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On Pills and Needles: The Relentless Fight to Save My Son from Opioid Addiction
When Rick Van Warner found himself searching abandoned buildings and dangerous streets looking for his missing son, he had no idea that the synthetic, pill-form heroin that had snared his teen was already killing so many. In the years of pain and heartache that followed as he tried to save his son from opioid addiction, Van Warner discovered what the American public is just now becoming aware of: opioids prescribed for even minor pain relief are so addictive that even a few days of use can create dependency.
On Pills and Needles is a memoir that also serves as a wake-up call and crash course in opioid addiction. Through his harrowing personal story, Van Warner exposes the common causes of opioid addiction, effective and ineffective ways it has been treated, and how families can walk alongside loved ones who are dealing with the daily realities of addiction.
On Pills and Needles is a memoir that also serves as a wake-up call and crash course in opioid addiction. Through his harrowing personal story, Van Warner exposes the common causes of opioid addiction, effective and ineffective ways it has been treated, and how families can walk alongside loved ones who are dealing with the daily realities of addiction.
272 pages, Paperback
Published January 17, 2018
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576 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 15, 2022
Very good. Very real look into Opioid abuse upon teens and how it rips families apart. This is something as a counselor I view everyday. Most families are afraid to kick their loved ones out that they will die. They dont stop to think will WILL die if they continue to enable them to use in a "safe" place (home). This family is driven on anger, love, fear and confusion. As they try literally everything to say their teenage son.
March 28, 2018
My Rating: Put it on your list
Level: Easy, moderate length (250+), but reads quickly
Summary
A detailed summary of the book is difficult to do. The subtitle more or less says everything you need to know about the book. Van Warner writes a first hand account of watching is his son struggle with addiction to opioids, starting as a teenager and extending through his mid twenties. The book is broken into 25 broad chapters that generally follow a chronological pattern of thought, but not always. There are a few bits of information regarding the pandemic that is the opioid crisis, but these are mostly scattered throughout the narrative of his son's life. If you seeking answer to the problem, or even just the 'Christian response' (the publisher is Baker Books, after all), you will not find any in this book. However, if you are somehow lucky enough not to know anyone with this addiction, it is worth the read, if for nothing else than to gain an understanding of what happens, what addiction look like, and the impact of family and friends of the addict.
My Thoughts
Van Warner is a great writer in a narrative sense, and I found myself compelled to keep reading this book just to see what happens next. It is an emotionally enthralling book, and if you have normal level of empathy and emotions, it is likely you will not get through this book without crying multiple times. That being said, be aware that there is little else to this book than the story of his son. I'm not really sure what I expected when I ordered it, but there isn't really any resolution or response to the issue. No 'warning signs' or way to prevent this from happening. Nothing along the lines of, how to help those hurting or what we should do as a church. All of which is fine, it is clearly not the intention he had in mind while writing this, but be aware if that is the type of book you are looking for.
Outside of the lack of resolution, the only thing I didn't like about the book is the typically evangelical hypocrisy of being anti-government, while blaming the government for not doing enough. While he rightly attributes the initial problem to the Pharma Companies, specifically the one that falsely claimed Oxcy was non-addictive, he does lament the government hasn't done enough. He also point out that Florida is ground zero of the crisis, with an astonishing 93 of the top 100 opioid prescribing doctors working there. Of course, FLorida is notoriously lax in government regulation and I'm sure this and the low tax (meaning less government) environment is partly what brought him there from New York. He himself doesn't necessarily rant that much against government in his book, but it is odd to read from the perspective of evangelicals, knowing that most of us are heavily pro-business and anti regulation, inexplicably claiming that the free market couldn't lead us astray, and then, when they inevitably do, we wonder why the government didn't help. Those critiques are a little past the realm of this book review, but if you become aware of them while reading, it tends to gnaw at you.
Likewise, he blames 'bureaucracy' for his son spending two months in county jail, while he supposed to be transferred to another county jail. All this happens in context of his sons possession and intent to distribute charge being dropped. Being dropped. He doesn't seem to realize how lucky he is that his son is well off and white. Poor people and minorities don't tend to have felony drug charges just 'dropped', but instead spend years in jail.
