What do you think?
Rate this book
Addict
In this true story, the names of the living have been changed to protect the innocent. Those dead can't hit back.
At the age of fourteen I became addicted to amphetamine and for the next twenty years took up to 100 tablets a day. Drugs led me into a bizarre life of crime and lunacy. As my addiction took its toll I fell from being a wealthy playboy with everything money could buy to living in the Salvation Army Missions, ending up on the streets with the winos for over five years. Why did all this happen to me? Looking at young children today I wonder if some of them are just a few years away from a similar roller coaster hell-ride. What distinguishes them from the others, the normal children?
At the age of fourteen I became addicted to amphetamine and for the next twenty years took up to 100 tablets a day. Drugs led me into a bizarre life of crime and lunacy. As my addiction took its toll I fell from being a wealthy playboy with everything money could buy to living in the Salvation Army Missions, ending up on the streets with the winos for over five years. Why did all this happen to me? Looking at young children today I wonder if some of them are just a few years away from a similar roller coaster hell-ride. What distinguishes them from the others, the normal children?
384 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 1997
8 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Smith
361 books17 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
For other authors of this name, see:
Stephen Smith - American Surgeon, Public Health
Stephen Smith - African Studies
Stephen Smith - Contemporary Non Fiction, Journalism
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
For other authors of this name, see:
Stephen Smith - American Surgeon, Public Health
Stephen Smith - African Studies
Stephen Smith - Contemporary Non Fiction, Journalism
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 11, 2020
Full of drugs, dodgy doctors, gangsters, soured relationships and bad decisions -this is the sad ‘riches to rags’ story of a man cursed with a lifetime addiction to drugs. Good and really interesting in places, especially the descriptions of life in the numerous hospitals, asylums, care homes and homeless mission centres. Pleased to see that the author eventually experiences light at the end tunnel through all the self-induced grief and turmoil whilst continuing to travel on his harrowing and extremely distressing journey through life. Just how did he survive? - but survive he surely did! Rating- 3.5 stars.
January 6, 2011
An absolutely INCREDIBLE true story of one mans life battling addiction to pills (uppers & downers to start with) after being spiked with one as a young boy and then abused whist under the influence.
The low's that this man hit and the things he did, the way his mind was affected and how he dealt with it all is so incredibly amazing its hard to read this book and remember that it is in fact a true story of the life this man lived!
I think most people should try and read a copy of this, regardless of what you normally prefer to read, as its a shocking yet refreshing read from an inspirational man who really has bared his heart and soul and the horrendous reality he experienced on his testing journey through life.
I cant praise Stephen Smith highly enough for this book and if I had my way every teenager in Britian should read this book before leaving school!
The low's that this man hit and the things he did, the way his mind was affected and how he dealt with it all is so incredibly amazing its hard to read this book and remember that it is in fact a true story of the life this man lived!
I think most people should try and read a copy of this, regardless of what you normally prefer to read, as its a shocking yet refreshing read from an inspirational man who really has bared his heart and soul and the horrendous reality he experienced on his testing journey through life.
I cant praise Stephen Smith highly enough for this book and if I had my way every teenager in Britian should read this book before leaving school!
January 18, 2021
The only book I’ve re read and re read just unbelievablely brilliant. Def in top 3 books I my life
April 7, 2013
such a good book showing how quickly things can spiral out of control. really enjoyed reading this.
February 5, 2014
Inspiring to say the least. Step by Step, One day at a time :)
March 26, 2020
I read this a long time ago but I liked it so much I read it again. And again. I’m a sucker for a success story. It’s not for everyone but I love a happy ending to a tragic story.
June 19, 2025
A Viciously Honest Descent, Not a Recovery Story
Forget every inspirational recovery memoir you've ever read. Stephen Smith's Addict is a different beast entirely—a raw, unflinching, and often brutally graphic descent into the chaos of heroin addiction in 1980s and '90s Britain. This is not a story about getting better; it is a visceral testimony of what it was like to be there, stuck in the relentless, day-to-day grind of scoring, using, and committing petty crime to survive.
Smith’s voice is the book's undeniable core strength. It is blisteringly authentic, devoid of self-pity, and shot through with a vein of gallows humour that is as dark as it is necessary. He pulls no punches in describing the mechanics of addiction—the squalor of squats, the violence of the streets, the grim realities of prison life, and the physical and mental degradation. The prose is lean and direct, immersing you completely in a world where the next fix is the only thing that matters.
