More About the Author
How did I begin writing about addiction recovery? Well, you see, the problem of addiction came at me from every conceivable angle. Not only was I a teenage addict, but Mom, my father, and brothers have all had their bouts with alcoholism, too. Even my sweet daughter suffered from the family "curse" when she fought her own battle with teenage drug abuse. Like I mention above in my "interests" section on Amazon, "Today we can claim over 200 years sobriety in our family."
Not surprisingly, I have dedicated thirty-plus years to working with people in the addictions. It runs in the family! My books Day By Day (approximately two million sold) and Young, Sober, & Free (approximately 250,000 sold and now in its second edition) are classics in the recovery field. Competing with those classics is my newest edition, the Pocket Sponsor.
When I was young and saving the world {grin}, I helped co-found several recovery centers, both the Hand of Hope (a halfway house for drug addicts in Denver) and the Cortez Community Mission (a detox center for Native Americans in the four corners area of Colorado). I also worked on developing one of the country's first young people's treatment programs at St. Lukes Hospital in Denver in the early 70's. By the 80's I had expanded my horizon's and became a deputy sheriff in Bonner County, Idaho (this led to my children's book, Rooty Toot Rambler). I have also served on several boards from recovery centers to the Council on Youth in Charles City County, Virginia.
In 1991 I began working in Russia for the NAN (No to Alcoholism and Drug Addiction) Foundation and earned a position as their NGO representative to the United Nations. I now have four books published in Russian and two in Polish and continue to travel to Europe whenever possible.
Yes, I've been on television and radio appearances in the United States and numerous other countries. I like sharing my opinions, research, and advice (even contrary advice) and am not afraid to share both poignant and amusing antidotes from my personal life and travels. I have to say that my family isn't always thrilled when I share my story and it includes them, but what the heck, we are only as sick as our secrets. With me around, my family stays pretty healthy! Currently, I host several self-help web sites and continue to offer support to the parents of drug abusing children. You can check them out at Day-By-Day.org, YouArATarget.com, WalkSoftlyandCarryaBigBook.com, SoberCoachingYourTeen.com, StopSpanking.com and the PocketSponsor.com.
My research has been published in five peer-reviewed, professional/scholarly journals, sort of giving me the edge as a world-recognized advocate and activist for young people in recovery. From Russia to New Zealand, I have traveled, giving training seminars and consulting internationally. My contributions have been, and continue to be, significant in the addictions field as an author, researcher, trainer and keynote speaker. As a leader in recovery from addiction, my work extends around the world. This has earned me one of trippiest accolades from another of my heroes (besides my Mom), Father Joe Martin, who said about me:
"She stands as a beacon of simplicity in a world of confusion. I recommend her work highly."
