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The Golden Boy: A Doctor's Journey with Addiction
Before opioids destroyed Grant Matheson's career, he was a pillar of his community. Respected physician, loving husband, devoted father, and trusted friend. Grant was a straight-laced kid who grew up to be a clean-living adult. No drinking, no smoking, and certainly no drugs. It took everyone by surprise, most of all himself, when he became addicted to narcotics in his 30s. His story hit local press when he was found guilty of professional misconduct related to his addition, including over-prescribing painkillers to patients so he could buy them back--an infraction that caused his physician license to be suspended.
Matheson's memoir is a gritty account of his narcotic addiction and all that it cost him: various relationships, his career, and almost his life. The Golden Boy takes the reader from the very first day of Matheson's drug addiction to that moment when he decided to rebuild his life through rehab and recovery.
- GenresNonfictionMemoirMedicine
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2017
6 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 26, 2018
Thanks to my buddy Joe Otto for the recommendation of this book!
The Golden Boy is the accounting of a former PEI physician's battle with opiate and alcohol addiction from his first high, through to rehabilitation. The first few pages of this memoir had me a bit worried, since Matheson is not a tremendous writer by any stretch of the imagination. What Matheson does do well is present an honest account of his fall from grace as a rural family physician due to his addiction, and offers an unflinching look at the collapse of his personal and profession life.
I've read a fair amount about addiction, and Matheson doesn't bring any revolutionary ideas to the table. Perhaps it is due to my training, but Matheson spends much of his book reminding us that addicts are people with illness rather than addled degenerates. This wasn't news to me, but his plainspoken language and simple writing may help it reach a wider audience who still hold those prejudices against people who suffer from substance abuse.
This story was readable and propulsive: I read it in two or three sittings. Matheson may not have the sharpest pen in the world, but he trims the fat by making his story a series of vignettes rather than a strong single narrative. This won't win any literary awards, but I found myself speeding through the read. All in all, a fine and brave memoir.
The Golden Boy is the accounting of a former PEI physician's battle with opiate and alcohol addiction from his first high, through to rehabilitation. The first few pages of this memoir had me a bit worried, since Matheson is not a tremendous writer by any stretch of the imagination. What Matheson does do well is present an honest account of his fall from grace as a rural family physician due to his addiction, and offers an unflinching look at the collapse of his personal and profession life.
I've read a fair amount about addiction, and Matheson doesn't bring any revolutionary ideas to the table. Perhaps it is due to my training, but Matheson spends much of his book reminding us that addicts are people with illness rather than addled degenerates. This wasn't news to me, but his plainspoken language and simple writing may help it reach a wider audience who still hold those prejudices against people who suffer from substance abuse.
This story was readable and propulsive: I read it in two or three sittings. Matheson may not have the sharpest pen in the world, but he trims the fat by making his story a series of vignettes rather than a strong single narrative. This won't win any literary awards, but I found myself speeding through the read. All in all, a fine and brave memoir.
March 9, 2023
An eye-opening read that tells the story of a small town physician and his battle with addiction. This book brings you into the mind of someone struggling with addiction; the lengths they will go to sustain their habits, and ultimately the destruction of relationships and image. In nursing school, I had the opportunity to meet Grant Matheson and hear his story first hand. It goes to show that addiction does not discriminate, and even the most educated, and trusted professionals find themselves battling the disease.
January 23, 2018
Addiction is evident in everyone’s life whether it’s their own battle or watching a friend/loved one fighting the disease. This book shed light on addiction as a disease and was a very easy read. It got a lower rating because I found it very choppy which is understandable with Dr. Matheson not being a writer, so some parts felt very rushed and quick. Could have also been because I’m sure this was a very hard story to put into words. Overall would recommend it to everyone to pick up!
