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Roger Ray Bird
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DADDY, WHY WERE YOU A DRUG ADDICT?: Winning the War Amid My Angel and Devil Within Paperback – September 20, 2023

by Roger Ray Bird (Author), Damon Nawrozki (Illustrator), Joshua Duke Sansing (Foreword),
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 25 ratings
See all formats and editions
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Twelve was the correct age to begin using and selling drugs, by Baltimore standards anyway. Rapidly the departure from responsible humanhood progressed…the sprawl of substance abuse ran full gamut. Earning first the illustrious title high school dropout, graduating to lowlife loser addict status, then overdosed junkie. The topper of zenith choices laid in my hands, I had to choose, stand to tower over my self-injurious abuse, or, meh…die in my shoes wherever I fall.

Examining the comfort-escape control of heroin, meth, cocaine and booze, a vibrant understanding arises, once willing to face the truth of truths. Beyond the dissection of a 13-year addiction, the WHY and WHAT, perhaps more perplexing is the HOW of getting clean and a resulting recovery spanning 34 years, five months, 15 days, and counting.

Six friend addict forewords fill the first chapter. In our individual yet shared ways, we transcribe an interestingly similar journey. Perchance here is a provision of insight for us currently trapped within our own little hell, and those confused loved ones on the periphery, desperate to help but unsure of where to begin.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    268 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    September 20, 2023
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.61 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-13
    979-8218286651
  6. See all details
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Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The realest book I've ever read

It is a privilege to be able to read Roger's captivating memoir, and I must say it's a profoundly moving and unvarnished account of his tumultuous journey through life. Roger's narrative is unlike anything I've read before. His storytelling is raw and real. This book is a must read for everyone, whether they themselves or a loved one are struggling with addiction or not, it's a vital perspective for everyone in this world to understand. - Gracelyn Smith


A brutally honest tale of trauma survival and discovery of true self

Roger has told many of his friends pieces of his own story over the years, but here is the whole thing, in his own words and style, raw and real. He's woven in his own poetry, purposeful tangents, humorous writing styles and unique narration to bring you along into a life story - a gripping answer to the title's question. It is nearly impossible to understand how this soul survived, recovered, and became the amazing human he is. But - the why? is the most important message behind Roger's story. The author's palpable and painful recounting can help others - even people who are NOT struggling with substance abuse or addiction. We are all fighting battles. We all struggle with something. This author has gained that insight and empathy through living the life, and moreover, living to tell the tale. It is a must read for anyone who has a loved one who is in crisis. I can't wait for the movie. -Dr. Bill. - William S. O'Loughlin


An unvarnished, honest, and heart breaking account of the journey through addiction and recovery

Roger is 100% heart, for all the good and bad that involves. His chronicle of addiction is a must read for anyone going through it personally, as a family member, or friend. Powerful stuff. - David Mitchell


Inspiring Passion Project

This book was clearly written with emotion, purpose and intent. Not having personal experience with mental trauma and/or addiction myself, this book offers real insight into the complex space and provides much needed perspective. - Paul H.


This book is for everyone

This book is about Roger's struggles with addiction (and homelessness, and abuse, and...). It is raw emotion. It pulls no punches. This is not a fluffy light read with 10 lessons on how to find inner peace and happiness. This is a brutally raw, honest book about one man's journey and fight against addiction. It is for people who are struggling. It is for the people who are helping those who are struggling. It is for people who are suffering because of those who are struggling. It's important to note that it is also for people who are not struggling. People who read the news about an addict committing a crime and wondering why it happened, or how it could happen. The author gives a first-hand account of the how and the why. It's not everyone's story, but it is one story among thousands. A story that resonates and reaches deep into your heart. This book could not have been easy to write. Buy the book. Read the book. Pass it along to someone else. Buy a copy for your local library. This book is about as real as it gets. - Eric Bethard


Great REAL description of how/why people reach for drugs and alcohol to medicate emotional pain

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CJKY8C4R
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Roger Ray Bird (September 20, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 268 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8218286651
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.61 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 25 ratings

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Roger Ray Bird

Roger Ray Bird

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Early on an attempted mindful acceptance of life as-is initiated. With the mother bird encaged inside a state mental institution, she held apart walkabout societal freedom and snared from family life forever, think throughs of how to proceed without lookbacks proved elusive at seven years old.

Past elementary level, academic lesson plans became incomprehensible and the streets took over as teacher. Twelve was old enough by Baltimore standards, many started much younger…the drugs provided a warm nurtured swaddling. School avoidance heightened to a matter of time incongruence and the certificate of drug dealer displaced high school diploma.

Whilst smoking crack, the progression apart from reasonable human existence accelerated rapidly. Once injecting the needle, everything changed. Although wanting to die and soon, the discipline to extinguish future breaths was misunderstood, then proceeding on autopilot until the overdoses began.

