Best 7 Emotional Sobriety Books

1. 12 Smart Things to Do When the Booze and Drugs Are Gone

By Allen Berger Ph. D.

Dr. Allen Berger draws on the teachings of Bill W. and psychotherapy pioneers to offer us twelve hallmarks of emotional sobriety. These “right actions” help us develop the confidence to be accountable for our behavior, to practice asking for what we want and need, and to cultivate a deeper trust in the process of life. Dr. Berger’s list of smart things includes 

• understanding who you are and what’s important to you 
• learning not to take others’ reactions personally 
• trusting your inner compass

2. Emotional Sobriety

By Tian Dayton

In Emotional Sobriety, Dr. Dayton teaches readers:

• How to understand the mind/body relationship of addiction and relationship trauma
• How to rewire your brain to undo the negative effects trauma has on personal, career, and romantic relationships
• How changing the way one lives and perceives adult relationships can change the way one thinks and feels and vice versa

3. 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety

By Allen Berger Ph.D.

In 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety, psychotherapist Dr. Allen Berger writes simply to explain and expand on the concept of emotional sobriety, combining wisdom from 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous with long-accepted psychological principles. Through heart-rending stories of profound change, careful explanation, and thoughtful exercises, Dr. Berger guides you to a calmer place—and a better life.

4. Emotional Sobriety Workbook

By Tian Dayton PhD

This journal is a companion to the book Emotional Sobriety, From Relationship Trauma to Resilience and Balance which, along with The ACoA Trauma Syndrome, are companion books for The Relationship Trauma Repair Model. The journal can be used at home as a self exploration that illuminates the issues in each chapter of Emotional Sobriety. The simple act of journaling actually elevates the immune system as it brings forward disparate thoughts and feelings and allows them to organically weave themselves into a coherent picture of self and self in relation.

5. Emotional Sobriety: A Meeting Guide for 12-Step Recovery

By Mark McConnell

This book is for any who is:

• Interested in starting a 12-Step meeting on Emotional Sobriety
• Looking for additional topics to add to an existing 12-Step meeting.
• Working one-on-one with your sponsor.
• Willing to examine the emotional triggers that impact your sobriety.
• Directing IOP recovery meetings

6. Boundaries in Recovery

By Taite Adams

Boundaries in Recovery was written to help you do just that. Written by someone who has been there and has had the same emotional sobriety struggles as most, this book takes a look at setting limitations from the perspective of the recovering person. Whether you need to learn to set healthy boundaries with family, partners, children, friends, or business associates, guidance is given to help the reader recognize and set healthy limits. If you learn to honor and respect yourself, and treat others with the same dignity you would want to be treated with, your whole life will change for the better.

7. A Pathway to Emotional Sobriety and How to Get It

By Craig Hutson

Written by a martial artist and long-time practitioner of the Twelve Steps, this book gives you strategies and ideas which will help you in your own personal journey towards sobriety and wellness. Sponsors who have themselves effectively studied and applied Steps Six and Seven of the Twelve Steps will understand the value of this book. Emotional Sobriety will guide you through this most vital phase in a sponsor’s journey of personal growth and change utilizing the Twelve Steps. Substance abuse counselors, life coaches, and mentors will also find this a helpful collaborative piece when working with those in recovery from substance abuse.