May 7, 2019
The Golden Boy is Matheson’s memoir about his personal experience with narcotic and alcohol addiction. It starts by relating the beginnings of the illness taking shape in the early 2000s, when he was a physician practising in Charlottetown, and how his life spiralled out of control as he sank deeper and deeper into its clutches over the course of a few years. He talks about his time in rehab and the constant struggle he lives with even after years of sobriety.
I didn’t come into this expecting phenomenal writing. When picking up Matheson’s memoir, I had hoped for something rough around the edges, personal and, perhaps if I was lucky enough, even a bit enlightening. And we approached something along those lines eventually, but it took time. The writing in The Golden Boy starts out wooden. I think this has to do, in part, with the fog of addiction Matheson describes as clouding his experiences at the time, and also, in part, with his need to disassociate from his former self in order to properly heal. So the first chunk of the book––describing active, worsening addiction and his life systematically falling to pieces––sounds like he’s talking about what happened to an acquaintance, drily giving what he heard to be facts without understanding the specifics. And, of course, a lack of writing experience likely lends itself to part of the explanation for my dissatisfaction in this vein. For, the act of telling readers about something isn’t enough to elicit emotion from them: You need to convincingly take them there and make them believe what happened, make them see how people truly reacted to what you’re describing. It’s possible that the author didn’t understand this, and this may be partially true, but I’d argue that a more satisfactory explanation is that he didn’t know how to effectively achieve this.
Once we follow Matheson into treatment, things improve substantially. This presumably has something to do with the aforementioned fog lifting, so he actually recalls more things from this period. I’d suggest this had something to do, as well, with him keeping an active journal. This gave him access to specific details to add into the telling; as such, he was better able to bring his experience across. With this comes a better sense of the author as a real person trying so hard to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, giving more weight to his central argument that society’s negative labelling of addiction is a major barrier to effective treatment.
So, The Golden Boy wasn’t exactly what I was expecting going in, but I believe it has value, especially if you haven’t heard much about addictions from the suffering side: It’s probably not a bad place to start learning.
I didn’t come into this expecting phenomenal writing. When picking up Matheson’s memoir, I had hoped for something rough around the edges, personal and, perhaps if I was lucky enough, even a bit enlightening. And we approached something along those lines eventually, but it took time. The writing in The Golden Boy starts out wooden. I think this has to do, in part, with the fog of addiction Matheson describes as clouding his experiences at the time, and also, in part, with his need to disassociate from his former self in order to properly heal. So the first chunk of the book––describing active, worsening addiction and his life systematically falling to pieces––sounds like he’s talking about what happened to an acquaintance, drily giving what he heard to be facts without understanding the specifics. And, of course, a lack of writing experience likely lends itself to part of the explanation for my dissatisfaction in this vein. For, the act of telling readers about something isn’t enough to elicit emotion from them: You need to convincingly take them there and make them believe what happened, make them see how people truly reacted to what you’re describing. It’s possible that the author didn’t understand this, and this may be partially true, but I’d argue that a more satisfactory explanation is that he didn’t know how to effectively achieve this.
Once we follow Matheson into treatment, things improve substantially. This presumably has something to do with the aforementioned fog lifting, so he actually recalls more things from this period. I’d suggest this had something to do, as well, with him keeping an active journal. This gave him access to specific details to add into the telling; as such, he was better able to bring his experience across. With this comes a better sense of the author as a real person trying so hard to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, giving more weight to his central argument that society’s negative labelling of addiction is a major barrier to effective treatment.
So, The Golden Boy wasn’t exactly what I was expecting going in, but I believe it has value, especially if you haven’t heard much about addictions from the suffering side: It’s probably not a bad place to start learning.