I'm hesitant to leave that in for just a book review, but the author does seem to be misguided often. Regardless, his story is revisiting, if lacking insight in to solutions. I have a colleague whose son is currently in the grips of heroin addiction, after starting with Oxcy. The things the author writes about, the stories, the pain, the interactions with counselors and police, could have come from her. There is a shocking amount of similarity. I'm sure that is the same for many others out there. If you are looking for a story to help you internalize the crisis, this is a must read. It is probably helpful for anyone in pastoral ministry, counseling, or youth/child workers. There isn't a list of things that parents/teachers can look for as far as signs of drug abuse, but there are gleanings from the detail of his story. For those with any interest in the epidemic that is currently among us, this is a book you need to add to your list.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
More reviews at MondayMorningTheologian.com
Level: Easy, moderate length (250+), but reads quickly
Summary
A detailed summary of the book is difficult to do. The subtitle more or less says everything you need to know about the book. Van Warner writes a first hand account of watching is his son struggle with addiction to opioids, starting as a teenager and extending through his mid twenties. The book is broken into 25 broad chapters that generally follow a chronological pattern of thought, but not always. There are a few bits of information regarding the pandemic that is the opioid crisis, but these are mostly scattered throughout the narrative of his son's life. If you seeking answer to the problem, or even just the 'Christian response' (the publisher is Baker Books, after all), you will not find any in this book. However, if you are somehow lucky enough not to know anyone with this addiction, it is worth the read, if for nothing else than to gain an understanding of what happens, what addiction look like, and the impact of family and friends of the addict.
My Thoughts
Van Warner is a great writer in a narrative sense, and I found myself compelled to keep reading this book just to see what happens next. It is an emotionally enthralling book, and if you have normal level of empathy and emotions, it is likely you will not get through this book without crying multiple times. That being said, be aware that there is little else to this book than the story of his son. I'm not really sure what I expected when I ordered it, but there isn't really any resolution or response to the issue. No 'warning signs' or way to prevent this from happening. Nothing along the lines of, how to help those hurting or what we should do as a church. All of which is fine, it is clearly not the intention he had in mind while writing this, but be aware if that is the type of book you are looking for.
Outside of the lack of resolution, the only thing I didn't like about the book is the typically evangelical hypocrisy of being anti-government, while blaming the government for not doing enough. While he rightly attributes the initial problem to the Pharma Companies, specifically the one that falsely claimed Oxcy was non-addictive, he does lament the government hasn't done enough. He also point out that Florida is ground zero of the crisis, with an astonishing 93 of the top 100 opioid prescribing doctors working there. Of course, FLorida is notoriously lax in government regulation and I'm sure this and the low tax (meaning less government) environment is partly what brought him there from New York. He himself doesn't necessarily rant that much against government in his book, but it is odd to read from the perspective of evangelicals, knowing that most of us are heavily pro-business and anti regulation, inexplicably claiming that the free market couldn't lead us astray, and then, when they inevitably do, we wonder why the government didn't help. Those critiques are a little past the realm of this book review, but if you become aware of them while reading, it tends to gnaw at you.
Likewise, he blames 'bureaucracy' for his son spending two months in county jail, while he supposed to be transferred to another county jail. All this happens in context of his sons possession and intent to distribute charge being dropped. Being dropped. He doesn't seem to realize how lucky he is that his son is well off and white. Poor people and minorities don't tend to have felony drug charges just 'dropped', but instead spend years in jail.
I'm hesitant to leave that in for just a book review, but the author does seem to be misguided often. Regardless, his story is revisiting, if lacking insight in to solutions. I have a colleague whose son is currently in the grips of heroin addiction, after starting with Oxcy. The things the author writes about, the stories, the pain, the interactions with counselors and police, could have come from her. There is a shocking amount of similarity. I'm sure that is the same for many others out there. If you are looking for a story to help you internalize the crisis, this is a must read. It is probably helpful for anyone in pastoral ministry, counseling, or youth/child workers. There isn't a list of things that parents/teachers can look for as far as signs of drug abuse, but there are gleanings from the detail of his story. For those with any interest in the epidemic that is currently among us, this is a book you need to add to your list.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
More reviews at MondayMorningTheologian.com
October 2, 2018
Interesting
I wish this book had used a more linear chronological framework to build the story around but it does hold some interesting insights into the opiate crisis. Recommended for anyone questioning how we as a nation reached this point but from an individual's point of view.
