Resources for survivors of Trauma and/or 12-step programs
Books and other media that might be helpful
There are several books and other resources that I have found helpful over the years, both to recover from trauma and to “de-program” from The Program. This is a starter list that will grow over time. It is part of the bibliography for my book and talk.
(yes, yes, I know – these are not yet in 100% style-guide format. Give it time. In the meantime you can cut and past the titles to search via your favorite library or buy-a-book platform; or follow the links to videos.)
All resources are books unless otherwise noted.
Trauma Recovery
The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, 20th Anniversary Edition. Ellen Bass and Laura Davis. 2008 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Bessel van der Kolk. 2014 Penguin Books. [KRF note: I found this great for learning about trauma, but was unsettled by the author’s apparent blanket approval of 12-Step Programs. But that may just be me.]
The EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Insititute – Link. [KRF note: there are multiple modalities out there to help trauma survivors, especially these days. I was introduced to EMDR in 2005 and it changed my life, so I link to it here. Other survivors may be more aided by different types of treatment.]
Deconstruction of and Alternatives to 12-Step Programs
The Sober Truth: Debunking the Bad Science Behind 12-Step Programs and the Rehab Industry. Lance Dodes, MD, and Zachary Dodes. 2014 Beacon Press.
Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addiction. Maia Szalavitz. 2016 St. Martin’s Press.
Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong. Johann Hari. 2015 TED Talk – Link
In Defense of Critical Thinking, and Against Group-Think and Brainwashing
The Age of American Unreason in a Culture of Lies. Susan Jacoby. 2018 Vintage.
Anti-Intellectualism in American Life. Richard Hofstadter. 1966 Vintage.
How to Recognize and Avoid Brainwashing. Co-Authored with Natalie Feinblatt, PsyD. 2024 wikiHow – Link.
Miscellany
Assume the Worst: The Graduation Speech You’ll Never Hear. Carl Hiassen. 2018 Knopf.
Toxic Positivity: The Reality of Suppressing Emotions. Dr. Tracey Marks. 2022 YouTube – Link
Do Your Job: The Stoic Response to Political Turmoil. Ryan Holiday. 2024 YouTube – Link
Disclaimer: All information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice. If you have concerns about your mental or physical health, please consult with a qualified professional. The information herein can be a helpful resource to prepare for discussions with your therapist, medical provider, spiritual advisor, or coach; but possibly not with your sponsor or your home group – proceed with caution.