The narrative structure is intentionally chaotic, jumping back and forth in time without clear signposting. While this may disorient some readers, it is a brilliant stylistic choice that perfectly mirrors the fractured, memory-scarred mind of a long-term addict. Past traumas and present desperation bleed into one another, creating a suffocating atmosphere that traps the reader in the same relentless cycle as the author. You don’t observe his addiction from a safe distance; you are thrown headfirst into its disorienting logic.
This is not a book for the faint of heart. The content is graphic, and the perspective is necessarily narrow. Seen through the solipsistic lens of addiction, other people in Smith's life often feel like peripheral figures, their own stories and pain secondary to his all-consuming need. This isn't a flaw in the writing but rather an honest reflection of the addict's reality.
Addict is a powerful, gut-punching read that stands out in a crowded genre by refusing to offer easy answers or a neat redemption arc. It is a vital, bruising, and unforgettable document of survival against the odds. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate raw, unfiltered memoirs and can handle a journey into the darkest corners of human experience.
Forget every inspirational recovery memoir you've ever read. Stephen Smith's Addict is a different beast entirely—a raw, unflinching, and often brutally graphic descent into the chaos of heroin addiction in 1980s and '90s Britain. This is not a story about getting better; it is a visceral testimony of what it was like to be there, stuck in the relentless, day-to-day grind of scoring, using, and committing petty crime to survive.
Smith’s voice is the book's undeniable core strength. It is blisteringly authentic, devoid of self-pity, and shot through with a vein of gallows humour that is as dark as it is necessary. He pulls no punches in describing the mechanics of addiction—the squalor of squats, the violence of the streets, the grim realities of prison life, and the physical and mental degradation. The prose is lean and direct, immersing you completely in a world where the next fix is the only thing that matters.
The narrative structure is intentionally chaotic, jumping back and forth in time without clear signposting. While this may disorient some readers, it is a brilliant stylistic choice that perfectly mirrors the fractured, memory-scarred mind of a long-term addict. Past traumas and present desperation bleed into one another, creating a suffocating atmosphere that traps the reader in the same relentless cycle as the author. You don’t observe his addiction from a safe distance; you are thrown headfirst into its disorienting logic.
This is not a book for the faint of heart. The content is graphic, and the perspective is necessarily narrow. Seen through the solipsistic lens of addiction, other people in Smith's life often feel like peripheral figures, their own stories and pain secondary to his all-consuming need. This isn't a flaw in the writing but rather an honest reflection of the addict's reality.
Addict is a powerful, gut-punching read that stands out in a crowded genre by refusing to offer easy answers or a neat redemption arc. It is a vital, bruising, and unforgettable document of survival against the odds. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate raw, unfiltered memoirs and can handle a journey into the darkest corners of human experience.
August 31, 2024
I came across this book in my grandmother's collection when I was 12 and read the first few chapters, detailing Stephen Smith's early life and the initial introduction to amphetamines at the hands of a sexually abusive doctor. I never read the rest of the book until now after misplacing it, but what I had read had stuck with me for many years until finally reading all of it now.
A big part of me wishes I had managed to read all of it back then, as this book has had the biggest impact on me out of everything I've read this year. This man's life story is filled with so many insane things it's mind-blowing knowing that all of it is true. The part I had read in my adolescence was tame compared to the events that unfolded in Stephen's adulthood. Young, rich, and with a beautiful (but unloving) wife, his entire life unravels in a speed and alcohol induced stupor for over 20 years until he ultimately finds himself living as a vagrant. The most heartbreaking chapters, at least for me personally, where when he finally has to admit to himself he is incapable of caring for his young daughter despite winning the court case for her custody, and the subsequent relapse and further slide into the gutter the emotional impact of losing her causes.
The story does end well, but nobody could go through what Stephen Smith went through and not come out the other side without considerable damage. His cautionary tale should be read by everybody at least once.
While Stephen isn't exactly what I'd call a great author, the book is still written well enough for his life story to have a deep emotional impact. I imagine this story will now still resonate with me in the same way for the same amount of years it took for me to finally read all of it as it has having only read the beginning chapters all those years ago.