I wish this book had used a more linear chronological framework to build the story around but it does hold some interesting insights into the opiate crisis. Recommended for anyone questioning how we as a nation reached this point but from an individual's point of view.
February 18, 2018
4.5 stars
Every parent of a middle school, high school, and college kid should read this book.
Thanks to the author for sharing his family’s story!
Opioid addiction is a major problem in this country that doesn’t see color, religion, sex, or anything. It can affect anyone at anytime!
Every parent of a middle school, high school, and college kid should read this book.
Thanks to the author for sharing his family’s story!
Opioid addiction is a major problem in this country that doesn’t see color, religion, sex, or anything. It can affect anyone at anytime!
August 10, 2022
I'm not sure how I finished this book. It should have been titled "How to be an enabler and then try to garner sympathy from the reader". The tone was extremely condescending and the story repetitive. There is a soapbox that doesn't need to exist. The people are very unlikable. Would not reccomend.
April 18, 2018
Over the past few years, media coverage has made me increasingly aware of the opioid epidemic plaguing the United States. As a youth worker, I believe I have a responsibility to educate myself about issues that affect teenagers in the United States. That way, when the teens I work with are either directly or indirectly affected by them, I am at least a little equipped to care for them.
In an effort to better understand the opioid epidemic, I read Rick Van Warner’s On Pills and Needles: The Relentless fight to Save My Son from Opioid Addiction. As its subtitle suggests, On Pills and Needles is a father’s account of his son’s opioid addiction. It is a brutally honest, heart wrenching story of just how devastating this kind of addiction is.
On Pills and Needles does a good job of educating readers about the opioid epidemic. According to Rick, “this growing epidemic kills over ninety Americans per day, eclipsing auto accidents as the nation’s leading cause of accidental death.” It is an “equal-opportunity problem” that impacts affluent teens as well as those living in poverty; Those with a history of addiction as well as those who have always been clean. It shows, through the story of Rick’s son, Tommy, how horrific this kind of addiction is. As Rick explains, “Drug use had replaced any happiness with nothingness.”
As Rick recounts Tommy’s destruction, he naturally deals with treatment, and is often very critical of treatment centers as well as 12-step programs. According to Rick, “The Sober Truth: Debunking the Bad Science Behind 12-Step Programs and the Rehab Industry, written by a psychiatrist who has spent over two decades studying and treating addiction, pegs the success rate of AA-based twelve-step programs at 5-10 percent. A seasoned counselor and Narcotics Anonymous veteran I once discussed the subject with agreed with this assessment but pegged the recovery rate for opioid addicts, defined by him as staying off drugs for at least a year, at less than 5 percent.”
In addition to detailing how Tommy’s opioid addiction affects him, On Pills and Needles also addresses the impact of this kind of addiction on the addict’s family – especially their parents. According to Rick, “One of the most difficult lessons a family of an opiate addict on the hamster wheel of destruction must learn is that the person they love has absolutely no regard for the impact their behavior has on those around them.” Rick adds, “Perhaps the most difficult part of being an addict’s parent is accepting that you cannot control or change that person or their actions regardless of how much time, effort, or money you devote to the effect.”
Because of its emphasis on parenting, in many ways, On Pills and Needles might well be classified as a parenting memoir. As Rick reflects on his family’s journey, he concludes “The most important thing Mary or I could ever give any of our kids was our time and focused attention. Nothing was more important to each of them than this.”
Surprisingly, very little of On Pills and Needles addresses faith, something that’s unusual for a title published by Baker Books. Even so, I am glad I read it. I now have a better understanding of opioid addiction. What’s more, On Pills and Needles is a book that I will keep on my shelf and pass along to parents whose children are dealing with addiction issues. I have no doubt that they’ll see themselves in the pages of this book and, in the process, find hope and grace.
************************************************
Disclosure: I received a free copy of On Pills and Needles from Baker Books in exchange for a fair and honest review.
