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American Boy: The Opioid Crisis and the Sister Left Behind
American Boy is the poignant story of a brother’s fall through the eyes of a little sibling. Matthew went from clashing lightsabers with Shea and scaring away bullies, to driving off into night and stumbling up to federal court podiums. Megale chronicles Matt’s journey through opioid addiction with brutal truth and unimaginable love, revealing raw and shocking insight into this national and deadly epidemic. This firsthand biography seeks to help others by sharing what worked for Matthew and what didn’t, and looking back on mistakes made in the heat of survival. Megale challenges families to talk without shame about their loved one’s addiction, and what communities can do to change the course of this historic crisis in front of them.
Written with haunting intimacy and surprising hope, Megale’s account is a must-read for anyone touched by substance abuse or grief. It is the portrait of Matt—his spirit and his warmth—but the story of Shea, too, who fights to return to him with both urgency and ideas of forever.
Written with haunting intimacy and surprising hope, Megale’s account is a must-read for anyone touched by substance abuse or grief. It is the portrait of Matt—his spirit and his warmth—but the story of Shea, too, who fights to return to him with both urgency and ideas of forever.
173 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 18, 2021
An interesting and unfortunately all too common story. I just wish I had realized how short it was; really more of an essay.
February 23, 2020
“American Boy” by S.C. Megale is a heartbreaking story of addiction. It’s the story of one boy, Matt, and his struggle with opioids, told from the viewpoint of his younger sister, Shea. And, it’s so much more than a story about addiction. It’s also Shea’s story and the impact Matt’s addiction had on her and the entire family. It’s a must-read for anyone who has ever been involved in the struggle, either first-hand or by association. And sadly, isn’t that just about everyone?
Shea and Matt clearly held each other up on pedestals. Matt was the older brother who could do no wrong in Shea’s eyes. He held a fierce affection and dedication to his little sister. It occurred to me many times while reading, that perhaps Shea understood her brother better than anyone, and though the two were five years apart in age, their bond was unbreakable. Until it wasn’t.
There are no depths anyone struggling with addiction will fail to journey to in order to achieve the next “high,” and Megale captures the very essence of an addict in the throes of his obsession. You might say, “Well, of course – she was there.” That’s true, but it is isn’t always easy to convey the message in a such way that makes the reader feel as if they were right there. Megale succeeds in this and more, giving the reader a “third-eye” perspective, if you will.
The writing is exceptional, Megale’s voice demands, and receives, attention. She is insightful and real and brutally honest. At times, she made me smile, her matter-of-fact wit providing a glimpse of her inner strength. Other times she paints pictures that you don’t necessarily want to see, but can’t seem to look away, much like a horror movie.
“American Boy” is actually a two-part book – a biography and a self-help resource, with Carrie Wilkens, PhD and Co-Founder of the Center for Motivation and Change providing a substantial clinical reference in the Afterword.
Matt’s story is an important piece in the fight against addiction and the stigma surrounding the disease. “American Boy” by S.C. Megale should be required reading in schools as it’s an invaluable tool, and what better place is there to educate and create deeper awareness around the issue of addiction? Highly recommended reading.
Shea and Matt clearly held each other up on pedestals. Matt was the older brother who could do no wrong in Shea’s eyes. He held a fierce affection and dedication to his little sister. It occurred to me many times while reading, that perhaps Shea understood her brother better than anyone, and though the two were five years apart in age, their bond was unbreakable. Until it wasn’t.
There are no depths anyone struggling with addiction will fail to journey to in order to achieve the next “high,” and Megale captures the very essence of an addict in the throes of his obsession. You might say, “Well, of course – she was there.” That’s true, but it is isn’t always easy to convey the message in a such way that makes the reader feel as if they were right there. Megale succeeds in this and more, giving the reader a “third-eye” perspective, if you will.
The writing is exceptional, Megale’s voice demands, and receives, attention. She is insightful and real and brutally honest. At times, she made me smile, her matter-of-fact wit providing a glimpse of her inner strength. Other times she paints pictures that you don’t necessarily want to see, but can’t seem to look away, much like a horror movie.
“American Boy” is actually a two-part book – a biography and a self-help resource, with Carrie Wilkens, PhD and Co-Founder of the Center for Motivation and Change providing a substantial clinical reference in the Afterword.
Matt’s story is an important piece in the fight against addiction and the stigma surrounding the disease. “American Boy” by S.C. Megale should be required reading in schools as it’s an invaluable tool, and what better place is there to educate and create deeper awareness around the issue of addiction? Highly recommended reading.
April 20, 2026
What a powerful story. Megale honestly and openly shares the struggles faced by her brother, herself, and her family. The afterward by Carrie Wilkins, PH.D. is equally revealing and informative. My clearest takeaway was the way that our systems do not work together to help the addicted or their supporters. Megale tells us how the state of Virginia demanded her brother return to Virginia from a successful recovery program and halfway house in California to stand trial for a years-old possession charge. Dr. Wilkin points out how the recovery programs don't sufficiently help families understand how they can support their love ones without enabling them and how different programs work within their silos not helping those seeking help identify what will best serve them. However mostly this book helped me to look into myself and explore how addiction played a role in my own family of origin. Thank you.
August 29, 2024
This story is a tragedy. S. C. Megale will rip your heart out recounting the pain her family endured. This is a story repeated all too frequently. If you have not lived it, you know someone who has.
I view this book as something like the old Greek parable of Pandora's Box. You open it, and all sorts of horrors come flying out. But at the very end, out comes Hope, in the form of the Afterword, by Carrie Wilkins, Ph.D.
If you have a loved one facing this crisis, this is a must-read. Dr. Wilkins shows you the path thru this personal hell. The key is extended treatment. The four weeks most insurance plans pay for is inadequate, and many patients discharged after that time will relapse. For the rest of us, this is an opportunity to be part of the solution. My wife and I became contributors to the American Boy Foundation, which helps pay for extended treatment.
I view this book as something like the old Greek parable of Pandora's Box. You open it, and all sorts of horrors come flying out. But at the very end, out comes Hope, in the form of the Afterword, by Carrie Wilkins, Ph.D.
If you have a loved one facing this crisis, this is a must-read. Dr. Wilkins shows you the path thru this personal hell. The key is extended treatment. The four weeks most insurance plans pay for is inadequate, and many patients discharged after that time will relapse. For the rest of us, this is an opportunity to be part of the solution. My wife and I became contributors to the American Boy Foundation, which helps pay for extended treatment.
November 20, 2019
An extremely insightful book about the hardships of addiction as told from the vantage point of a younger sister watching her hero brother struggle with opioids (heroin). This book caused me to consider the current justice system and laws that impact drug users. I also learned current methods and rehabilitation practices to treat addiction and a comparison with practices in other countries, as well as roles of family members and loved ones. The author of this book was very courageous in sharing her family's story, and I hope that these words will provide comfort and strength to people struggling with addiction or their support network.
December 11, 2019
Very well-written and raw. I knew this was going to be a tough read but the way the author frames the book, it's unlike anything I have read. Would highly recommend to anyone, as all of us have lost someone from addiction. Highly recommend reading the afterword. Works to help people understand why addicts do the things they do and HELP (not enable them) to become better. As a recovering addict/ alcoholic myself, this book hits the nail on the head.
November 9, 2025
I had an epiphany reading "American Boy" that if 'you know, you know.' There are those who understand the mechanisms behind substance abuse and those who do not. 'Knowing,' as a general maxim, is empowering. This book helps you get there.
February 2, 2020
Poignant. Well written !
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews