Addiction Memoirs

Ryan never envisioned just how far his football career would take him. But bubbling under the surface of his entire NFL career was a collision course between his secret sexuality and his hidden drug use. As injuries mounted and his daily intake of opioids reached a near-lethal level, he wrote his suicide note to his parents and plotted his death. Yet, someone had been watching. A member of the Chiefs organization stepped in, recognizing the signs of drug addiction. Ryan reluctantly sought psychological help, and it was there that he revealed his lifelong secret for the very first time.

A congresswoman and her son reveal how he survived a ten-year battle with opioid abuse—and what their family’s journey to recovery can teach us about finding hope amid the unspeakable. “Beautiful and inspiring.”—Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper (Book of the Week) When Madeleine Dean...

A deeply personal exploration of fatherhood, addiction, and resiliency from Craig Melvin, news anchor of NBC’s Today show. For Craig Melvin this book is more an investigation than a memoir. It's an opportunity to better understand his father; to interrogate his family's legacy of addiction and...

Prodigal: A Journey to Freedom from Abuse and Addiction tells the amazing story of a modern-day prodigal son. Read how God uses moments from Wynn's life to lead him to freedom in Christ and a ministry helping others overcome the same temptations that once enslaved him.

A career-spanning selection of the legendary reporter David Carr’s writing for the New York Times, Washington City Paper, New York Magazine, the Atlantic, and more. Throughout his 25-year journalistic career, David Carr was noted for his sharp and fearless observations, his uncanny sense of...

A memoir of a decade in prison by a well-educated young addict known as the "Apologetic Bandit" In 2003 Daniel Genis, the son of a famous Soviet émigré writer, broadcaster, and culture critic, was fresh out of NYU when he faced a serious heroin addiction that led him into debt and ultimately...

This is a debut work by Washington, DC, area native writer and poet. It's a coming of age tale about a late bloomer who grew up feeling like a misfit. It's also the story of a young Jewish woman, who wanted to be an edgy punk rocker, but was too afraid to incur motherly guilt. True to her character, she weaves her ardor for music and nature all throughout the book.

Sister Siren takes us on the journey of loving someone in active addiction with riveting stories of critical moments the author stepped into with the addict she loves. Michaela’s intellectual, emotional, and spiritual curiosity takes a unique approach to addiction with daring experiential rigor, respect, and commitment to find the love that exists in all relationships, however imperfect or difficult it can be at times.

Bobby grew up on the streets of San Francisco in the 50’s and 60’s. Married at 17 and a small-time Marijuana dealer moves further into crime and addiction. Joined the US Navy at age 28, trying to get away from the street life, loses his family and himself in Skid Row of Los Angeles. “The Nickel” Finds redemption and recovery in a free county-run rehab center. This is a story of unconditional love, addiction, redemption, and forgiveness. And most importantly, God’s gift of desperation he received.

From her earliest days, Sanz was the easily forgotten stranger, always a little out of sync with the rest of the world—a tough but naïve kid and aspiring writer. Her triumph over illness and addiction includes amusing anecdotes and nostalgic, heartwarming memories. Dive deeply into Sanz’s confessional self-sabotage, self-destruction, and the harrowing downward spiral she almost didn’t survive. Her never-before-told story ranges from recklessness and impudence to empathy, forgiveness, and love.

For two decades, Mike Cinelli fought tirelessly to break free from the clutches of heroin and crack cocaine addiction. But a transformational encounter with Jesus Christ healed the broken pieces of his life and gave him a redemptive story that will inspire anyone looking for hope. In this raw and inspiring Christian memoir, Mike Cinelli describes his personal struggles with drug addiction and the profound grace that led him to the feet of his Savior.

Rich's life is spiraling out of control. Consumed by addiction to alcohol, opioid prescription drugs, and gambling, his attempts to drown out the darkness and reality of a troubled childhood will lead to unimaginable trials for his family. His wife, Sue, struggles to help him, but fears all hope is lost. In an instant, a horrific diagnosis after a sudden traumatic brain injury could end it all.

Written with the passion of an obsessive, Nicotine addresses a lifelong addiction, from the thrill of the first drag to the perennial last cigarette. Reflecting on his experiences as a smoker from a young age, Gregor Hens investigates the irreversible effects of nicotine on thought and patterns of behavior. He extends the conversation with other smokers to meditations on Mark Twain and Italo Svevo, the nature of habit, and the validity of hypnosis.

Leslie Schwartz's powerful, skillfully woven memoir of redemption and reading, as told through the list of books she read as she served a 90 day jail sentence In 2014, novelist Leslie Schwartz was sentenced to 90 days in Los Angeles County Jail for a DUI and battery of an officer. It was the...

With little more than a run-down Jeep and their newborn baby in tow, author Micah Perks' parents set out in 1963 to build a school and a utopian community in the mountains. The school would become known as a place to send teens with drug addictions and emotional problems, children with whom Micah and her sister would grow up. This complex memoir mixes a moving celebration of the utopian spirit and its desire for community and freedom with a lacerating critique of the consequences of those desires - especially for the children involved.

What shapes our sense of place, our sense of time, and our memory? How is technology changing the way we make sense of the world and of ourselves? Our screens offer us connection, especially now in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are certain depths of connection our screens can’t...

The Meyer family of Beaver Dam Wisconsin were not your run of the mill group of kin folk. Being the daughter of the infamous Ruth and Russell Meyer back in the 60’s was a roller coaster of fun times and tragic events. As children, we had the best times with dad. Fishing, skating, him bringing home a monkey, wrestling a bear, and finding humor in everyday functions such as farting. I have fond memories of him. My dad was a hilarious and lovable character. But when he was drinking, he became extremely violent.

A small and effeminate boy bullied for years while growing up in an alcoholic family in suburban Cleveland Gil finds refuge in the equestrian world. A coach instills in him the dream of going to the Olympics and becomes his mentor, his guide and his predator. Gil survives rape, betrayals, setbacks, and the loss of family and friends all while on a quest to fulfill his dream. This book is not only about surviving; it's about the resilience of the human spirit and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

Curious is the story of Christina Dent's learning journey after a life-changing experience with the mother of her foster son sparks curiosity about the best way to reduce harm from drugs. With addiction touching many families and potent drugs available almost everywhere, better solutions are needed. Curious offers one. Christina was born, raised, and homeschooled in a conservative Christian home in Mississippi. The proverbial good girl, she stayed away from drugs and earned a degree in Bible before leading ministries at her church.

Ever wondered what it takes to rise from near-death to extraordinary success? This book is for anyone looking for inspiration, resilience, and powerful business insights. Uncover the dual journey of Antonio Iozzo, who battled addiction while rising as a visionary leader, providing you with the strength to overcome your own challenges. Get inside the mind of a CEO managing a multibillion-rand empire while facing a crippling addiction, so you can apply these lessons to your personal and professional life.