I’m pleased to introduce Sheryl McGinnis. Sheryl is an author of a number of books as well as a mom. She share her books and her story about the effect addiction has had on her family.
Please introduce yourself to the readers who don’t know you.
My name is Sheryl Letzgus McGinnis and I’m the author of 4 books on drugs and addiction.
What inspired you to become an author of books on addiction? Have your written books in other genres?
It was the 14 year struggle with drugs and the ultimate death of our 31-year-old son who was a paramedic and an RN that compelled me to write so prolifically about this disease. I wanted others to know that addiction can happen to the brightest and best of kids and in the best of families.
Good kids do drugs too.
I wrote an entirely different type of book called “Romance Chocolates,” which was a total and much needed departure from my books on drugs and addiction.
Tell us about your books on addiction.
My other books are for a more mature readership (early teens and on up to grandparents) so I decided to write something about drugs that would get the attention of the younger set and as we all know, kids love animals and stories that involve animals. This book remained on Amazon’s Best Sellers List in Substance Abuse for two years. It eventually fell off the list and as of last week was back on it again which pleases me because I am passionate about trying to reach the younger kids. My philosophy is that it is never too early to talk to kids about drugs but it can be too late!
My first book, “I Am Your Disease (The Many Faces of Addiction,”) was written four years after my son passed away. I knew I wanted to write a book on this subject but it took me time to be able to write it — the pain was still so raw. I was also gathering stories from other bereaved parents and it took them time to put their thoughts into words too.
About 2 years later I followed this book up with “Slaying the Addiction Monster (An All-inclusive Look at Drug Addiction in America Today.”) This book included chapters by professionals in the field including MDs, Ph.Ds, a Florida State Representative and other professionals knowledgeable about addiction.
After the success of these two books I decided to try to reach the younger audience, to try to “nip it in the bud,” to get their attention while they’re still impressionable and don’t “know it all” as so many teens think they do.
My latest book is “Addiction Collateral Damage” and shows how addiction affects other people in addition to the addicted person. It isn’t on my website yet but is available on Amazon.com.
At this point, what would you say to parents who are just becoming aware of their teen or adult child’s substance abuse?
The main point that I would like to stress to parents who have just discovered their child’s drug use/and or addiction is to take a deep breath, give yourself time to absorb what this means. Don’t fly off the handle making threats that you most likely won’t be able to follow through with.
Educate yourself about addiction. Learn what the latest techniques are for treating this brain disease. Understand that addiction is a legitimate brain disease. Don’t torture yourself with the what ifs and why didn’t I’s. You are not to blame for your child’s addiction. You can’t cure cancer so don’t torture yourself by thinking that you can cure addiction.
Take steps immediately upon your discovery to get your child help. You are now in a battle, the battle to save your child from impending doom and/or death. This is not just a passing phase. The drug use can be a door opening into a world of horror. Notice I said “can” be. Not all children who do drugs will end up at hell’s door, but you certainly don’t want to take a chance. My husband and I did everything we could to raise two healthy drug-free boys. Our oldest never succumbed to the temptation. Our youngest did and we’re certain it’s because he had the addiction gene and there are many addiction genes.
I’m trying to speak at schools but so far I’ve been met with resistance, being told that parents don’t want drug information in the schools. But I will persevere in this regard. This is too important to quit.
What do you like to do when you are not writing books?
When I’m not writing, I’m playing with our two spoiled rotten cats or enjoying our garden and studying French again. But … the draw to write is always there along with the hope that if I write just one more thing, maybe one more family can be spared what we went through.
Above all, remember you are not alone and always let your child know that while you may hate the drugs and/or addiction, you love them!
Do you have a story of addiction or substance abuse? Join the discussion and let us know in comments.
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Is your teen struggling with teen substance abuse? The Parents Toll-Free Helpline is 1-855-DRUGFREE.
