I Love You, More: Short Stories of Addiction, Recovery, and Loss From the Family's Perspective

by Blake E. Cohen, Joe Hempel (Narrator)

The compulsion to use substances tends to drain every ounce of life from an individual, but this is often equally as true for their family.

Most family members do not know where to turn for support and guidance when a child, parent or spouse becomes ill.  Society offers little to educate the public or de-stigmatize the problem of addiction. 'I LOVE YOU, MORE' is distinct and unique from other books on the market on addiction as it is meant to be an emotional education on the family systems affected by addiction using three, fictional short stories, all with very different endings.

These three powerful stories have common threads of hope, pain, mistrust, grief, worry, change, acceptance, belief, and the constant presence of varying levels of sanity across a broad spectrum. 'I LOVE YOU, MORE' offers insight into the various perspectives and experiences of family members who have dealt with the harrowing disease of addiction.  

The goal of this book is to be the conduit that allows you to enter the body and mind of a substance abuser and their family, to see the world through their eyes as they navigate their way through one of the most heart-breaking and gut-wrenching hardships they will ever face.

The author, Blake Cohen, is a recovering alcoholic and addict himself for multiple years. He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is a Certified Additions Professional.  He currently works in the field of substance abuse treatment in the position of National Outreach Manager. Blake’s role allows him to be of assistance to families, and their loved ones, as they begin their journey into recovery. Blake is also a public speaker using his experience and education to help bring understanding to the public regarding the disease of addiction.

From mothers to fathers to siblings to aunts and uncles to grandmothers and grandfathers, as well the individuals struggling themselves, these stories contain emotional tidbits from the author’s years in the treatment field, interviews with families, and his own personal experiences.

The hardest thing for a person to do is watch a loved one slowly kill themselves while you standby; unable to do anything about it.  For the family, addiction is frustrating, heart-wrenching, exhausting and time-consuming.  It can lead to bouts of anger followed by bouts of hysteria.  It can leave you bed-ridden and paralyzed by insurmountable sadness and depression.

Although we cannot make our loved ones better, we can learn to take care of ourselves through it all. This book is emotional support for anyone and everyone whose lives have been touched by addiction.  




RUNNING TIME ➜ 2hrs. and 17mins.

©2019 Blake E. Cohen, CAP (P)2020 Tantor

Genres: Audiobook, Addiction

Audible Audio

First published May 21, 2019

Reviews

[J.P. Willson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on your perspective really, lived the stories in this book.
Being a recovering alcoholic myself for some 6 + years now the stories in this book certainly resonated with me quite deeply, not only from the side of the addict, but also of the father/parent, and the person grieving the loss of an overdose victim. I have seen addiction from both sides of the coin.
Thankfully in my sobriety as with the author, I have been able to help countless others with their recovery processes although not quite to the same extent as I chose to go a different route with my attempts than him.
The book is well written, with deep meaning although unless one has lived the life of an addict, I fear a great portion of those meanings may be lost on the reader. I may be wrong here though and it is certainly worth the read.
Highly recommended.

[Kathryn Literski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This is a book for not only the addict but also the family of the addict. You won’t be disappointed.

[Sandra Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I was married to a addict, the first time. When you are 18 and in love, you do not notice the red flags. I went through all of this, plus cheating on me and several jail/prison stents. I hope this book, helps another woman to leave. They do not all change. He died, at age 54, remarried to a Mommy figure who was 70 at the time of his demise.

[stacy huttman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening read!

The stories within this book were compelling and helped provide insight into what family members of addicts experience in trying to help their loved ones.

[Kyleigh Huang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I choose to read this book as part of it being a book club read at my work ( I am a social worker). I really loved the three short stories in this book as it was a very heartfelt and sad read. Ultimately I feel I am walking away with a better understanding and empathy towards the caregivers and individuals who do struggle with addiction of any sort.

[Ashley Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very easy read finished this is in one day no problem. Gives general good sense of the family perspective of addiction. I know the book comes right out and says it's fictional, however, I think it would have been more impactful if the stories were true.

[Duckoffimreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick read covering 3 family perspectives when it comes to addiction.

[Sandy Bidman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone in recovery. Alcoholics, addicts, people working in treatment or the families. This shows both sides of what addicts and families go through.

[Brittany Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely hit home but very helpful

[Debora L. Kinsel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unknown outcome

Didn't know the outcomes. Want to understand more...Its a circle of emotions with out an ending!
Love it but hate it...

[Ldc1113yahoo.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving

This book hit me hard. It was spot on with its message. Very applicable to what feelings arise around addiction.

[Michelle Gravert-Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about addiction that any addict and their family can relate to. Has discussion questions for each story that really open up the discussion about the effects of addiction on everyone.

[Kathy P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The demon of addiction

This may be a fictional account, but no greater truth is told (except the Bible) about addiction. Our family has experienced, firsthand, the toll it takes on the individual family members and not just the addict. It is a family disease and all suffer who are close to the afflicted. I would recommend this book to anyone who has been affected by addiction, either personally, within the family unit, or through friendships or acquaintances. It is devastating disease, and some understanding can be achieved by reading these accounts.

[Elisabeth Brookshire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short

This book was written by a former addict who now works in a drug treatment center. I liked the stories (there are only three and they're very short). Maybe add ten more then you've got yourself a book! Nothing's worse than finding something to read them realising you'll be done in an hour.

[Susan Barbini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book! Being an adult child of an alcoholic, this book opened up perspectives that I had not connected with! Well written, it had me connecting to emotions that were hidden. I'm grateful to have spent the weekend reading it. I Love You More brought me another level of healing.
The different stories were so on point, giving a glimpse into the emotions and thoughts of all that are affected by addiction.

Definitely worth reading.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. I believe there is something everyone could relate to in this book. If you or someone you know has ever dealt with addiction in any form it’s a must read! I just read the whole book, every page in one sitting.

[Gina Snuttjer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I am a Probation/Parole Officer. I read this book after a client said it was used in a treatment program. This really gives you a good indication on what everyone goes through with addiction. It was a short read but very good.

[Suep · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
Three poignant "fictional" short stories about addiction and how it affects the family. Engrossing and fast paced. Heartbreaking and so real.

[Eric · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was glad it was a short read, I did not find the information useful. Hoping other readers did.

[Kelly Sue Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting perspective

This book was a quick, easy read. I have a family member battling with addiction and I'm trying to understand it. This was a good first read.

[Kaylie Mckinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book, although it was short, it was nothing short of amazing. these books are so inspiring

[Ellen McCormick Bull · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t really very impressed. I didn’t feel like this book went deep enough. The characters were not very fleshed out. Maybe borrow it from the library but don’t buy it like I did. It was a quick read and I don’t feel like I gained very much from the stories.