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 quick, easy-to-read, 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 Addictions 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.