Best Nonfiction on Drugs & Alcohol Abuse Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

Hey, Kiddo: A Graphic Novel by Jarrett Krosoczka is a powerful memoir about growing up with a drug-addicted mother, a missing father, and two opinionated grandparents. Through his childhood, Jarrett tries to make his non-normal life as normal as possible, finding solace in drawing. As a teenager, he begins to piece together the truth of his family, reconciling with his mother and searching for his father. This graphic novel is a compelling and emotional read that sheds light on addiction and the power of art to help us survive. It's a must-read for anyone looking for a moving and honest memoir.

Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines is a raw and honest memoir of Nic Sheff's addiction to methamphetamine. Sheff paints a harrowing portrait of a person at odds with his past, family, substances, and himself. The book is a compelling, heartbreaking, and true story of his relapse and the road to recovery. Sheff's writing style is terse, honest, and spontaneous, making it difficult to put down. It's a must-read for every teenager and every parent of one, as it offers insight into the dangerous world of addiction. Overall, Tweak is a riveting, brilliantly written, and searingly honest memoir that is both essential and unique.

The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make by Sean Covey is a go-to guide that helps teenagers cope with major challenges they face in their lives. Covey shows readers how to use the 7 Habits to conquer challenges such as gaining self-esteem, dealing with parents, making friends, being wise about sex, coping with substances, and succeeding at school and planning a career. The book has been updated for the digital and social media age, making it more relevant to today's teenagers. This book is a must-read for teenagers, parents, and all those who raise, teach, and lead them.

#ONECHOICE: How Ten Seconds Can Change Your Life by Becky Savage is a powerful nonfiction book that sheds light on the dangers of prescription drug misuse. The book tells the story of two brothers who lost their lives on graduation night after experimenting with Oxy. Written by their mother, Becky Savage, the book is a heartfelt and emotional account that encourages teenagers to make the right choices. The author, a prevention specialist and registered nurse, educates readers on the risks associated with prescription drugs and how to avoid them. This book is a must-read for high school and college students who want to make informed choices and avoid the devastating consequences of drug abuse.

Stand Your Ground is a must-read for anyone struggling with low self-esteem, peer pressure, or bullying. This book offers practical advice and real-life stories to help readers build confidence, establish their starting point, and learn assertiveness while staying objective and fair. It also includes exercises to raise self-image, sync in with the body, and dismantle self-doubt. The bonus chapter on making the most out of change is a great addition. Overall, Stand Your Ground is a valuable resource for teens and young adults seeking to improve their mental health and social confidence.

The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make Personal Workbook: Updated for the Digital Age is a valuable workbook that helps teenagers make informed decisions that lead to long-term success and happiness. The author, Sean Covey, shares practical wisdom, advice, and exercises that can be applied to real-life situations. This newly revised edition includes new material on how social media and technology affect the 6 Decisions in today's world. This book is a great resource for parents, educators, and teenagers who want to navigate the challenges of adolescence. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to empower teenagers to make wise decisions that will shape their future.

(Don't) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start the Conversation about Mental Health is an award-winning anthology that features essays, comics, and illustrations from 33 actors, athletes, writers, and artists who share their personal experiences with mental illness. The book aims to reduce the stigma around mental health by exploring a wide range of topics, such as how we talk about mental health and what makes someone crazy. With its diverse contributors and resources for further reading, this book provides a much-needed conversation starter for anyone struggling with mental health.

Zoo Station: The Story of Christiane F. is a powerful autobiography that provides a vivid portrayal of teenage drug abuse, friendship, and alienation in Berlin's notorious Zoo Station. Christiane's story is shocking, but the book manages to capture the boredom, longing for acceptance, and thrilling risks that are familiar to everyone. The book's new translation includes original photographs of Christiane and her friends, making it a must-read for anyone interested in women's biographies and books for teens and young adults.

We All Fall Down is Nic Sheff's follow-up to his bestselling memoir, Tweak. Sheff writes candidly about his struggles with addiction, including eye-opening stays at rehab centers, devastating relapses, and hard-won realizations about what it means to be a young person living with addiction. By sharing his own failures and small personal triumphs, Sheff inspires readers to maintain hope and remember that they are not alone in their battles. This book is a powerful and honest account of addiction, making it a must-read for anyone looking for insight into the subject.

Smart Teenage Muslimah is an inspirational guide for Muslim girls who want to gain confidence and live a fulfilling life as a Muslimah. The book challenges the societal expectations that encourage teenage girls to be self-absorbed, materialistic, and promiscuous, and instead provides guidance from sacred texts to achieve peace of mind, understand the purpose of life, and learn about important topics like puberty, sex, and gender identity. This book is a must-read for parents, Islamic schools, teachers, and teenage girls who want to succeed in this life and attain jannah in the next.