An Addict in the Family – A Mother’s Tale of Heartbreak, Courage and Resilience
by Stephanie Hammond
It’s a small book in size, 75 pages, written with heart about a big subject.
The subtitle sums it up as this is a mother’s tale of heartbreak, courage and resilience when living through the experience if having a son who is a convicted drug addict and supplier. It’s an experience no mother wants, yet many find becomes a reality for them.
What should she do? Turn her back on him and run, as she is advised? This mother doesn’t.
Despite all the heartache, she engages with the situation and all it involves, including the possibility of putting herself in personal danger, dealing with the frustration of having to learn about the justice and prison systems, and finding out who not to trust among those about her, the majority, and the few she could. Heavy concerns, but written about in a readable way.
In seeking to understand her addict son, Charlie, the author also comes to knowledge of herself.
In the introduction, she writes of her hope that this memoir will “be a conversation starter leading to awareness of the widespread effects of addiction and paving the way for change. Change in the way society views addiction; change in the way those addicted view their place in the hearts of those most affected by their actions; and change in the availability and type of support systems that all those touched by addiction so desperately need.”
It is a hope that is captured well in the cover art.
by Stephanie Hammond
It’s a small book in size, 75 pages, written with heart about a big subject.
The subtitle sums it up as this is a mother’s tale of heartbreak, courage and resilience when living through the experience if having a son who is a convicted drug addict and supplier. It’s an experience no mother wants, yet many find becomes a reality for them.
What should she do? Turn her back on him and run, as she is advised? This mother doesn’t.
Despite all the heartache, she engages with the situation and all it involves, including the possibility of putting herself in personal danger, dealing with the frustration of having to learn about the justice and prison systems, and finding out who not to trust among those about her, the majority, and the few she could. Heavy concerns, but written about in a readable way.
In seeking to understand her addict son, Charlie, the author also comes to knowledge of herself.
In the introduction, she writes of her hope that this memoir will “be a conversation starter leading to awareness of the widespread effects of addiction and paving the way for change. Change in the way society views addiction; change in the way those addicted view their place in the hearts of those most affected by their actions; and change in the availability and type of support systems that all those touched by addiction so desperately need.”
It is a hope that is captured well in the cover art.
Review by Meg
Title: An Addict in the Family – A Mother’s Tale of Heartbreak, Courage and Resilience
Author: Stephanie Hammond
Publisher: Delahoyde Publishing Co Ltd
ISBN: 978-0-473-68203-3
RRP: $22.43 paperback, AU$8.80 E-Book
Available: Publisher, Amazon, Google Play Books
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