books

Daily readers: Courage to Change. One Day at a Time. Hope for Today, How Al Anon Works and more. These are meant to supplement Al Anon meetings where hope is found for friends and families of alcoholics.  Parents of any substance abusers are welcome and will find help for themselves.

Visit Al-Anon.Alateen.org for meetings and a catalog of literature. In Wisconsin, see Alanon-wi.org for the West Allis service center where literature is available for purchase.…

Author: William Cope Moyers

Here is the layman’s map of drug abuse, treatment and recovery. Easy to read, this little book takes you through the obstacle course of, “We’ve identified the problem – now what?” Excellent for parents or those who love an addict, or for the addict his or herself. Why assume that they know this information? Why not learn it yourself?…

Author:  Many men, one God

The Bible. Recommended starting points and go-to reading for heavy hearts needing direction:  Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, 1 Peter, James.

I don’t need to review the Bible but for those not familiar with it, God specializes in wisdom and comfort. As a wise counselor once told me, God has trouble with His kids too.…

Author: Sarah Young

This devotional has brief daily readings that are as spoken to you directly from Jesus. Vastly popular for its personal tone – by now I’m sure you have heard of it. Somehow it seems to be written just for you, just for that day.…

Author: Elisa Morgan

Think families of faith skip through life while others trudge the mud? Elisa Morgan was the president of a large Christian organization for moms and you guessed it, she has a story to tell. I love the perspective she lends in deep vulnerability and honesty when things in her family did not go the way she envisioned. This book makes you think about the judgments we make and the lavish grace of God.…

Affectionately called, “The Big Book,” Bill Wilson and Bob Smith co-authored this book in 1939 with input from AA members. Four editions later it is the widely studied guidebook to the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, including the 12 Steps outlined in chapter 5, “How It Works.” Find out what it’s like to be an alcoholic and how they found the spiritual solution to the problem and the action required. Stories of other alcoholics included.…

Author: L.B. Cowman

First published in 1925, Mrs. Cowman wrote this in the heartbreak of her husband dying. Points to God, helps the heart, and offers perspective daily.…

Authors: William Backus and Marie Chapian

I’m not sure what Misbelief Therapy is except understanding that we tell ourselves lies, and then we tend to believe them. There’s nothing like loving a struggling child to make us turn on ourselves.  Let’s hear truth and choose to believe that instead.  Another Sarah recommended this book to me and it was immensely practical in my life.…

Author: Joseph A. Califano, Jr.

This author has a résumé as long as your arm. He is the founding chair and president of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University. Passionate about the disastrous impact that substances have on American lives, economy and welfare, Califano lays out the very high toll substance use takes on an individual and our society — fascinating.…

Author: Gary Chapman

For everyone with growing children. It’s good to know our kids’ love language no matter their age.…