| This book is a treasure of education, insight and experience about alcoholism. The authors have captured the essence of the struggle millions of families go through to get out of the alcoholic system and into recovery. Reading this book will open your brain, your guts and your heart to an effective way of processing this diabolical disease. |
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CJ Kirk, LICSW
Senior Alcohol and Drug Consultant to Peace Corps
Office of Medical Services (1984-2004)
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Having been involved in adolescent chemical dependency treatment for over 28 years, I think Our Drink is a profoundly honest and real story that all families could benefit from. The back and forth dialogue between parent and child about the pain, fear, and destructive consequences makes it feel like you have witnessed a ten-round boxing match. I can see this book being used by prevention folks working with high school students, college-age students and their parents, school, and staff. It could also be used in treatment. I found everything in this book well done. Our Drink brings the reality home that alcohol does not care who it conquers, and that the more sophisticated we think we are, the more the destruction surprises and hurts those who are captured by its power. It becomes very clear in this fearless searching diary, that being perfect is painful, and that the condition is a myth with consequences.
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Stephen Bogan, M.A., Chemical Dependency Professional
Division of Substance Abuse, State of Washington
Nationally Certified Addiction Counselor, Youth Treatment Lead
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| The strongest argument of Our Drink is that alcoholism sucks. One of my main concerns is how to get Our Drink to people BEFORE alcoholism has taken over. It’s necessary that this book be read by both parents and kids and discussed before the issue arises! |
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Sean Walsh, age 24
University of California San Diego
Graduate Engineering student
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| Other people need to read this! Particularly, I thought of our group of friends, and how many (if not all) of us could stand to reevaluate the role of drinking in our lives. Then, I thought that my mother and others in families similar to mine would want to read it. Reading Our Drink has inspired me to do some much-needed introspection about my own habits and attitudes regarding alcohol use/abuse. |
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Chris Maxwell, age 21
Recent college graduate, Boston University
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| I applaud your effort to produce a book which is at least partially based upon your experience and your intense interest in helping families cope with the reality of alcohol in our culture and in the lives of our young people. |
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(Rev.) Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C.
President, University of Notre Dame
CASA Board Member,
National Center on Addiction & Substance Abuse
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| Because college is such a life-changing experience and drinking such a big part of it, Our Drink will have an impact on campuses everywhere. I learned a lot; I cried; and the honesty was touching. |
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Susan Fiksdal, Ph.D.
The Evergreen State College
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Our Drink delves into the mircro-levels of alcoholism. This is a great resource for families trying to weed out addiction issues and provides an amazing example of a family working together to make all members succeed. We’re always taught to pay attention in school; to go to college and get that great job; to find a soul mate, house, car, kids and all that stuff we “need.” As soon as we question whether we need it we feel like we’ve been wrong. Maybe this is what drives us to drink. Maybe we’re just a bunch of wimps who have nothing better to do than wait around until our “problem genes” catch a whiff of the wrong substance and send us spiraling downhill. It’s incredible all of us aren’t addicted to something. Our Drink lays it all out. Despite the lament over what went wrong, Toren and Chris Volkmann have taken a terrible situation and created something beautiful that I think will help others. Toren’s story is so important because it isn’t the story you always hear. Several of my friends are definitely part of the 1/3 college kids with alcohol issues. We are all supposedly the “perfect kids” from “perfect families” yet still keep boozing. This book speaks to us and our families. Awesome!
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Dan Murphy, age 24
Recent college grad, Lewis & Clark College
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| Our Drink made me look at my own life and my addiction of 20 years: smoking. I quit! Thank you, Perfect Family!!! |
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Anonymous reader
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Our Drink is right on because it allows us to see addiction from both the addict and the parent. There aren't many books written in this style. Families, particularly parents, will find this book a helpful tool to understand addiction. I recommend using this book in programs that are geared towards adolescents.
Our Drink will make a profound impact on education of the disease concept. This book will help move our society towards acceptance which in turn will open doors for higher quality treatment and decrease the tendency to look at the disease as a "moral issue.” I will definitely recommend this book to my patients! |
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Katie Revenaugh, BS, CDP
Chemical Dependency Professional
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| Learning about drinking choices early on and being proactive can prevent horrific tragedies and loss of life. There are so many parents who will relate to Our Drink. |
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Patty Layton
City of Olympia, WA
Safe & Sober Driving Coordinator
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| Our Drink helped me understand a reserved student I was wondering about. He’s in trouble academically. After reading the book, I told my student to be honest with his parents; that they want to know him and his struggles. He really appreciated that. |
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Anonymous college professor
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| Our Drink made me look at myself and my friends. And we’re the target audience! Well…maybe our moms, too. A wonderful blend of introspection, narration and valuable information! |
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Anonymous College Student
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