Tales of Addiction contains true grit tales told by people you will never meet but whose words will haunt you for months, years maybe. The contributors are not well known, they are not names you will recognize. The stories are written by every day people trying to stay straight and sober, and others written by loved ones searching for clues to the addiction game. Over two dozen addiction stories are presented, ranging from triumph over drug abuse to coping with the pitfalls of relapse and the challenges of recovery. Between the stories of those brave souls who chose to submit their personal addiction tale is one story from the author’s son, Richard. His personal Journal is interwoven throughout the book and her own words are found next to her son’s echoing, his pain and personal journey as she witnesses his life’s drama as an alcoholic.
 The stories were collected for two years through web site advertisements, workshops, and a “Call for Stories” bulletin. Some lines jump off the pages to grip the reader’s heart and mind leading him toward personal insight. Wry humor parts the reader’s lips with, “I am addicted to anything I take twice and makes me feel good!” and “I went to a party when I was eleven-years old and didn’t get back until I was forty-five.” Poetry fills the heart with lines like, “Days seem to run together like stitches on a hem” and “I turn trash into treasures, the same way God did with me.” Still other passages fill the heart with tears.
 Tales of Addiction and Inspiration for Recovery offers deep insight into ourselves and those we love. Between the potent stories, the reader finds pertinent information surrounding addiction recovery which presents an awareness of how the public can help those with drug or alcohol addictions. Various literature is introduced which allows the reader to discover how anyone of us can be of service to our addiction population. Issues are addressed concerning Drug Courts, Integral or Holistic treatment alternatives, the spiritual component in recovery, appropriate intervention, and new findings in the area of addiction and neuro-scientific research.
 The target readership is the general adult population whether clean and straight, addicted, or in recovery. This book is for anyone with an interest in understanding the reality of drug and alcohol addiction; the impact substance abuse has on our nation’s population; the choices individuals have taken on their addiction journey; and, instruction on how to help guide those addicted toward sobriety. This book should be read by teachers, social workers, medical professionals, counselors, teenagers, those incarcerated, college students, government officials, those addicted and their loved ones.