Great interview — especially what Sherill had to say about what a parent should do when they learn their teen is abusing drugs (or drinking). Don’t react immediately. Learn more. AND, don’t wait too long or consider it just a phase. Like she said, not all teens who binge drink or abuse drugs become addicts/alcoholics, but sometimes helping teens understand what’s going on in their brains can better help them appreciate that drugs and alcohol work differently in the adolescent brain than in the brain of an adult due to the brain development that occurs ages 12-25. This article, “How Teens Become Alcoholics Before Age 21,” http://tiny.cc/pyesf, helps to explain this relatively new brain research. Thanks, Cathy and Sherill!
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for the information. The more parents know about their child’s brain and how substance abuse affects it, the better. Getting the word out that the brain is not fully developed until age 25 and can be negatively affected by early use is so important.
Hi Cathy,
It brings the reality to the fore that anyone can be lured into & affected by drug taking. Sheryl is doing a great job in spreading a valuable message.
be good to yourself
David
Hi David,
The disease of addiction can happen to anyone. As Sheryl says, many good kids make the mistake of doing drugs and get caught in the web of addiction unable to move on with their lives. It is wonderful that she is sharing her story to adults and children, so that we can hopefully save some lives.
I’ll have to check out that book. I totally agree about educating yourself first. It’s a scary ride understanding the difference between curiosity about these things and addicition.
Thanks for a great interview Cathy.
Hi Betsy,
It’s wonderful when people who lose their children go on to make something positive out of the experience. Sheryl has done that and I believe her books have helped many people. It is always a gamble when kids experiment because we just don’t know who is not going to be able to stop. That is what is so challenging about substance abuse, is that some are able to walk away at some point, and others it changes their whole life.
Thank you everyone. My hope is that many people will be helped in their understanding of addiction, but if just one can be helped, that’s good too. We have to start somewhere. We must bring addiction out of the closet and speak freely about it so that others suffering need not be ashamed and will seek help. No shame, or blame, just love.
Hi Cathy,
So glad to come across your blog! I’m a mental health and addictions nurse. Everyday I work with individuals who are struggling with various types of addiction. It is wonderful to see someone who has overcome their addiction using their life to help others. Thank you for doing what you do.
Great interview with Sheryl. I like Sheryl’s idea of educating young people about addiction. Early health promotion and prevention will empower young kids to make more informed choices about their substance use or misuse.
My deepest sympthy for Sheryl’s loss. It is true that addiction the same as mental illness is no respect of persons. Anyone can get addicted to anything. Somethings are more distructive and dangerous than others but ultimately addiction negatively impacts every aspect of a person’s life. This includes the person’s closest relationships.
Education and awareness will definitely help people realize that addiction is something that affects so many people. It is also something that affects not just the individual but families, and communities.
I look forward to learning more about you and Sheryl’s work. Wishing you both many blessings.
Peace, Love & Gratitude,
Neseret
Hi Neseret,
You sound like you are in the trenches and see the day to day struggles of the disease of addiction. It is wonderful that Sheryl is using your loss to help others. I too believe that education and awareness are so important, so that people who are unaware of the dangers of substance abuse and addiction can learn more and hopefully prevent their children from going down this road. Thank you for all that you are doing. I know that the work of an addiction’s nurse is rewarding , but challenging work.
Nice interview. Great message. I am familiar with Sheryl McGinnis’ “quartet” of books. They are an essential to any school, rehab and home library.
Welcome Gloria! Absolutely, the are a great addition and so needed! Take care and thanks for stopping by!
Thank you everyone. Even Barbara Eden (of I Dream of Jeannie fame) wrote me (a hand-written letter)about my book The Addiction Monster and the Square Cat and said how wonderful the book is and should be in everyone’s home.
It’s still on the top 100 list on Amazon. I hope everyone will check it out especially those with younger kids.
Namaste’
Sherry
Hey Sheryl,
The book is wonderful and so needed! That is great that it is still on the top 100 on Amazon.Younger kids need this support! Take care and thanks for stopping by!