Addiction was a way Garth Mullins adapted to his environment. His feeling of disconnection drove his addiction. This book had me wondering what would happen if society pivoted from judgement and stopped pumping money at a model that is broken and asked ourselves why we’ve changed so much as a society that we can’t welcome and include and connect with each other.

I still have a lot to learn about a part of our world I was sheltered from, but I can start by reaching out to my students and offering support, kindness and love. I can work with others to build the power of community and maybe in some small way I can encourage others to help change the tide.

Garth asks readers to imagine a system that helps rather than harms. It starts with one person. It’s never too late.

This was a tough read. I'll admit to cherry-picking. What I did read changed the way I look at drugs, users, and rehabilitation.