Quit lit of the self help variety

[Icanttakethisanymore]

I wondered if anyone had some recommendations for self help books relating to drinking (or addiction generally)? I am trying to cut down (possibly ultimately quit) and I am interested in the psychology of addiction. I’ve always had a tendency to do things excessively whether that’s exercise, alcohol, work or dieting and I am trying to work through that tendency.

Any ideas?

The unexpected joy of being sober helped me.

I wasn’t as bad as the author, but I could see myself sliding down to her level if I continued. I absolutely couldn’t cut down, once the bottle was open it was being drunk. I also have an addictive personality (food, exercise etc). Quitting was the only way, as I could never moderate my drinking.
5 years 2 months AF.
Good luck!

Alcohol Explained- william porter. Incredible!

Thank you - I have heard of that one. I'll check it out. I'm on the fence about whether I need to quit but that maybe where I get to; I moderated very well and really didn't drink much at all for about 10 years but for reasons I won't bore you with, life is hard at the moment and the drinking has crept up. Well done on quitting - what a great achievement!

Thank you 🙏

Alcohol Explained
Alcohol Lied to Me
The Unexpected Joy of being Sober
The Sober Diaries
Sober Dave one for the road

Some resonate more than others and there are definitely passages and chapters within all of them that help.

The other thing I have found is actually looking online to see what physical harm and damage alcohol does to our bodies and how dangerous it is. I had no idea that alcohol is linked to just so many cancers breast cancer being high on the list.

Thank you very much

Another one on my list is
Prof David Nutt "Drink"

This is all about the science of alcohol and what it does to our bodies.

Some great recommendations here - you also might want to look at This Naked Mind by Annie Grace

All of the above, plus

Mrs D is going without
We are the luckiest

I liked Claire Pooley's Sober Mummy/Mummy Was a Secret Drinker.

Also I like Andrew Huberman videos on Youtube for the science of it.

All of the above. Great lists !

Bryony Gordon - Glorious rock bottom (other books of hers are worth reading too ) her story is pretty messy , but her raw honesty gives me such high level respect and admiration for her. There's no dirty secret of how low the booze took her that she's not too proud to share. It's a very cathartic read.

She does talk about her sobriety but she did go down the 12,step/AA route which I'm against quite firmly.

Sober lush - I think that was another.
Sober is the new black (can't recall author )

If you're less of a 'life is a mess ' drinker and more of a 'life is otherwise normal but I know I'm starting to drink too much ' scientific books are probably more suitable: Annie Grace is a good one.

'Ice and a slice ' is a very well written novel regarding a woman who slips into alcohol addiction.

There are 3 or 4 good fiction books that are exceptionally well written surrounding women and alcohol. But I accept that's possibly not really what you're looking for so won't preach too much !

I'd be interested to know these please 🙂

Amanda prose: another love (really good !)

Holly Seddon: try not to breathe

Della Galton: Ice and a slice

I highly recommend all of them. Very cathartic. All available on Amazon 😊

• sorry typo : Amanda Prowse not prose

Thank you!

Thank you everyone - I really appreciate it.

Ive been listening to Blackout by Sarah Hepola which I started before making this post but I’ve got lots to go at when that’s finished.

I’ve not drunk this week so far…. not exactly a spectacular achievement given it’s only Thursday afternoon but I’ve been drinking most days. Although not loads on any day, I can feel it creeping up and I know I need to make some changes.

thanks again

Thank you - that’s really helpful

Drink Less Feel Better by Sarah Williamson is a great little book that I think probably really suits the sort of drinker it sounds like you are.

Of all the suggestions above, the Sober Diaries, This Naked Mind and Alcohol Explained.

Yes I like the Della Galton (there’s a follow up too) and Amanda Prowse