12 books on psychology of addiction
The Craving Mind
What is The Craving Mind about?
Why do we become hooked on different habits, like smoking or playing video games? “The Craving Mind” by Judson Brewer and Jon Kabat-Zinn will help you find answers to those questions. The book explores the science behind cravings, explaining how our brains get wired to seek rewards and how mindfulness can help us regain control. Whether you're struggling to quit smoking or find yourself glued to your smartphone, this book will definitely help you.
This Naked Mind
What is This Naked Mind about?
“This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life” by Annie Grace explains the psychological and physical effects of alcohol on the human body. You will gain an understanding of the nature and causes of alcohol dependence. The book will prove why giving up alcohol is much better and healthier than drinking it.
Never Enough
What is Never Enough about?
Judith Grisel knows addiction from two perspectives: as a former addict and as a neuroscientist. In "Never Enough," she combines science and personal experience to explain why addiction takes hold and why it’s so hard to break free. What makes this book compelling isn’t just the facts about how drugs alter the brain but Grisel’s honesty about her own struggles.
The Molecule of More
What is The Molecule of More about?
Perhaps you've heard about dopamine at least once in your life. The book The Molecule of More explains that dopamine, a chemical in our brain, is behind many actions and desires. You will learn why you are obsessed with what you want and bored when you get it. Love, business, addiction, politics, and more are influenced by dopamine, and this book is your chance to understand people's behavior and predict it.
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts
What is In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts about?
As an expert on trauma and addiction, Gabor Maté can share a lot of insight into the psychology of addiction. Learning what addiction actually is (and isn’t) will help you or someone you know to feel understood and supported, as well as equipped with methods for healing.
Dopamine Nation
What is Dopamine Nation about?
In her book “Dopamine Nation”, Anna Lembke opens the veil of addictions you didn't even know about. The author tells about their roots and how, eventually, they can change from being pleasurable to agonizing and detrimental.
Under the Influence
What is Under the Influence about?
Is alcoholism a choice, a moral failing, or something deeper? "Under the Influence" by James Milam and Katherine Ketcham debunks the myths surrounding alcohol addiction and reveals it for what it truly is: a chronic, progressive disease. Written in a clear and straightforward style, the book delves into the physiological effects of alcohol on the body and brain, showing how addiction rewires the mind long before a person realizes it.
Unbroken Brain
What is Unbroken Brain about?
Forget what you think you know about addiction — Maia Szalavitz is here to change your perception of it. In "Unbroken Brain," she argues that addiction isn’t a disease in the traditional sense. It's rather a learning disorder rooted in how the brain processes pleasure and pain. Using neuroscience, psychology, and her own experience as a former addict, Szalavitz offers a fresh perspective on why some people become addicted and how they can recover.
Clean
What is Clean about?
In "Clean," David Sheff tackles one of America’s most pressing issues: the addiction epidemic. He argues that our current approach to addiction is all wrong, focusing too much on punishment and not enough on prevention and treatment. "Clean" offers a roadmap for families, policymakers, and anyone who wants to understand this crisis. It’s both a call to action and a guide to healing.
Rewired
What is Rewired about?
If you’re tired of hearing the same old advice about addiction recovery, "Rewired" by Erica Spiegelman is something totally different. Spiegelman’s approach is all about empowerment: helping readers take control of their recovery. Unlike many recovery books that emphasize abstinence above all, "Rewired" focuses on building a fulfilling life that makes relapse less likely.
Understanding Addiction
What is Understanding Addiction about?
"Understanding Addiction" by Charles Smith and Jason Hunt aims to dispel common myths and misconceptions about addiction. The book focuses on presenting addiction as a brain disease rather than a moral failing. It explores the neurobiological and psychological factors that contribute to addiction while emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding over stigma and judgment.
Healing the Shame that Binds You
What is Healing the Shame that Binds You about?
Toxic shame has a corrosive influence on the perception of self and on our choices. In "Healing the Shame that Binds You", John Bradshaw explains the nature of shame-based behaviors and offers ways for healing. He also shares his personal struggles with alcohol consumption rooted in shame, providing readers with support and understanding.
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