Official Review: The Struggle by Brian Storm

[wendyj]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Struggle" by Brian Storm.]

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I received a free copy of The Struggle by Brian Storm in exchange for my honest review. This book is a memoir of Brian’s journey through drug and alcohol addiction into long-term recovery. Brian’s motivation in sharing his story is the hope that “this book can open the eyes of both addicts and non-addicts, and give a better understanding that addiction is a disease and can affect anyone.”

Brian’s story of the spiral into addiction is all too familiar. He grew up in Philadelphia in a stable, two-parent family as the youngest of four children. He always felt different from his siblings and was seeking attention. At the age of 12 his older brother introduced him to alcohol and he quickly discovered that he felt better and “normal” when drinking. By 14 he was drinking every weekend and providing alcohol to his friends as a way to fit in. By 15 he was using pot and from there graduated year by year to progressively harder drugs until, by his mid-20’s, he was a hardcore heroin user.

In this book, Brian graphically describes his drug use and the many ways his life spiraled out of control as he began stealing and then actually dealing drugs to feed his habit. Some of Brian’s stories are disturbing and caused me to stop and really think about the drug culture and how drug addiction is a major motivation behind violent crime.

Throughout his story, Brian shares his insights on how it feels to be an addict: “I was really trapped inside of my own mind. The drugs had me locked inside of a cage for the last 17 years of my life and I had never even noticed it.” Brian had several false starts towards sobriety over the years, trying methadone treatment and going to detox but refusing to go to a long-term treatment setting. Finally, after losing his friends and family, watching friends die from overdoses, being homeless and then imprisoned, Brian hits his bottom and actively pursues treatment. His road to recovery wasn’t easy and there were many challenges yet to come, but Brian realized that he could not get clean and sober on his own. By working a treatment program, establishing a relationship with God, and helping others, Brian finds happiness in his new sober life.

I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. I didn’t give it a 4 because I thought it was a bit graphic at times. There were also several typos in the book. I didn’t give it a 2 because Brian’s experience, strength and hope are inspirational. This book would be a good read for people who need help with their own recovery. It may also be helpful for those who love an addict and who are seeking a better understanding of why an addict behaves the way he or she does and why an addict often does not succeed with recovery the first time around.

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[readforlife]

I will read this. I have experience with a loved one and addiction and would like some insight.

[brianstorm]

Thank you for the review! Really hope this book helps many people.

[wendyj]

I always appreciate authors who are brave enough to share their story. Especially when the story isn't always a pretty one. Hope your book is a success!

[brianstorm]

Thank You Wendy!