10 Books for Parents/Caregivers to Better Understand Substance Abuse and Addiction in Teens

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to helping your teen overcome a substance abuse problem or addiction. From recognizing the signs of substance abuse to navigating the steps families must take to support long-term recovery, these books provide a wealth of information to help you make the right decisions.

Please note that if you click on a link in this post and choose to purchase a product, The New Adventure Foundation may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This commission is paid by the retailer and is used by our foundation to support families in need with teens in crisis through Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch and Genesis Ranch.

1. A Parent’s Guide to Teen Addiction

This book, by Laurence M. Westreich, provides comprehensive guidance from the moment parents suspect their teen has a substance abuse problem to the steps that families must take after intensive treatment. 

2. The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse

Author Richard Capriola provides a straightforward guide for parents to identify and understand their child’s substance abuse with advice on finding treatment programs.

3. Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction

David Sheff provides a deeply personal memoir that offers insights into the impact of addiction on families and the complex journey to recovery in this book. 

4. Codependent No More

Author Melody Beattle helps parents understand and overcome codependency, which is common among those with addicted loved ones. We love this book at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. 

5. If You Love Me: A Mother’s Journey Through Her Daughter’s Opioid Addiction

Mother Maureen Cavanagh delivers a heart-wrenching memoir of her experience with her daughter’s opioid addiction, offering hope and insight for parents facing similar struggles with their teens. 

6. Clearing the Haze: Helping Families Face Teen Addiction

Dr. Christian Thurstone and Christine Tatum offer expert advice and practical guidance for families dealing with teen addiction. This book supports evidence-based methodology with real-life stories of recovery.

7. The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence

Author Jessica Lahey provides research-based strategies and practical tools for preventing substance abuse in children. 

8. Mothering Addiction: A Parent’s Story of Heartache and Hope

This book chronicles author Lynda Harrison’s personal journey with her son’s heroin addiction, offering perspective and guidance for other parents.

9. Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change

This book, authored by Jeffrey Foote, Carrie Wilkins, Nicole Kosanke, and Stephen Higgs, uses motivational and behavioral strategies based in love and kindness to help families and their loved ones struggling with substance abuse.

10. Don’t Let Your Kids Kill You: A Guide for Parents of Drug and Alcohol Addicted Children

Author Charles Rubin emphasizes the importance of self-care for parents and offers practical advice on how to deal with an addicted child without losing oneself.

Help for Parents and Caregivers Starts Here

These books offer valuable insights, practical advice, and support for parents and caregivers dealing with the challenging issue of teen substance abuse and addiction. The topics discussed in these books range from evidence-based methodologies to alternative and supplemental approaches.

---

Need help? Speak with an admissions specialist at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch today. We can help you navigate your options and decide if substance abuse treatment in a Christ-centered residential treatment program is the right choice for your family.