February 25, 2025
Being a well known and respected physician doesn’t make you at all immune to addictive behaviour. That is something I believe is born into one’s self, not the addiction part but the behaviours. It increases susceptibility, putting some people at greater risk for substance abuse or other methods of addiction. This was the case for Dr. Grant Matheson. He was his parent’s “golden boy”, the good kid. Did well in school, stayed out of trouble until that cough happened. Grants addictive behaviours “started with a cough”. This story is sad, Grant really struggled with his addiction but the one thing that kept him fighting was his kids. We are all human first and foremost regardless of what academia we come from, or what up bringing we had. Addiction doesn’t pick and choose who it affects, it could happen to you or I.
March 4, 2018
I feel that every person who has a friend or family member facing addition should read this book. Grant gives a voice to the inner thoughts of an addict which I think will be surprising for many people.
Overall, the book is written well save for a few points here and there. There are some more philosophical musings that feel a bit pretentious and at times he comes across as conceited but Grant writes with a sense of self-awareness that still entreats him to the reader.
The book is quite short and is mostly spent on the time before and during his treatment. I personally would like to have read more about his journey after treatment and of his current life.
This book is important. I hope that this book will educate the people who read it and that it will start conversations on a topic that has long remained in the shadows.
Overall, the book is written well save for a few points here and there. There are some more philosophical musings that feel a bit pretentious and at times he comes across as conceited but Grant writes with a sense of self-awareness that still entreats him to the reader.
The book is quite short and is mostly spent on the time before and during his treatment. I personally would like to have read more about his journey after treatment and of his current life.
This book is important. I hope that this book will educate the people who read it and that it will start conversations on a topic that has long remained in the shadows.
Read
June 21, 2018This is fun to read if you've ever spent time at Homewood! The author talks about bowling, ceramics, horticulture, the smoke pit, the barbecues, the Stone Road Mall (and other highlights in Guelph), the burning place, the old pool tables, the cafeteria, Dr. Cunningham, the annual reunion, and pretty much everything else that you'd fully appreciate if you've been there.
January 1, 2018
Wow! Such an honest and heart wrenching read. This memoir by Grant Matheson is a window into the life of a 'golden boy' become addict. Matheson is the son of a minister, and is a well-respected doctor in a small community. In this book, he reveals how he went from being a non-drinker, non-smoker and non-drug user to an addict in a very brief period in his 30s. He writes short, moving vignettes that chronicle how the illness of addiction took over his life. He also shares with us journal entries from his time in rehab. He is honest about his relapses and the reality that it truly is a one day at time journey.
I had tears streaming down my face most of the time I was reading. If you can manage to get your hands on a copy (very hard to do as the stores cannot keep them in stock they are selling so quickly), I strongly urge you to do so.
I had tears streaming down my face most of the time I was reading. If you can manage to get your hands on a copy (very hard to do as the stores cannot keep them in stock they are selling so quickly), I strongly urge you to do so.
February 16, 2018
Very honest and unflinching life story of the author. A doctor, husband, father, son who lets an addiction get in the way of his life. Addiction has no certain type, as the author shows us in a very good memoir. The lengths he went through to get drugs was astounding. Even though it is a short read it is powerful. Good luck to the author. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
January 6, 2018
This book was easy to read but difficult and emotional hard to do so as well.
In the words of the author, “ I hope this book will change your perspective about addicts. Addicts are sick. They are not bad”
I truly hope this book helps an addict or a loved one being effected by the addict they love.
In the words of the author, “ I hope this book will change your perspective about addicts. Addicts are sick. They are not bad”
I truly hope this book helps an addict or a loved one being effected by the addict they love.
December 19, 2023
I appreciate this book so much. Grant’s honesty is remarkable and so important. I found the book was an easy yet deep read. There are some grammatical/punctuation errors, but the content makes up for them! I recommended this book to others before even finishing it. I plan to revisit some of the metaphors and examples used, as they were brilliant! 5/5 ⭐️
January 9, 2018
A good book about the ways in which addiction doesn't discriminate and anyone can struggle with this disease. The facts and events were clearly written and outlined, but I feel that there was a lapse in emotional reactions to said events. It's a quick read as I was able to read it in a few hours.