Struggling to envision a path of survival, all introspection led to the trading up of one obsession to another, and another, and another. From day one the self belief was lacking, so focus shifted outward while disregarding the lies of not being good enough for anything. Exchanging a 13-year drug addiction for a professional mountainbike race career, then a 30-year run as management professional and global executive director, nowadays the addiction is helping. Helping others who cannot effectively help themselves like the mother bird before dying homeless and alone, helping others find see and know their truth, so to elevate above their cloud cover of blame shame and doubt to live amid the garden of their utmost potential.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
25 global ratings
A real look into addiction and recovery
5 Stars
A real look into addiction and recovery
This has been a great read so far. A real look into addiction and recovery. Spoken from the heart.
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Top reviews from the United States

William S. O'Loughlin
5.0 out of 5 stars A brutally honest tale of trauma survival and discovery of true self
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2023
Verified Purchase
Roger has told many of his friends pieces of his own story over the years, but here is the whole thing, in his own words and style, raw and real. He's woven in his own poetry, purposeful tangents, humorous writing styles and unique narration to bring you along into a life story - a gripping answer to the title's question. It is nearly impossible to understand how this soul survived, recovered, and became the amazing human he is. But - the why? is the most important message behind Roger's story. The author's palpable and painful recounting can help others - even people who are NOT struggling with substance abuse or addiction. We are all fighting battles. We all struggle with something. This author has gained that insight and empathy through living the life, and moreover, living to tell the tale. It is a must read for anyone who has a loved one who is in crisis.
I can't wait for the movie. -Dr. Bill
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
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Eric Bethard
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is for everyone.
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book is about Roger's struggles with addiction (and homelessness, and abuse, and...). It is raw emotion. It pulls no punches. This is not a fluffy light read with 10 lessons on how to find inner peace and happiness. This is a brutally raw, honest book about one man's journey and fight against addiction. It is for people who are struggling. It is for the people who are helping those who are struggling. It is for people who are suffering because of those who are struggling.

It's important to note that it is also for people who are not struggling. People who read the news about an addict committing a crime and wondering why it happened, or how it could happen.

The author gives a first-hand account of the how and the why. It's not everyone's story, but it is one story among thousands. A story that resonates and reaches deep into your heart. This book could not have been easy to write.

Buy the book. Read the book. Pass it along to someone else. Buy a copy for your local library. This book is about as real as it gets.
Helpful
 Report
mark rhoderick
5.0 out of 5 stars Great REAL description of how/why people reach for drugs and alcohol to medicate emotional pain
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2023
Verified Purchase
Roger tells us in his book that he is a "high school dropout", yet his writing is so real, so from the soul, it's some of the best I've ever enjoyed. Being a recovering addict myself, I find his descriptions of using - the depths we reach - are so real, so gripping, that at times found it difficult to read. The shame, emotional pain and hopelessness are described in a way that i had to stop reading and remind myself that those days are in the past. I haven't finished the book yet, but I know that it's going to continue to be hard to put down!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
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larry camp
5.0 out of 5 stars Soul bearing story
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is not like other books and stories of this type. This is raw, stream of consciousness, soul bearing depths that most of us can't or won't go to to work around daily demons. Inspiring, scary, hopeful.
Helpful
 Report
Gracelyn Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars The realest book I've ever read
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2023
Verified Purchase
It is a privilege to be able to read Roger's captivating memoir, and I must say it's a profoundly moving and unvarnished account of his tumultuous journey through life. Roger's narrative is unlike anything I've read before. His storytelling is raw and real. This book is a must read for everyone, whether they themselves or a loved one are struggling with addiction or not, it's a vital perspective for everyone in this world to understand.
Helpful
 Report
Excellent addition to the couch!
5.0 out of 5 stars Roger poured it all out paper.
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2023
Verified Purchase
Roger’s story holds a lot of parallels to my own story. He serves us a touching tell all for his daughter to read and understand her father’s past. Roger touches on the darkness and loneliness of addiction as an unattended youth. I feel like he conveyed the depth of darkness and grips of fear and escapism at a young age. Often times addiction and drug abuse in young men is seen as a phase that will be grown out of. And often times it’s ignored because “you’re too young to have a problem.” Once you lock into Roger’s style of writing he starts to hit a certain stride and you are along with him for the ride. You are pulling for Roger and you are left a little bit better and possibly a little bit more in order then the day before.

Not your typical self-help book. A touching and at times troubling story with heart and good intent doused throughout.

Thank you.
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AWBurghGirl
5.0 out of 5 stars The world needs to read this book
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2023
Verified Purchase
Roger has written one of the most important books on the all encompassing pain, need, loss, fear, anger, shame, struggle that comes with addiction. A must read. A must share. His goal? Helping anyone out there that just can’t see the point of leaving their love affair with drugs or alcohol. If you are an addict or love someone who is, you need to read this book.
I have known Roger since childhood and his truth in his shook me to my core. I will be buying more copies to donate to groups in my area that may not have the funds for this most important tome.
Thank you, Roger.
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Anonymous
1.0 out of 5 stars Horribly Written
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2024
The run on sentences distracted me from actually being able to read it. I know the author and it is unbelievable that people believe this book to be factual. Some of the things in this book have been fabricated and told so many times until it became true in his mind. Even the title of the book and the story behind it isn't true.
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