In an effort to better understand the opioid epidemic, I read Rick Van Warner’s On Pills and Needles: The Relentless fight to Save My Son from Opioid Addiction. As its subtitle suggests, On Pills and Needles is a father’s account of his son’s opioid addiction. It is a brutally honest, heart wrenching story of just how devastating this kind of addiction is.
On Pills and Needles does a good job of educating readers about the opioid epidemic. According to Rick, “this growing epidemic kills over ninety Americans per day, eclipsing auto accidents as the nation’s leading cause of accidental death.” It is an “equal-opportunity problem” that impacts affluent teens as well as those living in poverty; Those with a history of addiction as well as those who have always been clean. It shows, through the story of Rick’s son, Tommy, how horrific this kind of addiction is. As Rick explains, “Drug use had replaced any happiness with nothingness.”
As Rick recounts Tommy’s destruction, he naturally deals with treatment, and is often very critical of treatment centers as well as 12-step programs. According to Rick, “The Sober Truth: Debunking the Bad Science Behind 12-Step Programs and the Rehab Industry, written by a psychiatrist who has spent over two decades studying and treating addiction, pegs the success rate of AA-based twelve-step programs at 5-10 percent. A seasoned counselor and Narcotics Anonymous veteran I once discussed the subject with agreed with this assessment but pegged the recovery rate for opioid addicts, defined by him as staying off drugs for at least a year, at less than 5 percent.”
In addition to detailing how Tommy’s opioid addiction affects him, On Pills and Needles also addresses the impact of this kind of addiction on the addict’s family – especially their parents. According to Rick, “One of the most difficult lessons a family of an opiate addict on the hamster wheel of destruction must learn is that the person they love has absolutely no regard for the impact their behavior has on those around them.” Rick adds, “Perhaps the most difficult part of being an addict’s parent is accepting that you cannot control or change that person or their actions regardless of how much time, effort, or money you devote to the effect.”
Because of its emphasis on parenting, in many ways, On Pills and Needles might well be classified as a parenting memoir. As Rick reflects on his family’s journey, he concludes “The most important thing Mary or I could ever give any of our kids was our time and focused attention. Nothing was more important to each of them than this.”
Surprisingly, very little of On Pills and Needles addresses faith, something that’s unusual for a title published by Baker Books. Even so, I am glad I read it. I now have a better understanding of opioid addiction. What’s more, On Pills and Needles is a book that I will keep on my shelf and pass along to parents whose children are dealing with addiction issues. I have no doubt that they’ll see themselves in the pages of this book and, in the process, find hope and grace.
************************************************
Disclosure: I received a free copy of On Pills and Needles from Baker Books in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 8, 2018
Excellent book. So good that I had a difficult putting it down. The story is about Rick Van Warner's son who has become addicted to Opiod's. The stress, trauma and devastation that wracks within families that has a member addicted to pills.
This was one book where I wanted to skip the suspense and head to the back of the book just to find out the ending. Did his son survive or die? But I fought against the urge and read each and every painful page. The amount of time spent on their son to bring him back from the brink was emotionally draining. But, upon reading it, I've become more aware of the widespread problem. I admit, I wasn't aware. I knew about it, but not on how it affects the family base.
The one thing that I agree on, based on another reviewer, is that for this to be out by a Christian publisher, I didn't realize I was reading a Christian-based book. This would have done just as well within a non-Christian publisher rather than under the Christian genre. But perhaps, that was the only way that it would be read by those who are averse to reading anything outside of Christian based publications.
I did appreciate the mixture of facts based upon his own journey with his son. The beginnings of the Opioid crisis and how it in turn came to affect the rest of the nation.
In the end, I enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend reading it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This was one book where I wanted to skip the suspense and head to the back of the book just to find out the ending. Did his son survive or die? But I fought against the urge and read each and every painful page. The amount of time spent on their son to bring him back from the brink was emotionally draining. But, upon reading it, I've become more aware of the widespread problem. I admit, I wasn't aware. I knew about it, but not on how it affects the family base.
