7 Must-Read Books That Address Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is a serious global epidemic. In the United States alone, over 165 million opioid painkillers are prescribed annually, contributing to the rise of opioid abuse and overdose. In order to help combat this growing epidemic, it’s important to understand the nature and causes of opioid addiction. Fortunately, there are many great books available that can help to address the topic. Below, we highlight some of the most informative, must-read titles on the subject of opioid addiction.

1. “Bad Pharma” by Ben Swann

This groundbreaking book by investigative journalist Ben Swann takes a critical look at Big Pharma’s influence on the development and regulation of prescription drugs. Focusing specifically on the opioid epidemic and its roots, Swann meticulously explores the history of both Big Pharma and the American medical community’s relationship with opioids.

 In doing so, he uncovers a truth that few are willing to acknowledge: drug manufacturers have long held a significant monopoly over the prescription drug market and have often manipulated the medical community to increase their profits. Swann’s book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand better how pharmaceutical companies influence the medical community and how to combat this influence.

2. “Breaking the Cycle of Addiction” by Tricia McAlary

In her book, “Breaking the Cycle of Addiction,” addiction recovery advocate Tricia McAlary highlights both the science behind opioid addiction and the extensive resources that are available to help those suffering from this disease. As McAlary details, opioid addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that requires consistent treatment in order to remain stable. Drawing on her own experience with opioid addiction, McAlary explains how recovery works and how to navigate the many treatment options available today. Breaking the Cycle of Addiction is a must-read for anyone looking for comprehensive information on the nature of opioid addiction and the resources available to treat it.

3. “Heroin Chic” by Julie Pace

This book by Washington Post reporter Julie Pace details her personal experiences with opioid addiction and her journey through recovery. From her first experience with prescription painkillers to the present day, Pace shares her honest, personal story of overcoming opioid addiction.

 Heroin chic is an intimate, informative look at one person’s experience with opioid addiction, and Pace’s story is perhaps the most comprehensive account of opioid addiction available. Because of its intimacy, Heroin chic is also a great resource for family members who want to better understand addiction and recovery.

4. “The Road Back: Finding a Cure for Addiction” by John Ball

If you want to learn more about the causes of opioid addiction and how to prevent them, look no further than The Road Back. This book by John Ball, former chief of psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health, details how opioid addiction is often caused by a combination of genetic, social and environmental factors.

 As such, it is imperative that we identify and address these underlying causes in order to prevent future outbreaks of opioid addiction. The Road Back is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about the causes of opioid addiction and the best ways to combat them.

5. “The Fix: Hollywood’s Addiction to Pain – and the Solution” by David Kessler

This book is perhaps the most comprehensive treatment of the opioid crisis available. In it, former FDA Commissioner David Kessler examines the history of the opioid crisis and uncovers the major flaws in America’s prescription drug system. With his trademark wit, Kessler explains the major causes of prescription drug abuse, as well as how these flaws in the system contribute to the rise of opioid addiction. The Fix is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the causes of opioid addiction and the best ways to treat them.

6. “What You Need to Know About Pain” by Robert Fantazzi

This guide is an excellent resource for physicians and patients alike. Written by Robert Fantazzi, a professor of anesthesia and pain medicine at Harvard Medical School, What You Need to Know About Pain is an accessible and informative guide to understanding pain and how to treat it. This book is an excellent resource for any healthcare professional who wants to better treat pain and understand the nature of their patients’ suffering.

7. “Facing Addiction: A Step-by-Step Guide to Recovery” by Patrick J. Carnes

This book is perhaps the most comprehensive guide to recovery available. Facing Addiction is a step-by-step guide to recovery, designed to help those struggling with opioid addiction understand what they are going through and how to overcome it. Designed for those who are new to recovery or in need of a refresher course, Facing Addiction is an indispensable resource.

Oasis Recovery Can Help 

As the opioid crisis continues to grow, it is more important than ever to understand the nature of opioid addiction and what can be done to combat it. Fortunately, this is a topic that can be understood in great depth thanks to many excellent books. From history to science to personal narratives, there is a wealth of information available on the subject of opioid addiction, and these books are a great place to start.

If you feel that you or a loved one may be struggling with substance abuse, you are not alone. Substance abuse and addiction can affect anyone. If you or a loved one are currently struggling with addiction, help is available! We encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services.

 Oasis Recovery was founded from firsthand experience of addiction and recovery, with a mission of providing a space where people can heal from addiction in a compassionate, creative, open-minded, and heart-centered environment. We believe recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include:

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
• Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
• Aftercare Services

Contact us today for more information about how our programs and services can help you get your life back on track. You no longer have to struggle with addiction on your own. We are here to help.