The self-help book, “Erase Negativity and Embrace the Magic Within,” was recently named as a “must read” on substance abuse by Pretty Progressive.

The self-help book was one of six books selected, according to prettyprogressive.com/must-read-books-on-substance-abuse.

Although the book serves as a practical guide on how to reduce negativity and embrace happiness, three out of 11 chapters focus on alcohol and drug addiction and abuse, according to a release.

“From meth addicts to multi-millionaires, ‘Erase Negativity and Embrace the Magic Within’ offers powerful experiences of individuals who have faced dramatic challenges, but did not lose hope. Using these compelling biographies, as well as practical advice and simple exercises, the reader is guided on an internal journey toward adopting a more joyful way to live,” the release states.

“Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse take a heavy toll on individuals and their families and this has been made worse by the pandemic,” Sally Marks, who co-wrote the book with Jacqueline Howard, said in the release. “We have received numerous emails praising us for writing this book and it is our goal to help as many individuals and families as we can.”

Ms. Marks, a resident of east Mesa, is the former public information officer for the Apache Junction Unified School District. Ms. Howard lives in New Mexico and is a former east Mesa resident.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million American adults age 12 and older battled a substance use disorder in 2017, the release states.

In the same survey it was noted that drug abuse and addiction cost American society more than $740 billion annually in lost workplace productivity, healthcare expenses, and crime-related costs.

Addiction is only a part of the problem. In March 2020, prior to spread of COVID-19, Greater Good Science Center reported that negative feelings are increasing worldwide and that an “epidemic of addictions” and negativity has been especially hard hit in the U.S. the release states.

In addition to the book, Ms. Marks and Ms. Howard provide seminars and workshops on overcoming negativity. Information is available at markspublicrelations.wixsite.com/sallymarks. The paperback book is available for $14.99 on Amazon.