April 21, 2020
A quick and easy read. Interesting to get the perspective of someone who suffers from addiction. This book points out the lack of understanding and knowledge held by many in the general population as well as the medical community.
August 20, 2023
What a heart wrenching story 💔. Addiction of any form is extremely insidious, but more so when the individuals who are addicted are seen as “pillars of the community”. It’s as if they “should know better”. Well written and opened my eyes to WHO addiction can affect: absolutely anyone.
April 1, 2024
This small-town physician was my physician at the time these events happened. He was a wonderful physician and I have nothing but respect for him. Especially after opening up like this. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in a couple of hours.
March 1, 2025
This memoir took some time to get into, but once I hit the rehab diary section, I was captivated. This is the raw account of one man’s story of addition, a need for perfection and the power of forgiveness.
December 28, 2017
Great book!!
February 26, 2018
Addiction devastating to any family but this Doctor was also embarrassed by this illness. Good read
April 4, 2018
Captivating story but writing fell flat.
June 24, 2018
An honest memoir of an addicted physician
October 20, 2018
I read this in one afternoon. Quite an honest insightful autobiography. I certainly learned a lot about addicts. They could be anyone. You or me!
Read
October 25, 2019This book is a very interesting read and every page keeps you hooked and makes you want to read more. If you are interested in books that deal with over coming challenges you will like this book
January 24, 2020
A quick read of an intense struggle
March 8, 2021
Great, easy read. Cool that the author is from PEI, very eyeopening.
July 31, 2022
Writing style not great but story good. Felt like I ran through it
December 16, 2024
8/10. Short book, very easy read. Plus it’s based in PEI where I live so it was cool to be able to understand the places he was talking about. I would recommend:)
April 22, 2019
It is Prince Edward Island, it’s small and quite literally everyone does pretty well know everyone.
With that being said, This book took a ton of guts to write, and I applaud Grant for his sharing of his important journey and struggles with addiction.
This book shows that addiction knows no bounds - when even a smart, healthy, and wealthy physician - someone who knows the impacts of the medicines they prescribe - can fall prey to the horrors of drugs then none of us are safe.
Grant is a wonderful person - he’s a very supportive dad who absolutely adores his children.
The story he shares about his addiction are both sad but also offer hope.
It shows the importance of letting go and being open to receiving help from others.
It shows that addiction is an illness and we must as a community come together and help anyone who wants it the supports and love that are necessary for them to move forward in their lives.
I hope you will take the time to read what Grant has to say, and that it impacts you as much as it has me.
With that being said, This book took a ton of guts to write, and I applaud Grant for his sharing of his important journey and struggles with addiction.
This book shows that addiction knows no bounds - when even a smart, healthy, and wealthy physician - someone who knows the impacts of the medicines they prescribe - can fall prey to the horrors of drugs then none of us are safe.
Grant is a wonderful person - he’s a very supportive dad who absolutely adores his children.
The story he shares about his addiction are both sad but also offer hope.
It shows the importance of letting go and being open to receiving help from others.
It shows that addiction is an illness and we must as a community come together and help anyone who wants it the supports and love that are necessary for them to move forward in their lives.
I hope you will take the time to read what Grant has to say, and that it impacts you as much as it has me.
June 3, 2018
If I were rating this book for the bravery it takes to share this kind of story I would give it a full five stars. The story is hampered by the choppy writing but the events of Matheson’s life make a riveting read. I applaud the honesty and know by sharing his story Matheson has underlined that addiction can reach anyone.
October 19, 2024
I admire the writer of this book. It can't be easy to air your dirty linen in public, especially in a small province like P.E.I where too many people know you (or think they do). If the book can help only one person to get off drugs, it will have served its purpose.
March 6, 2024
Love the frankness of the author. Quick read but also very interesting. You could almost feel his addiction through his words. To lose so much over so little. Frequent accurate in today’s world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews