Reviews

“Heartbreaking…When Your Child Is an Addict” by Dawn Bedore Proctor

“Following a twenty-year journey of a parent who is struggling to cope with their child’s drug addiction, ‘Heartbreaking’ illuminates the almost incomprehensible complications and challenges that are being met by millions of American parents. Outlining the experiences that accompanied a variety of treatment programs and incarcerations provides validation and solace to others, and an overview of what a parent may experience when confronted with this potentially fatal condition. An honest and compassionate report of a real-life experience informing other parents of opportunities and pitfalls they may encounter on this harrowing and often misunderstood experience.”

- Joel McNally previously worked as a reporter and columnist for the Milwaukee Journal

“I was very impressed by the honesty and integrity in Dawn’s approach to her story and want to recommend its reading to both struggling parents and professionals in the field of recovery who want to better understand the family’s struggle against the disease.”

- Shelly Dutch, Madison, Wisconsin. Director, Connections Counseling; Founder Horizon High School, a recovery high school; Founding Director of the non-profit Recovery Foundation.

“The great question reverberating through this book is, ‘What will fix it?’ It is one that has haunted me while trying to address the court cases of addiction that came before me. And what will make the addict stop? No one knows. It is clear, though, that this mother will never totally give up. That attitude imbues this sad story with realism and, for me, made me admire this mother even more. Although this story is becoming increasingly more familiar, this book is not depressing. The writing style propels one through the details and Dawn’s continuing support for her son’s recovery is inspiring. Even though I have heard variations on this story so many times, I still found this book refreshing in its candor, sincere it its search for answers and engaging in its language.”

- Moria Krueger served as a trial court judge in Dane County, Wisconsin for almost 30 years. She is now retired.

Dawn Proctor writes under the pen name of Dawn P. in the tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous. “Heartbreaking” is available on Amazon and where books are sold. She is available for interviews and presentations.