High Bottom Drunk: A Novel...and the Truth about Addiction & Recovery [Paperback]

PhD Charles N. Roper (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0967752906 | ISBN-13: 978-0967752907 | Publication Date: December 17, 1999

In the tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous, High Bottom Drunk: A Novel...and the Truth about Addiction & Recovery melds three stories (what it was like, what happened, and what it's like now) together into one extraordinary tale of addiction and recovery.

"What it was like" chronicles Steve Campbell's downward slide toward his alcoholic/addict "bottom." Along the way, this so-called "golden boy" loses his Midas touch, but not his staunch denial.

"What happened" patiently watches Steve hit that bottom hard enough to crack his denial and offer him an honest look at himself. Steve hitting bottom is not a pretty sight, but it's very, very real.

"What it's like now" follows Steve's upward climb toward recovery and spiritual redemption. Though rocky and painful in spots, his journey is remarkable and quite beautiful.

Because High Bottom Drunk does not fit neatly in any particular writing genre, it has been given many labels. Of those, "Historical Self-help Fiction" best describes this exceptional work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"High Bottom Drunk is a great read. The story is compelling. The characters are the coolest collection of fascinating misfits that I have ever run across. And that isn't all. High Bottom Drunk is also a beautifully drawn blueprint for spiritual growth. I wonder; is there such a thing as a self-help novel?" -- R.W., Pittsburgh, PA, December, 1999

"High Bottom Drunk knocked me off my feet. Actually, what it did was burst my balloon [my denial]." -- B.T., Durango, CO, November, 1999

"High Bottom Drunk may prove to be the definitive work on addiction and recovery, and I think I've read them all. HBD should be required reading for everyone who is old enough to pour a drink or roll a joint." -- Dr. J.N., New York, NY, January, 2000

"I will never, ever forget this story, these characters, or this incredible path to recovery. I will read High Bottom Drunk again and again, just like I do my Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous)." -- J.D., Seattle, WA, February, 2000

"This fascinating book took me by the hand and led me (dragged me, actually) through the process of understanding the problem, understanding the solution, and putting the solution to work in my life. The story is one hell of a ride. Parts of it were tough to read, but still, I didn't want it to end." -- K.R., Round Rock, TX, February, 2000

From the Publisher

With the publication of High Bottom Drunk: A Novel...and the Truth about Addiction & Recovery, the terms "thoroughly entertaining" and "tremendously educational" are no longer oxymora.

Within the context of an immensely powerful story populated with fascinating characters, Dr. Roper has handed us the key to understanding the true nature of addiction and recovery. High Bottom Drunk gives us addiction and recovery straight up, with no punches pulled. The story line rings absolutely true. Characters feel completely real.

Some parts of High Bottom Drunk are terrifying while others are hilarious; some are disgusting while others are moving and deeply touching.

A fantastic story and a great read? Absolutely! A lot more than that? You bet. By the time readers turn the final page of High Bottom Drunk, they understand the concepts addiction, recovery, and spirituality better than most medical doctors, mental health professionals, and the clergy. Fortunately, the lessons are absolutely painless. Not so, the story.

The truth is, we love this book.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 476 pages
• Publisher: Small Change Publishing Co (December 17, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967752906
• ISBN-13: 978-0967752907
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #470,724 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Worth a look, August 1, 2000

By 

Katherine Anne Wayman (San Diego) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: High Bottom Drunk: A Novel...and the Truth about Addiction & Recovery (Paperback)

If you poke around in the introduction, you'll find that this book, all 464 pages, actually started out as a case study. More accurately, Roper is used to writing case studies about his mostly alcoholic an addicted clients, and his academic background shows through, which can make for heavy going.

What it shows, however, is what it's like to be a high bottom drunk - someone who hasn't lost all before they begin recovery. All the muddled thinking is there - all the rationalizations - all the self-pity along the choppy road to success. What it lacks is the tension and plotting I, at least, have come to expect from a book labeled 'novel.' Instead we have the rambling story of Steve, our drunk, coupled with Roper's rather heavy prose.

Steve's difficulty with some Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and love of other AA groups will be recognizable to anyone who has attending such meetings - and this too is worth knowing. But, and this is important, High Bottom Drunk gives an accurate and complete picture of what actually goes on in the head of a young man struggling with sobriety.

As a woman, I found this fascinating and sometimes discouraging, but worth wading through.

I also suspect any non-addict trying to understand an addict would benefit from reading this - if not every word, than scanning.

Of course, anyone who is going through the same struggle will be relieved to find they are not alone - and that's worthwhile too.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Readable for everyone, March 30, 2000

By 

Russell Alexander "RGA" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: High Bottom Drunk: A Novel...and the Truth about Addiction & Recovery (Paperback)

Dr. Roper has not only thoroughly covered the subject, as the expert that he is, but he has made it effortlessly readable for everyone. Reading and learning about alcoholism and addiction has never been easier. With no text book jargon to wade through, this is an insiders view for everyone.

5.0 out of 5 stars Quick delivery, product just as listed, November 22, 2009

By 

Cookie (U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: High Bottom Drunk: A Novel...and the Truth about Addiction & Recovery (Paperback)

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