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.
