Alcohol Studies Research Guide

"Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead." So begins the riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry, taking us along on his journey from childhood ambition to fame to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare.

The famous actress started drinking at 9, smoking marijuana at 10, and snorting cocaine at 12. Exposed to addiction at a young age because of her fame, Barrymore went into rehab at 13. It was in here that the actress faced her own monsters. Barrymore’s path of healing has helped her to become the very successful – and very addiction-free star she is today. The honesty with which Little Girl Lost is written makes it a memorable read.

Unappetizing but fresh memoir of the famous chef and what has gone on behind the scenes in the kitchen. Bourdain’s stream of consciousness style places readers inside his brain – honest and real – contrary to the expected image of sensitive and refined chefs. Accounting Bourdain’s former addictions, he writes of working in a past restaurant, “hardly a decision was made without drugs.” His story has launched him to do his first television show which subsequently led to his current show “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations”.

A memoir of the classic blues and rock musician, Clapton is an intimate disclosure of his upbringing, longstanding addictions, and recovery. Clapton writes about the drugs he turned to and eventually the clinic he started for substance abuse recovery. The musician also recounts his diligence when he discovered his talent for music, the origin of certain songs, interactions with other influential musicians, and musical goals he had for different periods. Clapton also explores his obsession with the woman behind “Layla”, “Wonderful Tonight”, and “Bell Bottom Blues”.

In her literary debut, Carrie Fisher creates the character Suzanne Vale to narrate her personal struggles with having fame and being around the famous. Suzanne/Carrie turns to addictions and rehabs, learning to live without drugs to help solve life’s problems. The story reads fast going from dialogue between characters to narratives, as the process of addiction is told through Fisher’s voice.