The one thing that I agree on, based on another reviewer, is that for this to be out by a Christian publisher, I didn't realize I was reading a Christian-based book. This would have done just as well within a non-Christian publisher rather than under the Christian genre. But perhaps, that was the only way that it would be read by those who are averse to reading anything outside of Christian based publications.
I did appreciate the mixture of facts based upon his own journey with his son. The beginnings of the Opioid crisis and how it in turn came to affect the rest of the nation.
In the end, I enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend reading it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Read
November 14, 2020I have decided not to give this particular book a rating. Not because it is not worthy of one, but because of the type of book it is. It is the account of a man and his family as they are desperately trying to help their son who is caught in the snares of addiction. I, at the current time of writing this review, work for Adult & Teen Challenge Ministries Detroit. I have seen many individuals like Tommy. I have heard the desperate pleas of many parents like Rick. The book, in many ways, covers how the family often tries to deal with this issue. Addiction doesn't effect just the addicted, but their loved ones as well. I am not able to rate this book as a book seller. It is not meant to be read as such (at least, not in the entertainment sense). Nor is it a scholarly treatise on the issue. It is about a father (and his family) and how they are trying to help Tommy (naturally you get a lot of Tommy's story too). I am not sure if I can rate a book like this on how compelling I find it or not (again, working in this field, I surely empathize with Rick, I have talked to too many broken hearted families about the "Tommy's" of their family). It is a quick read and for picking it up on sale on a whim, I am glad I did.
February 2, 2018
On Pills and Needles: The Relentless Fight to Save My Son from Opioid Addiction is a touching memoir by Rick Van Warner. The book is sadly very relevant for today. The United States is in the middle of an opioid epidemic; according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an average of 116 people died every day from opiod-related drug overdoses in 2016. As Van Warner shows his son’s struggles, he also shows that those addicted to opioids are much more than a statistic on a piece of paper – they are someone’s child, sibling, spouse, or parent.
Van Warner examines factors that may have contributed to his son’s addiction, and we see the extreme toll that addiction takes on both an addict and his family. On Pills and Needles would be a good book for parents of troubled teenagers, and it may bring hope to parents who are facing what seem like insurmountable obstacles with their wayward children. The book also serves as an interesting memoir, following the Van Warner’s emotional journey, and giving a glimpse into the utter destructiveness of drugs.
*I received this book for review*
Van Warner examines factors that may have contributed to his son’s addiction, and we see the extreme toll that addiction takes on both an addict and his family. On Pills and Needles would be a good book for parents of troubled teenagers, and it may bring hope to parents who are facing what seem like insurmountable obstacles with their wayward children. The book also serves as an interesting memoir, following the Van Warner’s emotional journey, and giving a glimpse into the utter destructiveness of drugs.
*I received this book for review*
November 25, 2020
If I could give no stars I would. The terrible story of seeing a son going through this situation is heartbreaking, but...
The constant attack on anyone using pain relievers, and the medical staff is terrible. Believe it or not, there are people who need these drugs to live. Because of people who are addicted and this constant attack that is repeated multiple times through this book, these patient who need these medications to survive are now being refused. Living with a disease that puts you in 24/7 pain is life altering but, now being told "oh well, I cant give you pain medications because of others misuse" is wrong. This is what is happening in our country today.
I dont want to put down this families story, because it is heart breaking, and sad, and the fathers journey through it all shows the unbreakable love of a parent. The rest of the story shows what barriers chronic pain patients have to live with forever. Being looked at as if they are a junky or just trying to get a high because of others actions.
The constant attack on anyone using pain relievers, and the medical staff is terrible. Believe it or not, there are people who need these drugs to live. Because of people who are addicted and this constant attack that is repeated multiple times through this book, these patient who need these medications to survive are now being refused. Living with a disease that puts you in 24/7 pain is life altering but, now being told "oh well, I cant give you pain medications because of others misuse" is wrong. This is what is happening in our country today.
I dont want to put down this families story, because it is heart breaking, and sad, and the fathers journey through it all shows the unbreakable love of a parent. The rest of the story shows what barriers chronic pain patients have to live with forever. Being looked at as if they are a junky or just trying to get a high because of others actions.
