Crack Cocaine Addiction Information for Families of Crack Cocaine Addicts

A few weeks ago, my husband and I ordered your book. It really helped us clear things up in our minds and hearts. Unfortunately, each side of our family is threaded with addiction, so we were able to recognize immediately the destructive enabling behavior of ourselves. After verifying with professionals, the step we took is to totally ignore him until he wants help and makes the decision to be crack free - no drug free. We also realize it probably won't happen the first, second, third, fourth time. So we wait in this purgatory for that moment or the morgue telephone call.We are ordering four more of your books today for our family around the U.S. My husband and I feel that the entire family MUST be on the same page. We were wondering if you could send to the various addresses for us. If you sent to us, it would delay in the family receiving this valuable information.

Regarding your book. Living with someone on drugs is a subtle brainwashing to the straight person. Layers and layers of deception. You want to believe so bad that nothing is wrong. I've read your book about 3-4 times now. A lot of what was said was like, an aha moment. But even my denial was very strong in the beginning so it did not really sink in. After I go back and reread, I see how many key points you put in, and that I missed. You can't get into all the aspects such as legal, codependency, children's rights shelters, but the basic principle is the same.

It is more realistic and groundbreaking than anything else I've read. It is one of the only books to show people AFFECTED by this what they can do. Subtly it helps a person gain a clearer perspective to prevent this happening again. That is once the affected person peels off the layers of b.s. the ch has stomped into their mind.

Its nice to read side effects, withdrawal, what crack looks like etc., but I like the fact your book shows how a person who lives with this can gain control over their lives again. Speaking for myself, I gave all control over mine to ch, and didn't even realize it. I lost weight from size 8 to a zero. Depressed, not making money, I needed a good wake up call. The hard part was to do self introspect and see what was wrong in me and fix it. Easier to be self absorbed into ch. Oh the pain when I woke up of "so who are you now, what do I like, dislike, having to fill this giant void and replace with me again" had to remember basically forgot who I was.

It shows a person the path to gaining control back over their lives again. Like you said "Guide to Emotional Freedom," the first step.

Basically I learned how he sized me up as an easy mark. I let what I wanted get in the way of what I saw. Nice, not too many friends, recently moved to the area, within 3 months he moved in. He bought me a lot of stuff, told me he doesn't smoke cocaine anymore only snorts it and I bought it. My social life revolved on him only, and what he would say we do. Somebody buying me nice things, helping me pay the rent, wow, in the beginning thought it wa great. Now, I see the con but before the smoke was way too thick. Several months after moving in, well you can figure the rest.

Your website and book helped me deal with this painful way of life I was into. Now I'm getting stronger every day. I am really very grateful. It was not an easy process though. Still work on it every day. Everybody goes thru there stages. Again, the book and website helped open my eyes.

Love M

I have read Steve's book from front to back, and I have to say for any of you still trying to put together this puzzle, his book has the missing pieces. It is powerful, honest, and very blunt. I have reached the stage of letting go and forgiving, and the book also taught me a few other ways to live without dependence. It is a book worth reading for anyone who wants to better their life. This book will teach you that to hit bottom you have to reach for the top. Thank You so much for your wisdom!!!

Cher

Steve, I received your book yesterday. Thank you. It is really informative. I have pretty much been told by a rehab locally the same no contact rules that you list in your book. My son, who is almost 21, is a crack methadone addict. From what I can tell this has been going on for about a year. We had him in our home for about 4 months until we realized something really bad was going on. He does the same things they all do. Check fraud, stealing, you name it. We finally asked him to leave in January and I haven’t seen or heard from him since. I guess I am grieving his loss now. I can’t quite bring myself to reconcile that this is just it…. One day I have 3 kids now I have two. It appears that he is just a part of the walking dead. He just doesn’t realize he is dead yet. Do these people ever recover.?

Kris

I ordered the book. For those of you who haven't ordered it I would. I came into this blind. I am married to a man that kept my in the dark and happy (i can't believe i did not see it!) For seven long years. I still miss I could help him! I thought everyting was my fault. This book helps. thanks Steve

Very confused (Taken from Discussion Group)

Kare, you WILL be okay again. I suggest you order Steve's book and answer all the questions honestly. It WILL get you over the hump, and set you free. I've been over the worst of it for a while now, but there were so many lightbulb moments while reading Steve's book. I really wish that I had the book when I was just starting the NO CONTACT. It will get better with time, I promise. The thing that helped me was to REALLY see him for who he is, now, today. Not, for who he was, or who he could have been.

