Helpful Books

Books written by Men in Recovery Books for Wives and Couples


BOOKS: Popularly-written books for the general readership focusing on Recovery.

Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, 40 days of purpose to grow & discover God's purpose - will for your life (in recovery)

Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction
With today's rampant availability of Internet pornography, sexual addiction has become a national epidemic that affects up to 10 percent of Christians. As devastating as any drug habit, it brings heartbreak and despair to those it entangles. But there is help for men and women caught in sexual addiction's downward spiral. This book offers a path that leads beyond compulsive thoughts and behaviors to healing and transformation. Sensitive to the shame of sexual addiction without minimizing its sinfulness, Dr. Laaser traces the roots of the problem, discusses its patterns and impact, and maps out a biblical approach to self-control and sexual integrity. Previously titled Faithful and True, this revision includes an all-new section that deals with sexual addiction in the church.

The Prayer of Jabez, by Bruce Wilkinson, A simple guide to help someone expand their borders while asking God to keep them from evil

The Pornography Trap
, Ralph H. Earle, Mark Laaser. Just Came Out!!!
This is Dr. Laaser’s latest book, written with Dr. Ralph Earle. It addressed the problem of pornography addiction, especially on the Internet, and other sexual addictions. It was especially written for pastors and Christian leaders. Stories are used throughout to illustrate basic concepts. This book includes chapters on how to develop intimacy, find accountability, and grow spiritually as the ways to find fidelity from sexual sin and addiction. Readers will also find the chapters on the role of trauma in addiction and the path of healing from trauma as being a vital contribution to the healing journey.

Faithful and True: Sexual Integrity in a Fallen World
, Mark Laaser, Ph.d., Zondervan, 1992.
Written by a former pastor, therapist, and secret sex addict, it covers how to treat sexual addiction from a therapist's perspective. In addition, there is also an excellent workbook by the same name for indiviual and group study.

False Intimacy: Understanding the Struggle of Sexual Addiction, Dr. Harry W. Schaumburg, Navpress, 1997.
An excellent, in-depth approach to understanding the issues underneath sexual addiction. It includes chapters on "The Recovering Marriage" and on children.

Lonely All the Time: Recognizing, Understanding, and Overcoming Sex Addiction, For Addicts and Co-Dependents
, Dr. Ralph Earle and Dr. Gregory Crow, Tri-Star, 1998.
This is a comprehensive text on the sources and treatment of sexual addiction. It includes a major section that is devoted to the family of the addict.

Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction, Dr. Patrick Carnes, CompCare Publications, 1983.
Though not a part of the evangelical commuinty, Dr. Carnes is the most-recognized expert on Sexual Addiction in the United States. This is a classic text on understanding sexual addiction.

Books: The Healing Process for Partners of Sexual Addicts

Back From Betrayal, Jennifer P. Schneider, M.D., Hazelden, 1988. Still the classic text for wives recovering from their husbands' affairs, and from their own co-addiction, written by a woman who has been there.

Codependent No More
, Melody Beattie, Hazelden, 1987.
The classic on how to disengage from your spouse's addiction and walk your own path toward health.

Living With Your Husband's Secret Wars
, Marsha Means, Revell, 1999.
Guidebook for wives of sex addicts, from the "crazy time" after disclosure, through grieving, facing your own issues, and the rebirth of trust. Includes Guide for Weekly Support Group Meeting. Proactive and hopeful.

Love Must Be Tough
, Dr. James Dobson, Word, 1996.
The President of Focus on the Family explains the biblical basis for the wife of a sexually-addicted man "drawing a line in the sand" regarding the husband's addictive behavior.

Forgive and Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don't Deserve
, Lewis B. Smedes, Harper & Row, 1984.
Christian theologian Smedes writes an easy-to-read book on what authentic forgiveness is, what it isn't , and how to get there.

Sex, Lies, and Forgiveness: Couples Speaking Out on Healing From Sex Addiction
, Jennifer P. Schneider, M.D. and Burt Schneider, Hazelden, 1990.
Co-authored by Dr. Schneider and her recovering sex addict husband, on their work with other sexually addicted couples.

Stone Cold in a Warm Bed: One Couple's Battle with Pornography
, Kathryn Wilson with Paul Wilson, Horizon Books, 3825 Hartzdale Dr. Camp Hill, PA, 1998.
An intensely personal, highly readable book by a couple who has walked back from the brink of divorce; very balanced and thoroughly biblical. Highly recommended.

Surviving An Affair
, Willard F. Harley, Jr. and Jennifer Harley Chalmers, Revell, 1998.
Excellent overview of the path toward marital restoration following an affair; well-written, practical and realistic.

Open Hearts: Renewing Relationships with Recovery, Romance, and Reality
, Patrick Carnes, Mark and Debra Laaser, Gentle Path Press, 2000.
Order at 1-800-955-9853.

Restoring the Fallen: A Team Approach to Caring, Confronting, & Reconciling
, Earl & Sandy Wilson, Paul & Virginia Freisen, and Larry & Nancy Paulson.
Describes the 3-year marital restoration process for the Wilsons following the discovery of Earl's long-term sexual addiction (while a Christian leader). Powerful and honest; an excellent restoration road map for those going through the process or for those helping others.

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