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 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.]
A.R.T.: Accelerated Resolution Therapy – Link.
The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It. Aimie Apigian, MD. 2025 BenBella Books.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Bessel van der Kolk MD. 2014 Penguin Books.
Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression—and the Unexpected Solutions. Alternate subtitle is “Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope.” Discusses trauma as it relates to depression. Johann Hari. 2019 Bloomsbury Publishing.
Twelve Mis-Steps: How Twelve-Step Programs Trip Up Trauma Survivors. K’ai Roberts Fu. 2026 M6Publishing.
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.
Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong. Johann Hari. 2015 TED Talk – Link
Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addiction. Maia Szalavitz. 2016 St. Martin’s Press.
US of AA: How the Twelve Steps Hijacked the Science of Alcoholism. Joe Miller. 2019 Chicago Review Press.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Cult or Cure? Charles Bufe. 1998 See Sharp Press.
AA: How Alcoholics Anonymous Steals Your Soul: Indoctrinating America in 12 Easy Steps Robert N. Warner 2013.
Beyond the 12 Steps: 9 Books on Addiction, Trauma, and Recovery K’ai Roberts Fu Video – Link
The Heart of Addiction: A New Approach to Understanding and Managing Alcoholism and Other Addictive Behaviors – A Radical Psychiatrist’s Guide to Emotional Roots and Recovery. Lance Dodes, MD. 2002.
Why Bad Habits Stick (and How to Finally Break Free) Dr. Tracey Marks Video – Link
It’s So Easy: And Other Lies. Duff McKagan. 2011 Touchstone.
Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs Johann Hari. 2015 Bloomsbury Publishing.
Undoing Drugs: How Harm Reduction Is Changing the Future of Drugs and Addictions: Maia Szalavitz. 2021. Balance Publishing.
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
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.