Tweak.

Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines, this is the book that I have chosen to read for etymology. This book is polar opposite from what I normally would choose to read. Tweak is about a 22 year old man, Nic Sheff, who has been battling drug and alcohol abuse for years. The book takes you on the journey of Nic’s biggest relapse after a year and a half of being sober. Nic has been to 4 rehabs, tons of halfway houses, had the un-denying love of parents, friends, sponsors and siblings and yet he made the choice to throw it all away for nothing. On Nic’s relapse binge he hooks up with a girl whom he partied with in high school, Lauren. Lauren is an addict like Nic and they both go into an uncontrollable downward spiral. One night after a heroin binge Lauren overdoses and Nic is forced to save her life and get her to the hospital. One may think that this would cause both of them to sober up, but no it doesn’t. Nic ends up meeting a teenager who goes by the name of Gack. Gack lives in the Ghetto of San Francisco and has lead a life that hasn’t provided him the opportunity to see the light. Gack and Nic share a bond that only drug addicts would know, at one point in the book Nic writes “It’s a funny thing how drug addicts can just find each other; it’s like a radar system.” The duo attempts to become the best and biggest drug dealers in San Francisco. After a bad batch of meth, Nic finally decides it is time for him to sober up. He is tired of being ashamed, living on the streets, poor and in fear. Nic then calls his parents who do not welcome him into open arms due to the fact he has broken into their home, friend’s homes, family member’s homes and stole money and other items he could sell to get money for drugs. His parents guide him to call his sponsor, Spencer. Spencer is what you could call Nic’s saving grace each time he has decided to get clean again. One could call Spencer a “successful” recovering drug addict; he turned his life around to the point where he had production companies in the movie business, a wife and daughter. Spencer thoroughly believes in the higher power of God and that is what saved him from his addiction. Throughout the recovery time for Nic, Spencer and his wife Michelle get Nic back up on his feet and give him the push he needs by giving him responsibilities. Nic grows a close bond to their daughter, Lucy, especially when Spencer comes down with Meningitis. Through this all Nic manages to reconnect with his family and start building his relationships back up with the people who love him, but don’t trust him due to all the hurt he has caused. Nic seems to be on the right track in his live until a former flame comes back into the picture and threatens to derail it all- I won’t spoil the ending for anyone who wants to read. This book has things in it that even people who are not struggling with addiction can relate to. Some of it is heavy and some of it is light hearted. My personal favorite relation in this book is when Nic is waiting for his mother to get ready and says “She takes forever coming down the stairs and I listen to Terry Gross on NPR- half getting angry that my mom is always (always) LATE. I mean, ever since I can remember my mom has always been late.” I’m 99.9% sure anyone with a mother can feel this guy’s pain, I know I sure can. Also, Nic’s father has written a book on his view of the difficult time his family has gone through with Nic’s struggles. The book is called Beautiful Boy and I can’t wait to read it. For anyone who avoids these kinds of books, don’t because they can help teach you things about yourself.