My brother is not a monster: a story of addiction and recovery - lee s. varon

I miss the old Joey.

Sophias older brother Joey has changed.

Sophia is confused and angry when he begins acting differently - missing family events, staying out late, and even stealing money from her piggy bank.

And Sophia is scared when she finds Joey passed out in his room and then witnesses a frightening scene when EMTs revive Joey, who has overdosed on drugs.

While her brother is in the hospital recovering, their mom explains to Sophia that Joey suffers from a disease called addiction that can sometimes make people behave unlike themselves.

It is not easy, but Joey gets better with treatment, and soon Sophia starts to see the old Joey again.

This is a tenderly told story about an issues facing countless families today and can serve as a way to begin having tough conversations with young ones.

Expanded material includes a glossary of terms, tips for parents/caregivers and young people, and additional resources.