Heroin's Puppet -Amy (and her disease): The Rehab Journals of Amelia F. W. Caruso

by Melissa M. Weiksnar

Amy Caruso was a junior in the nursing program at Boston College and seemed to have everything going for her—brains, beauty, athleticism, career goals, a loving family, and many wonderful friends. But in November of 2009, she admitted she was a heroin addict and voluntarily entered treatment. Five weeks later, she died from an overdose at the treatment facility on the day after Christmas, weeks shy of her twenty-first birthday.
Melissa Weiksnar wrote Heroin's Puppet so parents, educators, clinicians, and young people can learn from her daughter's six-year battle with substances, especially from the journals Amy wrote while in rehab.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 27, 2012

Reviews

[Jake Sylvestre]

I've been reading up on some of the inadequacies in the medical system since Covid broke out and the opiate epidemic is definitely a huge one. I was looking for a first-hand account to supplement some of the statistics/clinical material I've looked at and this one was pretty enlightening.

The name is a misnomer - most of the book is the experiences of the mother. Pervasive warning signs, punishments/rewards to try to modify the daughter's behavior and emotionally wrenching conversations are replete throughout the book. What's missing is almost any first-hand accounts from Amy. Turns out those are contained in a second book - "It's Not Gunna Be an Addiction: The Adolescent Journals of Amelia F. W. Caruso (1989 - 2009)". I'd recommend that one over this for anyone looking for a first-hand perspective on the opiate epidemic in adolescents.

What the mother does provide is a heart-wrenching profile of the challenges that come with raising an addict or someone with a bipolar personality disorder. No one should have to go through this.

[Mkittysamom · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first observation is...how can a teacher in the 2000's not have a clue about drugs? High School....come on? I really felt the mother did her daughter an injustice and the title is FALSE. This is the detailed account of the mother's suspicions about her daughter Amy. I have more to say, but I was really angered by this book. Also it is like 400 pages
Long.... And after poor Amy dies..everyone dances around in glee! Wtf?

[Morgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terribly boring and way too long. So many details of things that really didn't matter. Author would tell you that she went to the store at 8:03, then bought a coffee at 8:46. Not an exact quote, but yikes! I kept listening (audiobook) hoping it would get better. It was extremely rough.

[Geneiveve “Annie” Jannetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartbreaking, yet powerful, memoir is relatable for anybody who has had a loved one fighting addiction. It is informative for those who haven’t had this experience, and gives a very emotional account of the tragedy drug abuse causes. As a parent, there were many times I had to hold back tears while reading this story.

[Terry · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this mom, but I just couldn't. Her daughter's death is a tragedy and I feel for her. I couldn't get past her privilege at not knowing so much. She comments about not getting help from professionals and then says she decided not to follow what they said. Pick up a different memoir to learn about the tragedy of addiction.

[Jimi-carol Benton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of thoughts and feeling on this book. First, this is not a book that follows Amy’s rehab journey. It is actually the journal entries and thoughts of Amy’s mother over Amy’s life that include the stress and emotional tramas working up to Amy admitting her addiction, entering rehab, her OD and the grieving process afterwards. I greatly appreciate the mothers openness in sharing this story. She is not an expert with advice and tips but instead hopes that by sharing this story other people can use it to better understand their own journey with addicted loved ones and maybe even make better choices that change the out come of their own story.

[Erika Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this for a college course and was hooked on this book and the story. Absolutely amazing

[Corvo · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 65%