Hooked

Powerful true stories about living with an addict.

While many books exist about teens and addiction, there are none that deal directly with the problems teens face when they find themselves living with a family member with an addiction. This collection of ten true stories is based on interviews with people whose parent, grandparent, or sibling is addicted to any one of alcohol, drugs, food, pills, work, or gambling.

Greg’s father was an angry drunk who would become physically abusive. Jenny was the glue that kept her family together when her mother’s gambling addiction got out of control. Their stories, together with the others in the book, describe not only what it was like living with an addict, but also how they survived emotionally and psychologically. Each story contains sidebars describing the symptoms of the addiction and tips for handling the difficult situations that teens may confront.

The introduction is by renowned children’s author Robert Munsch, whose struggles with addiction became highly publicized recently. Here, he speaks openly and honestly about how he fell into the grip of multiple addictions and how he and his family were affected. His advice to teens comes from his own experience, making it credible and sincere.

In addition to a foreword by Marina Barnard, Co-director of the Centre for Drug Misuse Research in Glasgow, there is also a Q & A led by Dr. Dennis Kimberley, Professor of Social Work at Memorial University. But most important is a resource section with suggestions of where to go if you need help.

Any teen living with a family member who is addicted should read this book. They will see themselves reflected in these moving stories, which are ultimately full of hope.