Shelby (Taken from Discussion Group)

Steve Your book is a real eye opener. Thank you for taking the time out of your life to complete it. And Thank Char too for her help in the endevor. It is the most helpful book I have read in a long time.

Howie (Taken from Discussion Group)

I got Steve's book last Friday and spent the weekend pouring over it- and it is beyond awesome I can not imagine a more perfect title it truly is a fantastic "Guide to Emotional Freedom" no b/s and I felt as if every emotional trauma I have been thru @ the hands of my CHH and CH son were addressed. Every time I turned a page another issue was addressed another riddle solved another need met.What blew my mind was how well Steve understood what I have been dealing with and my reactions to it. I couldn't "see the forest for the trees" but this guide has simplified things for me so much.If there is anyone on this site that has not ordered this book you REALLY NEED TO GET A COPY it will save your sanity!

Taken from the Discussion Group

Hi Steve!!!

First I want to say endless thank yous to you, your fiancée and all contributors for your outstanding book. Especially to you for your enduring mission; truly amazing. I’m on my second read of the book & my card is always with me in my wallet. My therapist asked me the other night what tool has helped me the most during all of this (Naranon meeting, many books, friends, etc.) and your website was my answer hands down! I know I haven’t posted my story, but I have a chbf, well now exchbf. I’m really trying to work No Contact/Involvement and just like everyone on the site says it’s so, so hard. You guys give me hope!!!

karin

Dear Steve:

I wanted to tell you simply that your book “Your Guide to Emotional Freedom” gave me Permission to not give up on myself and the joys that were still available to me in this life. It came at a time of pure desperation for me as well for many others dealing with the emotional battle raging within us. Reading your book shows me that your destiny of creating this material and continuing to do so will be a valuable tool. I encourage you to maintain all that you are doing as the benefits will help so many.

As to my neighbor she absorbed the book as I did and said that forewarned is forearmed. As to her daughter she went back to her boyfriend. I believe that she didn’t read the book, she is 18 and did say to her mom, “he needs me to be normal” one for the site.

As to the Canadian requests it doesn’t surprise me, in our province the Premier’s wife is on a mission for meth kids. As you read the papers each day and hear of the criminal activities, you know crack, meth or other drugs are involved. When will they realize that the Source is the solution not the treatment?

You reflect a real person that deals with real issues and that the gain here is truly “Freedom”.

Take care Pat

I had a great weekend in reality. Very peaceful. I kept my Guide to Emotional Freedom with me and my CHX did everything the book said he would do and I did everything the book suggested I do..... VIOLA! POOF! CH did not disrupt or disturb me and I am feeling so serene. Just had to share that when I first found this site- someone had posted "Life w/out my CH is SO GREAT!" and I doubted I could ever get to that place b/c I have tried everything to get over it & move on but was miserable. I bought the book anyhow and I feel better in less than a month than I have felt in 10 yrs. There is so much help available here on the website but the book is what really got me moving forward. I was longing for my CHX & feeling empty & defeated BUT now I am focusing on my life and feeling hopeful & so free!

Kris 10 (Taken from Discussion Group)

Hello Steve, I finally received your manual this evening. i haven't finished reading it yet but will have it completed by tomorrow. it is packed with the wisdom that you carry through here at your site. i've seen questions posted that are plainly answered in your book and i wanted to raise my hand and say ... oh oh oh oh ... i know the answer to that one! lol. i left it at the other house so i can't tell you what chapter i'm at (about half way through). i'm going to leave it at my fathers house so that he will read it. he doesn't grasp the concept that this is an addiction and not something that will be over after the hangover is gone. nor does he realize why i am/was so depressed or my actions/reactions to different happenings. i know this will clear everything up. i haven't answered the questions in the study guides ... not until Dad reads it. but will definitely keep it as my Crack Reality Bible.

Crackless (Taken from Discussion Group)

Cher (Taken from Discussion Group)

Dear Steve,

Thank you for sending the book even before you got the check let alone cashed it. As I said in Discussion Group this book is a perfect fit-I have made so much progress but I was "stuck" I knew instinctively that I had to lay down a "No Contact/No Involvement" policy but my false guilt and caretaking mechanism kept stalling me......................