September 5, 2021
I have a lot of patients with opioid use disorder and polysubstance use disorder so I’m really finding it helpful to read as many narratives as possible to get a sense of different experiences with and perspectives on the issue. Anything that might help me better understand something very complex with which I don’t have any first hand experience. This book was interesting and had some insightful comments and ideas. The writing was often repetitive of its main messages but the more subtle points were in my mind the most enlightening and useful. I really liked how connecting with nature and living in a sustainable “good” way was essential to recovery. This is something on which I haven’t seen a lot of literature for addictions specifically but has evidence in other medical conditions. I also thought it was interesting how the author rejected the medical / disease model. I appreciated that the author pointed out recovery as an industrial complex / arm of capitalism and consumption. I also liked that the focus was on the fact that there is no one size fits all solution.
Read
December 26, 2019The opioid crisis is everywhere and permeates into all places of society. This is a honest read how one family dealt with a son’s addiction. The book reveals the tumultuous emotions and love in a family that struggled for many years to help their son. The author pointed out that there is no perfect fix for an opioid addict but that the love and persistence of a family goes along ways sometimes more than any rehabilitation facility. Rick Van Warner gives hope to parents who are just starting down this road and to others who have been on the roller coaster road for many years. Rick gives families insight on what signs to look for in a family where an opioid addict is an unknown quantity. Rick is part of a movement to enable families to take more action to help a family addict and where pitfalls may occur along the fight to regain a family member.
October 28, 2021
Nice well-balanced telling of the author's family with one of his sons being addicted.
I was turned off at first as it felt like a lot of blame outside the family. As the story went on, the author answered all my basic questions (5W/1H). He was able to balance the role his son played, pharmaceutical companies, law makers, medical facilities, physicians, specialists, friends, and families in addiction.
He tells several times the effects on his marriage and his other kids. His marriage survived, amazingly. He admits his daughter over the years could not be protected and did not come out unscathed following years upon years of trying to save his son.
This is raw as well as honest; however not a self-help or advice book. It feels like a coffee chat or a gentle hug that reminds -- you are not alone.
Well worth my time.
I was turned off at first as it felt like a lot of blame outside the family. As the story went on, the author answered all my basic questions (5W/1H). He was able to balance the role his son played, pharmaceutical companies, law makers, medical facilities, physicians, specialists, friends, and families in addiction.
He tells several times the effects on his marriage and his other kids. His marriage survived, amazingly. He admits his daughter over the years could not be protected and did not come out unscathed following years upon years of trying to save his son.
This is raw as well as honest; however not a self-help or advice book. It feels like a coffee chat or a gentle hug that reminds -- you are not alone.
Well worth my time.
January 23, 2018
On Pills and Needles: The Relentless Fight to Save My Son from Opioid Addiction
by Rick Van Warner is a heartfelt and vividly real look at a family dealing with addiction. A story that will shed light on the real addiction that many have with Opioids. When the need to satisfy an addition destroys young lives and wreaks havoc on families throughout the country each and every day. On Pills and Needles is a real eyeopener that is sure to stay with you long after you finish this emotional novel.
by Rick Van Warner is a heartfelt and vividly real look at a family dealing with addiction. A story that will shed light on the real addiction that many have with Opioids. When the need to satisfy an addition destroys young lives and wreaks havoc on families throughout the country each and every day. On Pills and Needles is a real eyeopener that is sure to stay with you long after you finish this emotional novel.
June 20, 2018
Heartbreaking story about a young man's addiction to opioids and how his family tried to help him. I admire their perseverance and dedication to him. It was interesting to read about how the husband and wife alternated in their approach to the problem and willingness to continue trying--while this caused some conflict in their marriage, it also acted as a way to keep going, rather than being alone in the attempt to intervene. I'm glad their story ended well.
February 6, 2018
Interesting, quick read, well written... just wish it went a little more into his experience with either the prescription drug issue and/or the legitimacy or illegitimacy of expensive rehabs. The book did a good job covering all the aspects of the prescription drug problem, but I would be interested in what someone who has been through the recovery process would recommend to improve it.
January 7, 2019
This was probably more of a 3.5 rating. The story was good - and heart wrenching. However, it felt like it jumped around and there were parts I didn’t understand how they fit together. I can only imagine that must be what it feels like to the dad, but I struggled with that as a reader. I also felt like the book just ended.
