More Addiction Memoirs to Read in 2017

Reading about another person’s experiences with addiction can make us feel less alone. The genre of “addiction memoir” is one that has grown steadily year over year, with 2017 being no exception.

To supplement our list of classic offerings from the genre, we’ve added a few more titles that were published this year.

For families of those who are struggling, or for those who are in recovery, making connections with others can make all the difference. Through the written word, we are able to access emotions and relate to people’s stories and experiences. Writing serves as a reminder that we are united by storytelling, and that we can find courage in places we may not expect—between the pages of a book.

Read on to discover a few of our recommendations.

Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction by Elizabeth Vargas

After publicly confirming her alcoholism in 2014, ABC News anchor and personality Elizabeth Vargas has become increasingly candid about her struggles. Her memoir, published recently in paperback, addresses her deeply personal emotions and her fight to reclaim her life from the disease. A longtime sufferer of intense anxiety, Vargas used alcohol to mask her pain and eventually lost control of her drinking. Her background as a reporter makes the memoir an honest one; she is a journalist that has allowed the public to catch a glimpse into something that journalists normally keep private, and her position in the media serves as a meaningful platform for awareness.

The Outrun: A Memoir by Amy Liptrot

Freshman writer Amy Liptrot’s debut is a stunning one. The Outrun is a lyrical, poetic exploration of Liptrot’s journey to sobriety, and takes place in the countryside of Scotland. Her alcoholism took over in her twenties, and eventually led to her completion of addiction treatment. In a passage that many sober readers will identify with, Liptrot wrote, “Coming out of rehab was not the end of the story but the beginning. Getting sober is one thing – I did it hundreds of times – but staying sober is a daily challenge in which there are moments when it comes together and I felt certain I’d done the right thing, then times when it was painfully hard.”

Love Warrior: A Memoir by Glennon Doyle

A highly successful writer and entrepreneur, Glennon Doyle once found herself at a crossroads. Love Warrior documents that journey, and details Doyle’s sobriety and subsequent self-discovery. Sober for nearly fifteen years, Doyle’s story will resonate with many readers and provide courage to those who are struggling.

“And I absolutely love being a recovering alcoholic, friend. I am more proud of the “recovering” badge I wear than any other,” wrote Doyle in a letter to a reader on her blog.