Addiction books & resources

The following is a list of recommended books and resources about addiction. The Location(s) available column shows where these books are available, eg, from your local Christchurch City Library (CCL) and/or from the Mental Health Education and Resource Centre (MHERC).

Books can be reserved online and checked out by visiting CCL or MHERC. If a book is not available, a librarian may be able to suggest another book or place a hold on a book. To borrow or place a hold on a book, you must be a member of the library. MHERC can post books and other resources out to its users, including those living in rural areas, and will include a post-paid bag for returning books. Once read, books need to be returned to the library.

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Cover
Title & Author
Description
Year
Location(s) available

Grandparenting the Children of Addicted Parents: Experiences and Wisdom for Kinship Carers

Janet Bujra

Year: 2019

This is an accessible book on grandparenting children in cases where grandparents have become legally responsible for parenting a child in their family, often due to parental drug misuse or mental health issues. This book has grandparent kinship carers talking candidly about the challenges involved and what support services are available.

2019

Location

CCL

Easy Way to Control Alcohol

By Allen Carr

Year: 2013

Subject: Step-by-step instruction

In his Easy Way to Control Alcohol Allen applies his revolutionary method to drinking. With startling insight into why we drink and clear, simple, step-by-step instructions, he shows you the way to escape from the “alcohol trap” in the time it takes to read this book. His unique method removes the feeling of deprivation and works without using willpower. Allen dispels our illusions about alcohol, removes the psychological dependence and sets you free to enjoy life to the full.

2013

Location

CCL


SL

WL

 

Mrs D is Going Without

By Lotta Dann

Year: 2014

Subject: Personal journey

Mrs D is an alcoholic, albeit a very nice, respectable, articulate and groomed alcoholic. This is an honest, upfront, relatable account of one suburban housewife’s journey from miserable wine-soaked boozer to self-respecting sober lady. This book is an inspirational tale of self-transformation, addiction and domesticity. This book lays out the entirely unexpected solo journey Mrs D took in the first year of her sobriety, and reveals the incredible online support that came through on her confessional blog, a blog intended to be a private online diary but which turned into something else quite remarkable.

2014

Location

CCL

MHERC

SL

WL

HL

When Someone You Love is Addicted to Alcohol or Drugs

By Jim Maclaine

Year: 2001

Subject: Helping a loved one

If you know someone with a drinking or drug problem then this guide is for you. Psychologist Jim Maclaine, one of Australia’s most experienced and respected drug/alcohol counsellors, provides invaluable advice and proven strategies that can help you reach out to someone you love and make a difference.

2001

Location

CCL

MHERC

SL

Adolescent Drug & Alcohol Abuse

By Nikki Babbit

Year: 2000

Subject: Parenting support

Adolescents are aware of potential dangers when they use drugs or binge on alcohol, but they think they are invincible and will escape the dangers. The average age when teens start drinking is 13; for marijuana experimentation it is 14.Parents are often the last to know about their children’s involvement with alcohol or drugs. Chemical abusers do whatever they can to conceal their use. Families can rationalize the behaviors, particularly in adolescence, as being caused by something other than chemicals. Is the defiance part of a normal separation from parents? Due to a breakup with a girlfriend? Just adolescent hormones kicking in? Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Abuse offers parents clear information, support, and guidance.

2000

Location

MHERC