David Sheff's "Beautiful Boy" and Nic Sheff's "Tweak" Books On Addiction

David Sheff's "Beautiful Boy" and Nic Sheff's "Tweak" books on addiction, compliment each other in a revolutionary way. "Beautiful Boy" is a father's take on his son's addiction to Heroin and Methamphetamine, whereas "Tweak" is Nic Sheff's autobiography about his own struggles. Both sides of the gun, you might say, are revealed from the view of two amazing writers!

In October of 2008 I had the opportunity to hear David and Nic speak about their books. Naturally, I was very excited about this opportunity; having read their books and felt their pain, both emotional and physical, I wanted to see where they stood now. I showed up a little bit early, and to my surprise the two of them were sitting outside the bookstore talking. I walked up and introduced myself and we started talking, I had the occasion to look them both in their eyes; it was an emotional experience to say the least. After we finished talking, it was time for them to begin their talk about their books.

Each of them spoke for about a half hour about their own book and then they fielded questions. I had no questions for them as I already had the opportunity to meet them privately. With every word that they spoke I could see and feel the pain in Nic's eyes. It was as if Nic were reliving his nightmare over and over at each book-signing/reading event that they did around the country. I do not believe that David knew how painful his words were for Nic; it wasn't how David spoke or what David said that I think affected Nic, rather it was the fact the Nic would never be able to move forward, that he would have to fight his demons forever.

I'm not a doctor, but I know that what I saw was not healthy! Deep down inside I had the feeling that as long as Nic continued doing book tours he would be drawn back to the drugs. An addict and the parents of the addict have to find a way to move forward with their lives, at first talking about the experience with each other is a healthy way to recover. But, at a certain point families need to move on and start a new chapter in their lives. I wish both David and Nic the best and I hope that together they can find a way to grow together and not apart.

The connection that families make in their journey towards recovery is ever so crucial for success. Family Programs are perhaps the most intricate part in a successful recovery. Once again I encourage anyone to read "Beautiful Boy" and "Tweak", and may they do for you what they did for me.