A Wide Range of Resources – Learning More About Addiction and Recovery

Learning Preferences

When it comes to getting information and learning new things, different people have different preferences.

Maybe you are the kind of person who likes to research things on the internet, reading articles and clicking on links to learn more and more about the topic you are interested in. Or maybe you have a more old-school approach, preferring to head over to the library to do your research by plucking books off the shelves and doing a deep dive into an issue or idea.

Of course, it is possible that you may not be much into reading but instead enjoy watching documentaries that can give you some insight into something you are interested in. Maybe you enjoy watching short lectures and explanatory videos. Or perhaps podcasts are your favorite way of learning about new things.

We get it. And we also get that if the subject you are researching is addiction and recovery, it is important to connect to resources that will serve you well. Here are some options for learning more about substance use disorders and the recovery journey.

One Website: www.aviaryrecoverycenter.com

It might seem self-serving for us to choose our own website as a great source for learning more about addiction, treatment, and recovery. But given that you are already here, we figure it is fair to suggest reasons you have come to the right place.

This blog, for example, is filled with information on a wide array of topics related to substance use disorders and recovery. Here, you can learn about everything from the signs of a substance use disorder to alternatives to 12-Step recovery programs to the realities of relapse and much, much more.

And, of course, when you are ready to enter a treatment program, The Aviary Recovery Center is ready to help. Information about treatment, insurance, and more is all available on our website.

One Book: Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp

There are so many books—novels, memoirs, scholarly works, graphic novels—about substance use and its dangers, that it is understandably difficult to narrow the list down to just one. But we are taking our cue from Katie MacBride, who has this to say about Caroline Knapp’s book:

This is arguably the most important book I’ve ever read. Years before I got sober, Caroline Knapp pulled me into this book with her gorgeous prose. Once I was hooked on her writing, I began to see a reflection of my story in her own. A must read for…anyone.

But MacBride didn’t limit herself to a single choice. You can read her list of 100 essential books about addiction at Book Riot.

One Documentary: Take Your Pills

We offered a list of inspiring documentaries not too long ago, so we won’t repeat ourselves here. Instead, we suggest the 2018 documentary Take Your Pills, which focuses on the ways in which drugs intended to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be misused and lead to substance use disorders. The film serves as a reminder that even substances meant to be helpful can cause serious harm if used for purposes and in doses that are not in keeping with their prescribed use. Prescription drug abuse is an ongoing issue, and Take Your Pills takes a good, hard look at the problem.

One TED Talk: Tony Hoffman – The Stigma of Addiction

Those who struggle with a substance use disorder face all kinds of challenges, not the least of which is the way in which people with addiction are stigmatized in society. That stigmatization, as Hoffman points out in his talk, can last long after a person has gotten sober.

He tells his own story in this TEDxFresnoState talk, which has been viewed nearly 80,000 times—a testament to how much the issue of stigma and substance use disorders resonates in society. Hoffman relates his downward journey from being a promising 18-year-old BMX racer to being an addict in serious trouble. He also shares his story of redemption and his commitment to helping others.

One Podcast: Far From Finished

Hearing the stories of people who have had experiences similar to our own can be a great comfort—and can encourage us to keep trying even when things are difficult. That is why the sharing of stories is so central to group therapy and to 12-Step and other recovery programs. The same idea is behind the Far From Finished podcast, a show that features individuals telling their own stories of addiction and recovery.

When you are struggling with cravings or other factors that threaten to undermine your confidence in your ability to avoid drugs or alcohol, hearing the story of someone else’s recovery journey may be just what you need to reset and recommit to another day of sobriety.

One Facility: The Aviary Recovery Center

There is a lot to be learned from books, articles, films, lectures, podcasts, and various other sources of information and inspiration. But if you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, there is no substitute for treatment. At The Aviary Recovery Center, we use evidence-based approaches to create personalized treatment plans that will serve as a foundation for your recovery. We can address co-occurring mental health disorders, as well, which is an essential part of building a successful recovery plan. And we are committed to a continuum of care, which means you have access to resources and support even after you leave residential treatment. We are here to help whenever you are ready.