A big part of me wishes I had managed to read all of it back then, as this book has had the biggest impact on me out of everything I've read this year. This man's life story is filled with so many insane things it's mind-blowing knowing that all of it is true. The part I had read in my adolescence was tame compared to the events that unfolded in Stephen's adulthood. Young, rich, and with a beautiful (but unloving) wife, his entire life unravels in a speed and alcohol induced stupor for over 20 years until he ultimately finds himself living as a vagrant. The most heartbreaking chapters, at least for me personally, where when he finally has to admit to himself he is incapable of caring for his young daughter despite winning the court case for her custody, and the subsequent relapse and further slide into the gutter the emotional impact of losing her causes.
The story does end well, but nobody could go through what Stephen Smith went through and not come out the other side without considerable damage. His cautionary tale should be read by everybody at least once.
While Stephen isn't exactly what I'd call a great author, the book is still written well enough for his life story to have a deep emotional impact. I imagine this story will now still resonate with me in the same way for the same amount of years it took for me to finally read all of it as it has having only read the beginning chapters all those years ago.
April 22, 2018
This book gives a real account of the struggles of childhood drug addiction and the impact it can have on one’s entire life. It is especially sad considering Stephen’s abusal of pills was originally not his own decision but rather one made by a those taking advantage of him. It displays the drastic highs and lows that his life fell to, his rise to wealth and loss of everything he has due to his poor judgement. It conveys an important message against substance abuse.
March 7, 2023
An honest account of addiction, from childhood beginnings through all the highs and lows. As a recovering opiate/pill addict I found myself relating, learning from, and empathizing with the author at many points. After hitting rock bottom and having to declare bankruptcy because of frequent ER visits and years of unemployment, Ive finally managed to see three months clean and sober and stories like this really help to keep me inspired.
October 2, 2024
This is by far one of the best books I have ever read a man recommend it to me at work.this book is like no other so much happened in such a short space of time. His life is full of crazy decision making and allot of sadness and pain . He is obviously a heavy drug user hence book being called addict but his world wind romantic relationships , friendships and near death experience are amazing to read ! 10/10
March 7, 2020
Felt absolutely privileged to have an insight into Stephen’s life and although the writing style was very basic, the inspiration and admiration that flowed through the pages was second to none! A rare glimpse into the mind of someone who has battled through abuse, drug addiction and homelessness. A very humbling read for all!
July 13, 2022
I met Stephen in late 1990s on a TV show. He gave us a copy of this book and was very strange reading it while sitting close to him on a train journey home. Very sad story but with a positive outcome. He turned his life completely around and should be very proud of himself.
Currently reading
November 26, 2021Good
December 30, 2023
I think this is probably the only book I've re-read 3 or 4 times, incredible story
February 10, 2024
A shocking story, almost unbelievable in how bad things get for the author but also totally believable and heartbreaking.
March 6, 2024
Gripping, moving and a little disturbing. A blunt and smash you in the face reality of addiction. I had to keep reminding myself this was a memoir and not a gritty fiction novel.
August 8, 2024
This is my all time favourite book I can read it over and over and never get bored.
Its true, honest and very real.
Its true, honest and very real.
July 23, 2024
An insightful book about addicts. What their motivations, thinking, and believing at their lowest and high moments.
August 19, 2025
Unfortunately most of the book is fabrication. I worked with Stephen 8 years ago as he intended to publish a follow-up, and I've never met a man more inclined to 'stretch the truth.' I stopped working with him as it dawned on me how much he would lie. The book itself is rife with obvious innacuracies (he could not have met the Kray Twins). That's not to say every aspect is untrue, or you can't find something precious in the text, but I won't forget sitting next to him as he suggested, numerous times, making something mundane into something fantastic. He's a fiction author who dabbles in autobiography.
September 23, 2012
I read this in the throws of addiction and rang the number in the back. My recovery journey began from there. Somewhat unrealistic in part, and even laughable at times but nevertheless it remains close to my heart for the reason above.
March 24, 2013
I really enjoyed this... I think Wasted is slightly better though
March 6, 2015
A truly incredible story of one man's life. From rags to riches n riches to rags, also steming to child abuse at the hand's of a "trusted" doctor. It's a fabulous read. I read it 3 time's and am currently looking for the book again to read :)
February 28, 2010
This book is based on a ture story it is a good read.
April 21, 2013
one hell of a true story, one hell of a ride
May 1, 2013
A shocking true story definite must read though
January 21, 2015
Brilliant insight into the world of addiction
July 23, 2015
read this over and over, brilliant book.
December 28, 2015
Amazing story with unexpected turns
August 29, 2020
A real window onto amphetamine addiction. A good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews