Staying Stoned: High in the Mountains

by Richard Ebner

Travel back in time as a 26-year-old carpenter attempts to reduce his personal harm by taking a self-imposed sabbatical away from all of his addictive substances, influencers, and environments. For three months, starting on Christmas Day in 1978, Theo, and his Great Dane named Misty, hunkered down to attempt a drug free winter. At a summer camp, called Lime Kiln Camps, in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the young man and his dog concentrated on staying warm, and on staying alive.

262 pages, Paperback

Published May 30, 2023

Reviews

[Susan Corneliussen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoire is a brutally honest look back at the author's life, detailing how adults and the educational system repeatedly let him down. His memories of experimenting with drugs to dull the pain are written with such detail, and in many cases suspense, that it's hard to put the book down. I liked the journal style entries which describe the daily life of surviving in a mountain cabin, drug-free for three months, mixed with memories and thoughtful meanderings about how things need to change. This book also felt like a relaxing escape to read about someone else living a simple life of survival with their dog. Although, it left me wondering about what happened next after he returned home...

[Rachel Rand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe you’re like me and mostly lived your life on the straight and narrow. Perhaps you’ve never spend time in the cool morning air splitting wood with a maul - an oddly satisfying activity what you’re a strong lean young man.

You always wondered what it might have been like to get to know yourself in the depths of a quiet isolated place in New Hampshire where you could go days without seeing another soul.

Perhaps you did lead a somewhat drug induced lifestyle and want a reminder of why you decided that wasn’t your best life plan.

This book entertains, informs, and most of all provides a humanistic view of how drugs can become an integral part of someone’s life.

[Phebe Rand · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an effort to battle his addictions the author and his dog spend three months in an unheated cabin in the woods in the middle of the winter. Much of his time is spent staying warm and providing sustenance. Interspersed between accounts of what was necessary to stay warm, fed, and safe we learn about his earl early encounters with alcohol and drugs. We are taken inside his thoughts and experiences and come to understand them as he does.
If you are struggling with addictions or know who someone who does, this true story may provide some insight or a new perspective.

[Ted Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many recovery-related biographies around to choose from, and sometimes they all seem to blend into each other. Richard's book is very personal, quite homespun (is that the right word?), and sharply observed. Making the connection between recovery and nature is definitely worth exploring to help others heal, and this great book certainly accomplishes that.

[Brandy Tunnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed my read through the experience of three months of winter solitude of the author. It honestly felt, at times, as though I were in the cabin sharing in a conversation about life over a cup of coffee or on a walk through the woods. Inviting me to look inwards of myself and my thoughts on my own journey. I highly recommend this friendly and enjoyable read.

[Deb Ash-McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the unique writing style. It was like following a GoPro video - stream of consciousness narration.
The fundamental core is an inside view of being involved with substance abuse and the personal growth gained during a winter of semi-isolation in a rustic mountain cabin.

[Theresa Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely a great read. Kept me interested from start to finish. I absolutely recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.

[Zach Frisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was really entertaining! Loved all the stories :) Definitely recommend reading this! Rereading this soon. Yeah that’s how great it is.