Resources

COVID-19 and Sobriety

Recovery Communities

SMART Recovery: a global community for addiction recovery with an approach focused on social science and self-empowerment

Government Health Resources

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): an institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that funds and conducts research on alcohol’s impacts on health and well-being

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts surrounding substance abuse and mental illness

National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH): Find information about various mental disorders and treatments, including substance use disorders

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Alcohol and Public Health Website

NIH’s Medline Plus: Find additional information and resources on Alcohol Use Disorder

Other Recovery Blogs

  • The Fix: Find information, first-person stories, and support. The Fix offers “a daily mix of breaking news, exclusive interviews, investigative reports, essays and blogs on sober living, lifestyle and cultural resources, as well as knowledge and wisdom from expert counsel. We also offer Rehab Reviews and practical guides for dealing with addiction and related mental health and life issues.”
  • Hip Sobriety: Holly shares advice, resources, and inspiration based on her individualized recovery path.
  • Shatterproof Blog: A national nonprofit offering weekly substance use news and personal stories from people in recovery and those close to them.
  • Soberistas: An online community focused on gaining control after giving up alcohol.
  • The High-Functioning Alcoholic: A mental health-based forum that aims to “lead to a decrease in the stigma and a contribution towards shifting the image of the alcoholic so that those who are high-functioning recognize their problem and do not feel alone in reaching out for help.”
  • The Recovery Revolution: A multimedia space with podcasts, personal stories, artwork and fiction based on recovery, and more.
  • UnPickled: Jean offers timely support and encouragement for managing day-to-day sobriety.
  • The Miracle of the Mundane: Mark writes about tuning into the beauty and awe life has to offer after overcoming addiction, even in the average moments.
  • Drunky Drunk Girl: Relatable posts from a former wine-lover about the ups and downs of sobriety.
  • Sober Mommies: A welcoming and judgment-free space for mothers in recovery, and for whom a religious or 12 step approach may not be the best fit.
  • Understanding Addiction: Marc assesses addiction and recovery from a neuroscience and developmental psychology background.
  • Laura McKowen: Laura offers heartfelt advice on how to stay sober and truly live a full life without alcohol in a conversational and personable style.
  • Soberocity: An online community to help people who are living without alcohol connect with one another and find support
  • Sober Señorita: Kelly offers encouragement for people “to break the stigma of addiction, to let others know help is available for substance use disorders, and that you do not have to suffer in silence.”

The sources below also provide helpful lists of blogs about alcohol recovery, sobriety, and related issues:

Books

Here are a few books I’ve enjoyed about the transition from heavy drinking to sobriety:

  • This Naked Mind by Annie Grace – the first “sobriety book” I read, this helped me develop a positive, confident mindset as I entered live without alcohol. It also prompted me to reflect on the social dynamics, societal pressures, and stigma surrounding alcohol and sobriety.
  • Alcohol Explained by William Porter – when I was struggling after my “pink cloud” subsided, this book eloquently offered scientific information about what alcohol does to the brain and body, and what happens when you stop, that reinforced my decision to quit.
  • Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget by Sarah Hepola – I was impressed by how honest, brave, relatable, and completely absorbing Sarah’s story was. A beautifully written book about the dark side of alcohol misuse, sexuality, and identity for women.
  • Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol by Ann Dowsett Johnston – this book touched on developmental psychology, socialization, and stigma. I’d hoped it would go deeper into those subjects, but it was more of a memoir. It was also focused on spiritual recovery paths. Nevertheless, it was an interesting read!

Here are some additional lists of books about sobriety and recovery you can browse:

Miscellaneous