Title: We All Fall Down
Author: Nic Sheff
Date Read: 9/24 – 9/26/24
Why I Read:
I had previously read Tweak, by Nic Sheff, about his personal struggle with meth addiction. This sequel is about his time at rehab and his struggles with relapse.
What I Learned:
I have struggled with relapsing and maintaining sobriety for most of my life. Nic Sheff made the common mistake most addicts make, which is believing since alcohol and marijuana are not hard drugs, they can be used without consequences. This is something I already had to learn the hard way, but it was comforting to know other people do indeed make this same mistake.
What I truly learned from this book is mental health does play a huge role in a persons recovery. Mr. Sheff was an unmedicated, diagnosed man who suffered from bipolar disorder. He never understood that his unstable states of mania and depression played a critical part in his recovery journey.
After seeking help, finding the right medicine regimen, and getting a strong support system, Mr. Sheff was able to maintain 3 solid years of sobriety by the end of his book.
How will reading We All Fall Down contribute to my preparations for success upon my release:
As a recovering addict, memoirs like We All Fall Down provide a sense of hope for my recovery. Also, it enlightened me on the role mental health does play in my recovery. And, since I struggle with my own mental health issues, this was a HUGE COMFORT to me. I feel very encouraged after reading his memoir and will be seeking a way to contact him to ask him to be a mentor for me.
