
8. Parched: A Memoir by Heather King
Heather King is a renowned lawyer and writer/commentator for NPR. Her memoir, “Parched,” provides a candid account of her journey from functional alcoholism to rock bottom. Despite her excessive drinking, King graduated cum laude from law school.
However, her addiction eventually led her to dive bars and a life of barely functioning. In “Parched,” King reflects on her past and shares how she overcame her addiction. Interested readers can order a copy of the memoir.
9. Lit by Mary Karr
Mary Karr’s memoir, “Lit,” delves into her personal struggles with addiction and her journey towards sobriety. The book provides a raw and honest account of Karr’s descent into alcoholism and drug use, as well as her attempts to find a way out.
As her marriage falls apart and her addiction worsens, Karr turns to Catholicism for solace and guidance. Through her experiences, Karr sheds light on the complexities of addiction and the power of faith in overcoming personal demons.
“Lit” is a must-read for anyone seeking insight into the human condition and the resilience of the human spirit.
10. Junky by William S. Burroughs
Junky is the first novel by William S. Burroughs, published in 1953. The book is a semi-autobiographical account of drug addiction in the 1950s. It follows the character Bill Lee, a small-time dealer and user, as he navigates the underworld of opiate addiction.
The novel explores taboo subjects of the time, including drug use and homosexuality. Junky is considered a reflection of the beat generation and is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of drug culture.
11. Permanent Midnight by Jerry Stahl
Jerry Stahl was a successful screenwriter, with credits including Dr. Caligari, Twin Peaks, and Moonlighting. However, his heroin addiction eventually consumed him, leading to a decline in his career and health. After a final crisis, Stahl was inspired to get clean. His memoir, Permanent Midnight, chronicles his struggles with addiction and recovery.
12. Drunk Mom by Jowita Bydlowska
Drunk Mom is a memoir that chronicles the story of a new mother’s struggles with alcoholism. Lena Dunham has described the book as “intense, complex and disturbing,” and it’s not hard to see why. Bydlowska’s unflinching account of her descent into addiction is both raw and powerful.
Readers will find themselves unable to look away as they witness the author’s struggles with sobriety and her relationships with those around her. To experience this gripping memoir for yourself, order a copy today.
13. The Night of the Gun by David Carr
David Carr’s memoir, “The Night of the Gun,” is a captivating investigation of his own life as a former cocaine addict. In the book, Carr delves into his past and tries to uncover the truth about his addiction and recovery.
He also shares his experiences as a single parent and his battle with cancer. The book is a powerful and honest account of Carr’s journey and offers insight into addiction and recovery. Readers can order a copy of the book to learn more.
14. Dry by Augusten Burroughs
Augusten Burroughs’ memoir, Dry, has sold over 500,000 copies. The author, known for Running With Scissors, shares his experience of hitting rock bottom and his journey towards recovery.
The book stands out for its LGBTQ focus, as Burroughs undergoes treatment in a rehab center that caters to the queer community. He also confronts specific issues related to AIDS during his recovery. Interested readers can purchase a copy of the book.
15. Beautiful Boy by David Sheff
David Sheff’s “Beautiful Boy” is a powerful memoir chronicling his son Nic’s struggle with addiction. The book explores the father’s journey through his son’s addiction and the impact it had on their family. The story resonates with many families affected by addiction. The book was later adapted into a film, featuring renowned actors such as Steve Carell, Timothée Chalamet, and Amy Ryan.