This was an amazing, touching book told from the other side of addiction - a side not heard very often - the side of a parent watching their child slowly spiral out of control due to addiction.As a recovering addict myself, (13 yrs., 11 mos., 11 days), as well as a parent, it was really hard for me to read at times but I'm SO glad I did.This is an amazingly touching book that is at times funny, emotional, heart wrenching, and hopeful. I would recommend this to book to everyone but especially to those struggling with either side of addiction.

As a mother who has experienced the sadness, anger and frustration of having an addicted child, this book rang remarkably true. David Sheff has done an masterful job describing the conflicting feelings that addiction of a loved one brings up. As I was reading this book, there were times that I didn't want to know what was going to happen next yet I couldn't stop reading the book - so eager was I to see how the story ends. I will admit that I was hoping, for an ending that would maintain or restore my own sense of hopefulness. And, of course, although the book ends, the story does not. Thank you, David, for sharing your story.

Although this book was long, and sometimes tedious the story was very powerful. This is not the kind of book I usually read. I'm more of a horror fan. But the subject matter caught my eye. In this day and time we all have been affected by drug use. In my case it is my nephew. As of now he is in rehab AGAIN, I don't know how many times he has been there. I can sympathize with the author. I feel like he did a wonder and realistic job of telling about his son's addition. I would recommend this book highly. Actually, I hardly ever recommend books. But I called my sister and told her she needed to read this book.

This book is heartbreakingly candid, and so real it was hard to read at times. I am grateful that David Sheff shared the wonder of his "beautiful boy," and the good times, too. It gave a brief respite from the horror of the cycle of addiction that is terribly familiar to parents of addicts. His giving credit to Al Anon was appreciated. It certainly saved my sanity, and perhaps my life. Sheff did his research well, and I concur with his assessment of the lack of services that come with reviews or recidivism rates. It's a gamble when deciding which might work, or if anything will. I appreciate his ideas about the need for taking addiction from the criminal justice system and putting it into the health care system.

Amazing book of the true story of a fathers struggle with his sons addiction. Is a perfect mix of medical, history, the fathers story, and wondering what you as the reader would do in the situation. Sucks you in right away!