Recovery Worker Library

In “The 12-Step Buddhist,” author Darren Littlejohn provides a comprehensive and practical guide that seamlessly merges the wisdom of Buddhist philosophy with the foundational principles of the 12-Step program. The book’s central premise is that combining these two powerful frameworks can significantly enhance the recovery journey. Littlejohn, drawing from his own experience in r...More

“The Addiction Recovery Workbook” by Linda Hill is a practical, hands-on guide designed to equip individuals with the essential skills needed for a successful and lasting recovery. Unlike books that delve into the theory of addiction, this workbook is focused on action, providing a structured framework of exercises and activities to help people overcome addiction...

In “The Biology of Desire,” neuroscientist and former addict Marc Lewis, PhD, presents a groundbreaking and compassionate challenge to the long-held “disease model” of addiction. Drawing on his personal experience and decades of research, Lewis argues that addiction is not a chronic, incurable brain disease but rather a profoundly powerful form of learning and development.....More

In “The Compass of Pleasure,” neuroscientist David J. Linden offers a fascinating and accessible exploration of the brain’s fundamental drive: the pursuit of pleasure. The book reveals that a wide variety of human experiences—from eating fatty foods and engaging in sex to exercising, gambling, and using addictive substances—all activate the same core pathway in the...

“The Complete Family Guide to Addiction” by Thomas F. Harrison and Hilary S. Connery, MD, PhD, serves as an essential, comprehensive resource for family members and loved ones grappling with the complexities of addiction. The book’s central philosophy views addiction as a family disease, one that affects and reshapes the emotional and behavioral dynamics of...

In “The Craving Mind,” psychiatrist and neuroscientist Judson Brewer, M.D., Ph.D., reveals the scientific unity underlying all forms of addiction and compulsive behavior—from smoking and overeating to obsessively checking a smartphone. The book’s central argument is that craving is a universal, scientifically measurable phenomenon rooted in the brain’s simple, evolutionar...More

“The Daily Buddhist: 366 Days of Wisdom for Happiness, Inner Freedom, and Mindful Living” by Pema Sherpa and Brendan Barca is a practical and inspiring daily reader designed to integrate the transformative power of Buddhist wisdom into every day of the year. This book is structured as a year-long journey, with each day offering a...

“The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook” by Matthew McKay, Jeffrey C. Wood, and Jeffrey Brantley is a comprehensive and practical guide for mastering the transformative tools of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This evidence-based approach is specifically designed to help individuals who struggle with overwhelming emotions, unstable relationships, and impulsive, self-destr...More

In “The Heart of Addiction,” prominent psychoanalyst Lance Dodes, M.D., presents his revolutionary and compassionate theory that addiction is not a disease, but a psychological symptom rooted in intense emotional distress. Dodes argues that the core mechanism driving any addictive behavior—whether it is substance abuse, gambling, or compulsive eating—is the need to cope with an...

“The Meditation Guidebook for Beginners: A Mindfulness Meditation Workbook” by Dane Krauss is a clear, step-by-step manual designed to help anyone establish and sustain a personal meditation practice. Recognizing that the biggest hurdle for beginners is knowing where to start, this workbook demystifies mindfulness, breaking it down into simple, manageable daily exercises. The book’s ...More

In “The Mindful Brain,” clinical professor and neuroscientist Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., offers a powerful exploration of how mindfulness practice can physically and functionally rewire the brain to cultivate greater well-being. The book’s core message is that mindfulness is not just a spiritual practice; it is a profound biological tool that strengthens the brain’s ability...

“The Mindfulness Solution for Intense Emotions” by Cedar R. Koons, MSW, LCSW, is a highly practical and authoritative guide for anyone who struggles with overwhelming feelings and emotional instability. With a foreword by DBT founder Marsha M. Linehan, PhD, the book translates the core principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into accessible, powerful mindfulness techniques....