
Houghton Mifflin Co - Houghton Mifflin Co
Release date: 2008-02-26
Hardcover
Author: David Sheff
Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects), Substance Abuse, Psychology, Biography / Autobiography, Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs, Personal Memoirs, Psychopathology - Addiction, Specific Groups - Special Needs, Family Relationships, California, Children of divorced parents, Drug abuse, Methamphetamine abuse, Treatment




This book made me scared, sad, hopeless and afraid for the future of my own children. And they are in grade school. I don't need this fear undermining me and making me second guess my parenting choices.
I read the book to the end with the fervent hope that I would read an epilogue that was happy and hopeful; something along the lines of Nic struggled but has been alcohol and drug free for ten years. He's happy, married, has kids and is a brilliant father.
I'm sure that sounds naive but I want to read a story that doesn't depress me and make me afraid of the world. I need to be strong so I can teach that skill to my children. Our local schools convey a healthier message with their Say No to Drugs campaigns. This book tells me that try as I might, the game is stacked against my kids and no matter how hard I try, how smart I am, how endless my wallet is for rehab, it's all for naught.
I was hesitant to read, but it was suggested to my by a friend. I have a son with similar problems and was currently living the nightmare, so I didnt know if I could handle reading it. But I did, and I am glad I did. It helped me to know that what we have gone through isnt new and we aren't alone. By reading what the author went through I learned alot to apply to my own situation. If you have an addict child, this book may benefit you. It did me. I read the sons book right after. I wanted to see the other side. Both books were helpful to me, now that my son is currently in jail, I will also send them to him to read.