Kristen

I just got your book, thanks sooo much! This came at a time when I will really need it. My boyfriends addiction has gotten worse and I don't know how to deal with it. But this book sure does have some good ideas, I think it will help save my life!

Sylvia

Hey Steve,

We got the book yesterday, boy does it step on the toes, but love it. I think you should go on Oprah and promote HELP for us folks with addicts. <smile>

William and Joyce

Dear Steve:

I want to Thank you for sending me your wonderful book. It is truly a work of dedication and understanding. I have not finished reading everything yet, but it is a wonderful tool for me and my children to use to move on. We still struggle at times with their father, but he is not a part of our everyday life now. I am engaged to a wonderful man and hope in the next year or so to get married (the commitment part is still hard for me) Your hard work and empathy for others is shown in this book. I hope you and Char are doing well.

Be well and Thank you again for the book and for helping others deal with this problem.

Love, Pam

Hey Steve,

I just got your book yesterday. Read it cover to cover. It couldn't have come on a better day. My ex boyfriend is addicted to cocaine although I'm not sure if he does crack. I've been enabing him for the past three years in court and out.....

Thanks for your website. Mary.

I lent Steve's book to a friend who used it as Strategy for conversation with her daughter dating a CH of 2 years. She placed the book in the kitchen knowing it would arouse interest. The daughter would browse and mom and dad would comment without demoralizing the CH b/f. Talking values, morals, abuse, and attitudes. "IT WORKED" she placed a NO CONTACT 2 week trial period on the b/f and then they would chat. It turned into a battle, him accusing her of everything you could name. Also during the 2 week period his mom kicked him out and he was MAD!! The daughter was hurt and in pain- but what he said was so deep and seeing for her she did not look back. That was two months ago, she visited me last night and was looking healthy, happy and full of life, the way she was before the CH. She told me she had missed so much in that time with CH and was now seeing all old friends, doing all the things she didn't when with her b/f . She said that she did learn alot about herself from him, her naivety at the time of the relationship and in the relationship, but FOREMOST - What she doesn't EVER want in her life again was DRUGS or anyone involved with them. Pretty good for a just turned 19 year old. I am so Proud of her, she always introduces me as her other MOM.:)

Ducky (Taken from Discussion Group Posting)

A few things have been discussed on your site ... but still left me with unanswered questions/feelings/concerns. I like the way you go into more detail in your book."

"I found "For Significant Others .... How Did I Get Into This Relationship?" very very helpful to me. It answered so many questions that I had on my own weaknesses."

"I think it is a great read and a fantastic guide. I wish I had it when all of this first occurred in my life ... but finally I am getting closure. I know this will help."

"I know who ever receives this book will benefit greatly."

"Steve honestly I have found so much information in the book that will help with every day living ... not only dealing with my CHH."

"I got your book on Wednesday! Thank you so much for your thank you!! That was a nice surprise!!"

I'm not quite all the way through it, but I especially like the chapter on how we got into the ch relationship in the first place. That sure hit home. It is very informative and I'm sure will help a lot of people from a practical standpoint if only they'll take it to heart. GREAT JOB!!!

"I like that it is easy to read, reads quickly, and that you're invited to write in it (I like that you left space) and participate by answering questions and yet it doesn't have a "workbook" feel, sometimes those are just too much. Love both the front and back cover!!"

"I really, really like how you build the reader up. It is sooooo hard when you're stuck in hell with a ch. YOU SHOULD BE VERY PROUD!!! I feel your contribution will truly make a difference and may you be blessed over and over again!"

Steve,

I loved the book, even my husband took the time to read it. It explained things to him in a way he could understand, and therefore helping him to seal his no contact rule even tighter.

The questions posed were thought provoking, and made me (the reader ) really think about the why’s, and what’s of why we stay so long with a CH anyway be it family member, son, or lover, husband, girlfriend or wife.

We found that in every chapter we could relate it back to both our CH’s. I thank you for putting even more of your wisdom, and Char for being there for you while you give so much of your time to educate others and to help us.

It is a wonderful book, and I am very proud to call you my friend, and hey I know a celebrity…

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Faithful Dove