Use Once and Destroy

by Alexander Scott Lakatos

In Use Once and Destroy, Alexander Lakatos delivers a raw, unflinching account of his personal battle with drug addiction. From the initial descent into substance abuse to the lowest depths of despair, this memoir captures the heart-wrenching realities of addiction. This powerful story not only sheds light on the grip of addiction but also illuminates the path to recovery. Through moments of pain, hope, and resilience, the author reveals how they found the strength to reclaim his life. A compelling read for those seeking understanding, solace, or a guide to hope, this book is a reminder that redemption is always within reach, no matter how dark the journey.

462 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2025

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very powerful story about the struggles of addiction. He details the days and years of his substance abuse and the determination it took to overcome it. Having known Alex from my hometown, I admire his strength and vulnerability to tell his story and everything he went through to overcome his addiction. A must read!

[Christine E · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book that makes you think and feel, this one absolutely delivers! This book completely pulled me in from the start. The writing is sharp, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant.

[Patricia Greuter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's be real here: Alex's story may not be unique, nor does he shed any new light onto the cold and haunting darkness that is opioid addiction. But let's also be real here: the brutal honesty and vulnerability Alex displays in Use Once and Destroy is not only a cautionary tale on how addiction can destroy one's life, but also an inspiring and impactful look into how it truly can possible to crawl out of the dark hole that opioids indiscriminately drag their users into.

Armed with the journals that documented his life's story, Alex draws back to both the wild and outrageous while also making sure to highlight the trauma and tragedy that addiction clutches onto. He recounts incredible stories that feel as though they are straight out of a television show, yet these are the true stories of his amazing and sometimes brutally terrifying life.

Use Once and Destroy is not for the faint of heart, nor should it be - this raw and unfiltered look into Alex's story is the perfect reminder that addiction knows no bounds. Alex also shows that even in the firmest grips of the opiod epidemic, it is not impossible to shatter that stranglehold while also trudging forward onto the other side of addiction: recovery.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an emotional, raw, and deeply authentic journey into the life of Alex, a now-recovered drug addict. As someone who has loved and lost someone to addiction, I found myself both heartbroken and deeply moved. Through Alex’s story, I gained a new perspective on what my loved one may have endured, the relentless grip of addiction, the moments of despair, and the immense strength it takes to fight your way back to life. The writing is unflinching yet compassionate, capturing the pain, vulnerability, and resilience in every page. This isn’t just a story about recovery, but more a testament to his ability to heal.

[Michelle Belfiore]

Such a captivating read!

I knew of Alex as we grew up in the same town and he graduated the same year as my brother. When I saw he had written a book, I was so intrigued to know of someone who published something so personal and real; I instantly felt drawn to read it. What a truly incredible story of resilience. I found myself rooting for Alex along the way, nearly yelling at my book, "Noo! Don't do it!" whenever addiction sucked him back in. The fact that he persevered and ultimately overcame all the adversity in his life is beyond inspiring. Highly recommend his story!

[Elizabeth Maass · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw, powerful, and inspiring memoir about the struggles of addiction and the long, challenging road to recovery. The honesty and vulnerability make this story deeply moving. It’s a testament to resilience and the strength it takes to rebuild a life from rock bottom. A must-read for anyone seeking hope, understanding, or simply a deeply human story of perseverance. Highly recommend!

[Jamie Lakatos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me right in and kept me there. I didn’t want to put it down. The author was honest, raw, and was truly inspiring. A real glimpse into the chaotic life of an addict and his journey through recovery. 10/10 recommend.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexander wrote a hard-hitting portrayal of active addiction through honesty and rawness. Through all the darkness in his life, he was guided to the light of recovery and persevered.
His story telling is gripping and compelling, it made me not want to put the book down.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal raw and eventful that paints such a real honest and graphic picture

[Steve Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did not disappoint. I finished it in three days. Such a great story of perseverance.

[Wyatt Strauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story!

[Jennifer Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book and riveting story telling

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and so well written. Could not put it down!!!! Such an honest look into the life of an addict! Highly recommend!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! This raw uncensored truth about addiction is eye opening. To see the author open up about his struggle and prevail is an inspirational