Your Go-To Resources
The tools, books, and support that helped me most.
Everything on this page is something I’ve personally used, read, or relied on in my own journey. I’m sharing it because I remember how overwhelming it felt to not know where to start. You don’t need all of it. You just need the right next thing. Take what helps. Leave what doesn’t. Go at your own pace.
Free Guides From Me
📖 The Blueprint You Never Got
The essential first steps to learning to take care of yourself when nobody taught you how. This is where I recommend everyone start.
📖 The Hobby Exploration Starter Kit
30 low-stakes hobby ideas organized by energy level, a printable permission slip, and 5 reflection prompts to reconnect with what you actually enjoy.
Support Groups & Community
Finding community was the most impactful step in my healing. More than books, more than anything I did alone. You don’t have to talk; you can just listen. But being in a room (or in a virtual meeting) with people who understand changes everything.
Al-Anon Family Groups
For anyone affected by someone else’s drinking. Offers understanding, encouragement, and tools for healing. You may need to try a few different meetings before you find the right fit. Virtual, phone, and in-person.
Adult Children of Alcoholics® /Dysfunctional Families
For adults who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise difficult homes. Focuses on recovery from childhood patterns. Virtual, phone, and in-person.
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA)
For people seeking healthier relationships and working to shed codependent patterns. Especially helpful if you grew up taking care of everyone else. Virtual and in-person.
SMART Recovery Family & Friends
Science-based support meetings for those affected by a loved one’s addiction. Virtual and in-person
The books that changed things for me
Recommended Reading
These are the books that helped me understand my past and build a better life. I’ve organized them by what you might be looking for right now. Start with whatever calls to you.
Disclosure: Some links on these pages are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. I only recommend books I personally trust.
Books for Understanding Your Past & Building a Better Life
The books that helped me make sense of where I came from and start moving forward — on rest, boundaries, healing, and learning to enjoy your life.
Books for Loving Someone With Addiction
If you’re currently living with or loving someone who’s struggling, these evidence-based books offer tools to cope, communicate, and protect your peace.
Books for Kids & Teens
For young readers dealing with a parent’s drinking. Stories that help them feel seen, understood, and less alone.
Learn More
Trusted Websites for Understanding What Happened
When I first started making sense of my childhood, these sites helped me understand addiction, family patterns, and why I am the way I am. Knowledge was the first step toward releasing shame.
How to Find the Right Therapist
Therapy changed everything for me. Finding the right one took a few tries, but once I did, it was like having someone shine a light on the parts of my story I couldn’t see on my own. Look for someone who understands family dysfunction and the experience of growing up in a difficult home. Don’t settle until you feel safe and understood. If cost is a barrier, look into sliding-scale therapists, community mental health centers, or online platforms.
I wrote a guide to help you find the right fit: Read the guide
Want more resources like these?
A couple times a month I send a short email with a personal story, a practical insight, or a piece of the permission you didn’t know you needed. Plus I share new resources as I find them.
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