February 26, 2019
A moving, detailed and personal account
Author Rick brings his first person experience in an eye opening account of the impact a national epidemic had on one family, his. And while unvarnished and gritty, it is still a story of persistent love, and continuing hope. Highly recommended, an admirable work. May God continue to bless Rick and the Van Warner family. RT
Author Rick brings his first person experience in an eye opening account of the impact a national epidemic had on one family, his. And while unvarnished and gritty, it is still a story of persistent love, and continuing hope. Highly recommended, an admirable work. May God continue to bless Rick and the Van Warner family. RT
January 29, 2022
Pretty easy read. The time line the author writes in can be confusing at times. But such a good depiction of addiction and how with an addict the whole family becomes sick. I personally really enjoyed the grace of which the addict in this story finds his higher power and the book was not overly religious or pro criminal justice system. Also the books gives a good history of the opiate epidemic.
March 19, 2022
The onlyu question I had dancing in my mind as I read (I got to a third, aprox) was What is this, exactly?
Is he trying to retell? Tring to write a page-turner? Trying to moralize about the use of drugs?
In any case, the one feeling I clearly had was that I wanted to escape that family as badly as his son did.
So I escaped the book.
Is he trying to retell? Tring to write a page-turner? Trying to moralize about the use of drugs?
In any case, the one feeling I clearly had was that I wanted to escape that family as badly as his son did.
So I escaped the book.
March 14, 2023
This is a book that everyone should read. We always think, not me, not my family, but it could so easily be you and your family. Reading this family's struggle and the cold hard facts about rehabilitation places and what the people do when they can't find their drug of choice is scary. It should be recommended reading in all high schools.
February 28, 2018
Excellent read. For me, it was a page-turner. The message: never give up on your children or grandchildren. The action plan: from the moment of their conception, treat your children as the source of the greatest joy in your life and humankind--because they surely are. Inspirational.
May 27, 2018
I read this book for the United Methodist Women's Reading Program. It is, by far, one of the most heart-wrenching and personal books on the opioid crises and how it affects friends and family. Highly recommended!
October 4, 2018
Grateful for this book. Walks through the struggles of a Father in dealing with an addicted son. Can provide support to many who are walking this road. Would have liked for there to be more lessons learned for future parents. However, I will recommend this book to others.
July 24, 2019
I really liked getting to hear the honest statements and thoughts made by the father on his son’s recovery. It was enlightening to also get a glimpse of the young man’s perspective on halfway houses and being in rehab. I thought it was well written and hope the young man stays clean.
February 29, 2020
Was a great insight into what a family goes through. I just wish he had found more peace by the end of the book. I guess the book was written a little too soon to know the finality of things. But I guess that’s the nature of the drug beast.
June 6, 2022
Great honest book ! Having an alcoholic son who also experimented with drugs I could really relate to this family.
So much stress and failure but success does come. Everyone just needs to survive the bad times.
So much stress and failure but success does come. Everyone just needs to survive the bad times.
July 17, 2022
I loved the book, but the narration wasn’t great - the narrator’s matter of fact voice took the emotion out of the story for me. I would have felt a lot more from this book had I read it myself, or with a more emotional narrator.
October 28, 2022
It was OK. I didn't like how he spoke about his wife. It's clear he still needs to work on himself before judging his wife or kids. I didn't fully relate. 4 stars because at least he wrote the book, and that takes a lot of work.
November 30, 2022
I found the author put my teeth on edge, I really feel for what the author, his kid and his family went through but seriously. Do not roll out the lines about how it was all your fault and you continued to drink excessively. How you did so much tough love but simultaneously totally enabled your son.
There was zero continuity in the story, we constantly heard the same cliched false sounding lines and woe is me platitudes.
Had I been this mans editor I would have removed more of the repetition. I can see how this would be what some people need to read and need to hear but I was thoroughly irritated by the end.
There was zero continuity in the story, we constantly heard the same cliched false sounding lines and woe is me platitudes.
Had I been this mans editor I would have removed more of the repetition. I can see how this would be what some people need to read and need to hear but I was thoroughly irritated by the end.
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