Rick Van Warner tells the story of his son's descent into drug use and opioid addiction in his new book, "On Pills and Needles." (Baker Books)
It was a fascinating but difficult book to read.
Van Warner spent thousands and thousands of dollars in an effort to help his son overcome his addiction. Nothing worked. The boy would stay clean for a few days or even a few weeks but then his addiction would rear its ugly head, so to speak, and then Van Warner's family would once again be thrown into chaos.
Van Warner reveals how America is in the opioid mess it is in by exposing how drug companies market drugs like Oxycontin, all in the name of the almighty dollar. He shows how local, state and the national government have contributed to this growing problem by failing to take effective action to get opioids off the streets.
You get a first hand glimpse into how difficult it is to overcome an addiction. You heart goes out to Van Warner and his wife and family as they try to cope with a son and brother who can't be trusted and seems bent on destroying his own life.
In the end, Van Warner discovers that his son doesn't need 12 step recovery groups or expensive rehab facilities. Love, understanding and open and honest communication was what finally helped his son overcome his addiction and a four-year long nightmare.
I appreciated Van Warner's candid honesty. He freely admits his own mistakes in dealing with his son and the effect it had on his wife and family. That he and his wife survived the stress on their marriage is amazing.
Is this a "happily ever after" book? There are no guarantees but the book ends on a hopeful note. And that is enough to ask.
Book provided by Baker Books for review.
