Unhooked: How to Help An Addicted Loved One Recover

by Jason Coombs

Is someone you love addicted? Have you found yourself wondering if all efforts to "help" or "fix" your loved one are really going in the right direction? Addictions to prescription meds, opioids, alcohol and other substances are growing at exponential rates and ripping our families apart. What are the best strategies to help someone in bondage to a substance that drive real results? When Jason Coombs' mother discovered her son was addicted to drugs and alcohol, she searched everywhere for resources and guidance that would grant her a spark of hope. She researched websites on the topic only to find a mixed bag of mediocre suggestions and an array of conflicting opinions. She was desperate for tools that could drive measurable results. Yet, her seemingly endless search for helpful guidance led her down a rabbit hole with no end in sight. Unhooked is the book, written by her recovered son, now leading his own treatment center, she wishes would have been available back then.

Genres: Nonfiction, Addiction, Self Help

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2020

Reviews

[Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had this book when I was in the deepest despair of my life as I was dealing with my son's addiction. I'm not positive that I would have believed, much less followed, the advice given, but at least it would have been one more authoritative source telling me that my desperate attempts to help my son were not only futile, but they were harmful to me, to my family, and especially to my addicted son.

Everyone who has a loved one with an addiction should accept these painful facts:

1. We cannot control his addiction.
2. We cannot cure his addiction.
3. We did not cause his addiction.
4. But we can contribute to his addiction, or to his recovery.

[Courtney 📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story of healing...

This book should be read by all. Its content is geared toward addictions; however, its teachings are built for the many who want change in their lives. I cried, I pondered, I read the entire book, even Jason’s acknowledgements to his family/friends. I am truly thankful for this book. Coming from a family (past/present) of loved ones fighting addictions, this book has given me a hope to fight for them but fight even harder for myself... thank you Jason....

[Denice Malvini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing!

Great book! I could hardly put it down. I just wanted to absorb it all! It opened my eyes to so much! I definitely will be learning to contribute to recovery instead of the addiction!

[Vicki Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone that knows anyone with an addiction. It makes you understand what to do and how to help an addict you love. I often refer to this book when I am struggling with trying to control an addict or even former addict. It is well written and a reference book for me.

[Kelly Crum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The BEST book for mothers of addicted children

I have looked for a book to help me understand addiction and give me hope as a mother to help my sin. Jason Coombs book did just that. I understand so much more now what i CAN do moving forward. I would HIGHLY recommend this book if you are a family member of an addicted loved on. Thank you Jason...for sharing your story and bringing hope!

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

20 years into my sons addiction, at least 50 books later and pain beyond imagination for him and his family. In this book, I find the true reality of addiction and most important, guidance through it for ALL involved. REAL guidance, I have learned so much that I am completely amazed and so thankful...so very thankful that Jason shared this valuable information, his experience which will help literally millions of Gods people.

[Amy Cottrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the prevalence of addiction in the world today, this is a book everyone needs to read multiple times! The author's personal story is interesting, heartbreaking, and hopeful. I hope I never have to use the information in this book, but man, I'm glad it's there! Excellent!

[Shally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for anyone who has a loved one struggling with addiction. I listened to it on Audible, but am buying a hard copy also, so I can look back at it often.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was handed this book earlier this year and was not enthused with an imaginary assignment. I’ve gotta hand it to the author though, I honestly feel like this book helped me process a lot this year. Sometimes it got repetitive, but the repetitiveness might have been what made the difference.

I still think this book could have been about 150 pages shorter, and the last chapter alone is letter from various family members (meh). I enjoyed his perspective much more. Didn’t expect to read this book this year but I am glad that I did. 🙂

[Cindy Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST read for anyone related to an addict - the information shared on the book carries the potential aid and set free the person who loves an addict! Change is possible

[Jessica Brill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye Opening

I needed this so much and I now need to process all of this! I have to choose me and my recovery and let my son feel his consequences!

[Amy Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A learning experience.

