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Up From Down: A true story of recovery from addiction
Up from Down is not a book about gloom and doom, but an inspirational book that offers hope to all who have faltered. Strung out on heroin, Ted Adamson began his journey with a Swat team descending on a pharmacy to stop his wild rampage in search of drugs. From the cruelty in the county jail to race riots in state prison, the hard, gritty life of a drug addict is portrayed in all its real-world ugliness and despair. Join Ted as he gives us a picture of what the life of a junkie is really like. Look inside the dark side of drug treatment programs. From the bizarre therapies of the Synanon-like Family to the modern twelve-step programs, you will see what passes as treatment in the modern recovery movement. Up from Down takes readers to the depths of human degradation then brings them back through a journey of redemption.
- GenresAddictionNonfiction
132 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2011
4 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Ted Adamson
1 book8 followersTED ADAMSON lives and works in
Southern California. He suffered from a
fourteen-year addiction to a wide variety
of drugs, including heroin. Although he
has been clean for thirty-five years, he
wishes to still remain anonymous due to
the prejudice that unfortunately still exists against recovered drug addicts.
For more information:
http://www.upfromdown.info
Southern California. He suffered from a
fourteen-year addiction to a wide variety
of drugs, including heroin. Although he
has been clean for thirty-five years, he
wishes to still remain anonymous due to
the prejudice that unfortunately still exists against recovered drug addicts.
For more information:
http://www.upfromdown.info
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 16, 2012
I am always blessed by reading success stories from alchoholics and addicts. This was an easy read and a pleasure.The author made sure to point out where he and 12 step programs differ. The Big Book of Alchoholics Anonomous comments on those who cah do an about face and drink like a gentleman. OUR HATS ARE OFF TO HIM. This author is one of those we raise our hats to. It is a very brave thing to take that step of faith. I am far too frightened to go back to where I was and I chose total abstinance. For me it is safer.
May 5, 2019
An amazingly painful yet enlightening journey of self- discovery!
The authors resilience is what will inspire the reader to follow his heart wrenching story through addictive self-destruction to repentance and redemption. His reflections reveal personal insights that enlighten and inform those seeking to understand or overcome addictions of all kinds.
The authors resilience is what will inspire the reader to follow his heart wrenching story through addictive self-destruction to repentance and redemption. His reflections reveal personal insights that enlighten and inform those seeking to understand or overcome addictions of all kinds.
December 16, 2020
The resilience shown in his story is so moving. His reflection on his long suffering is worth reading. I like to learn everyone perspective on their on journey of life and this one is unforgettable. Aren't we all addicting so bad habit, useless hobby or junkie food? we are not authors but our struggles to be better with sharing and that what he did.
October 22, 2011
'An example is always the best kind of preaching.'
This review is from: Up From Down: A true story of recovery from addiction (Kindle Edition)
Ted Adamson tells it from the gut. This is not like most of the' addict who sees the light at the end of the tunnel' books and movies that come across the market rather regularly - stories by famous stars and their struggle with addiction to prescription drugs, hard drugs, alcohol, food, sex, fame etc. Ted Adamson divides his story into two parts - the Down (descent into addiction) and the Up (the ultimate drug free life of change) and his technique of relating his life is well-focused and comprehensible. This is not a book to read expecting great, lyrical writing: this is a raw story that dilutes a bit as the second part wears thin.
The overall story is that of an abused child whose resentment for his mother's behavior resulted in his seeking escape. He takes us through his obsession with alcohol, heroin and an other drug he could find, obtaining the money for the drugs from friends and ultimately from repeated burglaries (from purse snatching to burglaries of drugstores, etc). Yes, he is arrested multiple times, placed in County Jail multiple times, placed in rehab centers of all descriptions, and escaped his periods of drying out only to return to alcohol and drugs. This may sound like familiar territory but the aspect of Adamson's book that makes it unique is the information he shares about the physical and mental and psychological abuse he received in these supposedly 'rehabilitation centers'. The experiences he endured turn the stomach if not prepared to read them. He also takes us through the pros and cons of Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous and is one of the first writers brave enough to reveal the weaknesses in these programs. 'First of all, let me start by saying that Alcoholics Anonymous does perform a service in our society. As someone who benefited somewhat form the existence of Alcoholics Anonymous, I do not wan t to appear and ingrate. Nevertheless, I believe it is important to be truthful. Over thirty years I have attended many hundreds of meetings of both Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.....However, my experience with both AA and NA is that the majority of people merely substitute their addiction to drugs or alcohol for an addiction to meetings, and the comforts and friendships they find there.' Where Adamson finds his 'cure' is in an authentic spiritual awakening that replaces both AA and NA.
'My sobriety continued. My involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous continued, but to a lesser extent. And my interest in Christianity continued and increased. After several years I began to think more clearly. As a result of my interest i Christianity, I also became interested in the pro-life movement. I become convinced of the horrible injustice that was occurring to the unborn child as well as my personal obligation as an aspiring Christian to do something.' Adamson took up 'sidewalk counseling' - standing around Family Planning Clinics talking girls out of abortion, is arrested now and then, but sticks with his 'new addiction' - pro-life and right wing Christianity. He ends his book by revealing that he finally accepts the concept that the reason for his problems has been his deep-seated resentment for his mother - and how he deals with that. Along the way he offers hi s concepts about alcoholism: 'The very experts in charge of treating alcoholics don't even understand it themselves. They falsely believe and teach that the alcoholic has a disease, and is somehow different bodily form other people. That is all complete nonsense.'
