When you’re building a new life in recovery, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by advice. Everyone has a different opinion — and not all of it actually helps. But if you’re anything like me, you like to have a few go-to recovery resources on hand, and you should!

In my own recovery and throughout coaching clients, I’ve learned that there’s no single “right” path. Instead, there are frameworks, tools, voices, and communities that help you get honest, get grounded, and start moving forward again.

This isn’t a comprehensive list — it’s simply the resources I return to again and again.
Take what serves you, and leave what doesn’t.

Tools & Voices I Recommend Often

Mel Robbins

Mel is direct, practical, and zero fluff — which is why so many high-functioning professionals resonate with her style. If you’re trying to build momentum and need small shifts that drive real change, she’s a powerful voice.

Start with:

• The 5 Second Rule (book)
  
• The Mel Robbins Podcast
  
• Her message “Let Them,” which genuinely made a difference in my own recovery
  

She speaks to people who are driven, overwhelmed, and trying to rebuild with more honesty and intention.

Brené Brown

If you’re working through shame, self-doubt, or fear of judgment (which is most people in recovery), Brené’s work hits home. She grounds people in courage and vulnerability — skills that matter just as much as sobriety.

Start with:

• The Gifts of Imperfection
  
• Her TED Talk on vulnerability
  

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Recovery is about more than not drinking — it’s about building a life that doesn’t require alcohol to cope, escape, or perform.

Atomic Habits breaks behavior change down into simple, doable steps. Clients often see real progress after applying even one or two core ideas from this book.

If you’re rebuilding routines, identity, or structure, it’s an essential read.

Core Values Recovery

This is the coaching framework I’m certified in and use with every client — individuals and families. It centers on:

• Alignment
  
• Accountability
  
• Values-based decision-making
  
• Emotional clarity
  
• Structure you can actually stick to
  

It’s honest, practical, and adaptable — especially for professionals who want support without labels, shame, or “starting over.”

Learn more at corevaluesrecovery.com

Recovery Groups & Communities

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

A cornerstone for millions of people — myself included. Meetings are free, confidential, and available almost everywhere.

If you need structure, accountability, or simply a room where people get it, AA is a safe place to begin.

Start here: aa.org

SMART Recovery

SMART is an evidence-based, non–12-step approach built on cognitive and behavioral tools. It’s great for people who prefer a more analytical or science-driven format.

Learn more: smartrecovery.org

A Few More Things I Recommend Often

These can depend on the person, but they come up a lot in my work:

• Journaling with prompts: clarity comes from slowing down enough to hear yourself.
  
• Daily values check-ins: ask, “Did I act in alignment with who I’m trying to become?”
  
• Silence and stillness: even five minutes a day can reset the entire trajectory of your mood.
  
• Accountability from someone who understands: not to control you, but to help you stay honest with yourself.
  

These aren’t flashy, but they work — consistently.

Final Note

Everyone’s recovery path looks different. The goal isn’t to follow a perfect plan — it’s to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep choosing the next right step.

If you’re looking for structure, accountability, or guidance beyond what’s here:
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