[Jillian W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as my cousin entered a substance abuse recovery program to learn how (if at all) I could help him on his journey. This book was everything I could’ve needed and more. It’s lessons expand far beyond addiction and can help almost anyone find new perspectives. My favorite quote was “when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” I have learned to put on an “emotional raincoat.” I hope to help my family put on theirs as well, and in a broader sense than just for my cousin. This is an incredible book, filled with life lessons that I have no doubt has and will continue to support many people.

[Christina Roma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this when my then boyfriend was in rehab after he relapsed. When we first met, he had been clean 18 months and I had no idea what addiction entailed or how easy it is to relapse. I do believe this book gave me a better understanding of how horrendous this disease is. It changed my life. If you know someone with addiction, please read this. Even if you don’t, you should read it. We need to be more educated on this subject.

[Angeline Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Experimental wisdom

Living with the storm of addiction the tsunami is overwhelming. I need to get off the beach. I've ready many helpful books about parenting an addict, but this book illuminated how to set boundaries in a loving practical way to support recovery and stop undermining the process. And to be patient, the hardest part.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a difficult read, a wrenching story of what addiction looks like, and how it affects families. It took me several tries to finish. It's hard to read, yet important to face. There is a lot of helpful information in here.

[LaRae Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense

This book is very intense and heart wrenching. But I am extremely grateful for the guidance and direction it provides for me as a mom of a 21 year old addict. Thank you.

[Nancy Harwood Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read for any family struggling with addiction

[KyLeigh Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gave me goosebumps! So gripping!

[Breno Melo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring book that will definitely help you to help you addicted loved one
Highly recommended

[Olivia Coombs · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Genuine connection is the opposite of addiction.”
Incredible read for anyone helping a loved one. The principles in this book go beyond addiction and are applicable in so many aspects of life.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one for work, which admittedly skews my response to it. I think I'd easily rate it higher if I were currently seeking help for someone in my life who was struggling with addiction. Jason's story is inspiring and his descriptions of addiction and relapse are personal, specific, and insightful. I think his advice for caregivers and loved ones of those with addiction could be life-changing for people like his own well-meaning parents: people who sacrifice incredible amounts of money, time, and emotional energy into caring for their addicted (adult) child. The idea of allowing people to experience enough suffering that they want to change is not a new one in the behavioral health world, but I find it impossible to apply as broadly as Jason suggests we should. Principles that work for the parents of addicted adults may not work for the parents of addicted teens that live at home. But the author might argue with me on that, and he might be right. For me, it was absolutely worth the read because I may someday be working with people who could truly benefit from the principles taught within. But it is truly written as a self-help book for people in a specific situation, so I wouldn't say it's a must-read for everyone.

(There were also a few times that Hispanic, and specifically Honduran people, were identified as drug dealers. Based on his accounts of these interactions, there is no way the author would have known the native countries of these individuals. Just seemed like something that didn't add in any way to my understanding of his experience, but does perpetuate potentially harmful stereotypes. This book was obviously written by a white man for a white audience, so I can't say I'm especially surprised, it just stuck out to me that it happened more than once)

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

What are the best strategies to help someone in bondage to a substance that drive real results? When Jason Coombs' mother discovered her son was addicted to drugs and alcohol, she searched everywhere for resources and guidance that would grant her a spark of hope... Unhooked is the book, written by her recovered son, now leading his own treatment center, she wishes would have been available back then.

[Emily Kessinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a loved one that struggles with addiction, I highly recommend this book. I’ve met the author of this book several times, and you’d have no idea the past struggles he had faced. It gave me hope for the future.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend to families with addicted loved ones.

[Marina Skidmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

This was an excellent book for those suffering addiction, as well as family or friends who have been affected by a loved ones addiction.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I couldn't put this book down. To read about the authors struggles of addiction all the way to overcoming the struggles to recovery is remarkable.

[Chelsea Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-changing. Anyone who knows and loves anyone struggling with addiction should read this book. This is so so important.