Readings and Resources for Clients

Sometimes your clients may need a little inspiration. We have compiled a series of readings that help support a life in recovery. Just direct your clients to these pages, or print them out for them.

Reading List

Confronting a History of Mental Illness
Struggling to understand his mother's pain and his longstanding battle with anxiety, reporter and memoirist Tom Davis returns to his family--and genealogical records--to find answers.

The Twelve Steps for Non-Believers
Marya Hornbacher, in her new book, Waiting, describes her own journey through the Twelve Steps as a non-believer and charts a new understanding of the spiritual course of recovery.

Daily Meditations Help People with Mental Health Disorders
Daily meditations have long been a part of recovery for people with addictions. A Restful Mind offers inspiration and support for people living with mental health problems.

A Model for Understanding Psychiatric Disorders
Families of people with mental illness often struggle with questions about the disorder. This simple handout from Hazelden's Co-occurring Disorders Program provides answers -- and allows family members to participate in their relative's care and recovery

Balance and Boundaries
In Shock Waves, Cynthia Orange provides practical advice on managing one's own reactions to a loved one's PTSD symptoms and illustrates that understanding one's limits may do the most to promote healthy recovery.

Journey Toward Sanity
In Sane: Mental Illness, Addiction, and the 12 Steps, Marya Hornbacher examines the Twelve Steps and sets out suggestions for how those with mental illness can work through them and apply them in their support groups and their life in recovery. In this excerpt, Hornbacher considers her early encounters with Alcoholics Anonymous and the Twelve Steps.

Cultivating Resiliency
In her book, The Gifts of Imperfection, author Brené Brown considers why some people seem more able to cope with stress and trauma in a way that allows them to move forward with their lives.

Getting Help for Co-occurring Disorders
If you have co-occurring disorders, don't despair. There are effective ways to treat your mental health disorder while you heal from addiction. 

Find other books and recources

Recovery Links

Peer support groups, mental health advocates, and public policy agencies can help you and your clients learn more about mental health and co-occurring disorders.

Video Archive

Preview DVDs on mental health disorders and co-occurring conditions and see brief video clips on client support groups.