Under the Influence: Reclaiming my Childhood

by Zachary Phillips

A personal and brutally honest account of the destructive dynamic that a drug affected and mentally ill father can have on his child.Through “Under The Influence”, Zachary gives us a sacred peek into his once shattered mind, teaching us that, even against all the odds, a broken mind can not only be healed, but can go on to flourish, inspiring others along the way.From the "Under the Influence is the story of my childhood. It provides an insight in to the reality of being the son of an addict, paranoid schizophrenic, chronic hoarder and drug dealer.For as long as I knew him, my dad dealt. Every day, a procession of desperate, malnourished and volatile addicts would visit our house looking to score.From a child’s perspective, they seemed to have only one goal - acquiring their next high. Growing up in this environment had a profound impact on my life and world view.I never felt safe." "

139 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2016

About the author

Zachary Phillips is a poet, author, mental health advocate, and mindset coach. In these roles he has helped thousands of people move from a place of barely surviving to passionately thriving.

He is the author of nine books including: How To Get Your Sh!t Together and Mindfulness: A Guidebook To The Present Moment, and the creator of the Depresso Espresso web comic. He is the host of The Reality Check Podcast.

Bound to the Wings of a Butterfly is the #1 new poetry release for Australia and Oceana.

He is also an instructor on Skillshare and Insight Timer, teaching mindfulness meditation, personal development, and creative writing.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was the child of an alcoholic father and though our childhood vastly differed, Zac's perception on some things mirror my own. It was comforting to know feel as though somebody understood the dirtiest secrets my mind held, and it was also comforting to know that I am not the only adult in this world that still struggles with the effects of things that happened when I was small. Thank you for sharing your story, Zac.

[Fiona Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story of redemption from a life of hardship. I salute you Zachary on your amazing strength and your ability to become someone else. You are an inspiration. You are going to be a fabulous Dad. Thanks for having the strength to share.

[Anita Horan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw, condensed autobiography by a man trying to come to terms with the harrowing way his drug addicted father raised him. It's heartbreaking in many ways. A powerful story.