After a wild ride through the life of a true alcoholic and drug addict Adamson winds down his book emphasizing his religious zeal. It is at this point that the memoir challenges the reader's credibility in his story. But this is a transparent revelation of the jail and rehab and court system abuses as well and an examination of all the aspects of treatment for addiction. And this information is worth knowing and certainly worth reading about in the words of Ted Adamson. His life has been difficult but he seems to have found a religious plateau where he can stand firmly where he hopes to help others.
Grady Harp
This review is from: Up From Down: A true story of recovery from addiction (Kindle Edition)
Ted Adamson tells it from the gut. This is not like most of the' addict who sees the light at the end of the tunnel' books and movies that come across the market rather regularly - stories by famous stars and their struggle with addiction to prescription drugs, hard drugs, alcohol, food, sex, fame etc. Ted Adamson divides his story into two parts - the Down (descent into addiction) and the Up (the ultimate drug free life of change) and his technique of relating his life is well-focused and comprehensible. This is not a book to read expecting great, lyrical writing: this is a raw story that dilutes a bit as the second part wears thin.
The overall story is that of an abused child whose resentment for his mother's behavior resulted in his seeking escape. He takes us through his obsession with alcohol, heroin and an other drug he could find, obtaining the money for the drugs from friends and ultimately from repeated burglaries (from purse snatching to burglaries of drugstores, etc). Yes, he is arrested multiple times, placed in County Jail multiple times, placed in rehab centers of all descriptions, and escaped his periods of drying out only to return to alcohol and drugs. This may sound like familiar territory but the aspect of Adamson's book that makes it unique is the information he shares about the physical and mental and psychological abuse he received in these supposedly 'rehabilitation centers'. The experiences he endured turn the stomach if not prepared to read them. He also takes us through the pros and cons of Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous and is one of the first writers brave enough to reveal the weaknesses in these programs. 'First of all, let me start by saying that Alcoholics Anonymous does perform a service in our society. As someone who benefited somewhat form the existence of Alcoholics Anonymous, I do not wan t to appear and ingrate. Nevertheless, I believe it is important to be truthful. Over thirty years I have attended many hundreds of meetings of both Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.....However, my experience with both AA and NA is that the majority of people merely substitute their addiction to drugs or alcohol for an addiction to meetings, and the comforts and friendships they find there.' Where Adamson finds his 'cure' is in an authentic spiritual awakening that replaces both AA and NA.
'My sobriety continued. My involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous continued, but to a lesser extent. And my interest in Christianity continued and increased. After several years I began to think more clearly. As a result of my interest i Christianity, I also became interested in the pro-life movement. I become convinced of the horrible injustice that was occurring to the unborn child as well as my personal obligation as an aspiring Christian to do something.' Adamson took up 'sidewalk counseling' - standing around Family Planning Clinics talking girls out of abortion, is arrested now and then, but sticks with his 'new addiction' - pro-life and right wing Christianity. He ends his book by revealing that he finally accepts the concept that the reason for his problems has been his deep-seated resentment for his mother - and how he deals with that. Along the way he offers hi s concepts about alcoholism: 'The very experts in charge of treating alcoholics don't even understand it themselves. They falsely believe and teach that the alcoholic has a disease, and is somehow different bodily form other people. That is all complete nonsense.'
After a wild ride through the life of a true alcoholic and drug addict Adamson winds down his book emphasizing his religious zeal. It is at this point that the memoir challenges the reader's credibility in his story. But this is a transparent revelation of the jail and rehab and court system abuses as well and an examination of all the aspects of treatment for addiction. And this information is worth knowing and certainly worth reading about in the words of Ted Adamson. His life has been difficult but he seems to have found a religious plateau where he can stand firmly where he hopes to help others.
Grady Harp
April 22, 2012
This redemptive read has 7 straight rave reviews, and it's currently about $3 on Kindle. There's a free sample today at Kindle Nation Daily, and here's some of what we said about it:
Not a book about gloom and doom, UP FROM DOWN offers hope to all who have faltered. Adamson, a former junkie, takes readers on a journey through prison, a Synanon-like program, and A.A. On the way, he shows the dark side of treatment and ultimately how he found redemption that none of these places could really offer. Ted currently lives in serenity and has been off drugs for thirty-five years.
Ted Adamson's UP FROM DOWN takes readers to the depths of human degradation and back through a journey of redemption - 4.7 Stars
Not a book about gloom and doom, UP FROM DOWN offers hope to all who have faltered. Adamson, a former junkie, takes readers on a journey through prison, a Synanon-like program, and A.A. On the way, he shows the dark side of treatment and ultimately how he found redemption that none of these places could really offer. Ted currently lives in serenity and has been off drugs for thirty-five years.
Ted Adamson's UP FROM DOWN takes readers to the depths of human degradation and back through a journey of redemption - 4.7 Stars
December 21, 2011
I found this book to be a good view on the true story of what happens during the life of a drug addict. I thought the story was very moving, and felt horrible for the little boy who was abused by his mother. I also feel that it is a sad thing when someone recovering from drug addiction is so discriminated against. However, I also noticed a lot of errors, and felt that the book was written far too fast and definitely use some editing. There were a lot of repeated phrases. I think there could have been a lot more added to the book. But I did find it interesting to hear about what some of the so-called "treatment programs" used to be like. Thanks for sharing the story with us!
December 6, 2011
My daughter gave me this book to read and I really didn't think I would have an interest in it. But this was a good insight into what an addictive personality goes through. The thoughts and feelings and paranoias that one has before, during and after, is quite revealing. If you are dealing with someone who has an addiction, then you should read this. It won't help you deal with it, but it will give you a perspective on the inside of what may be going on and give you an idea on how to help, if help is possible. It is a good read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews