In this book for young people who are struggling with substance abuse, Kyle Keegan recounts his own remarkable story of drug abuse and ruthless addiction. Keegan, now an adult who is in recovery from his addiction, discusses his experience as a well adjusted adolescent who fell victim to heroin and whose life was almost destroyed by the devastating drug. Against the backdrop of these experiences, he also provides useful information that young people struggling with substance abuse need, such as how to recognize and accept that there is a problem, how to find professional help, and how to stay happy and healthy in recovery.

Reviews

Gr 8 Up-Keegan grew up in a loving, middle-class family in a small town in New York and wound up homeless and hopeless in California. He recounts his life from his teens through the present; now in his early 30s, he has been clean for two years. By detailing his own "often-harrowing" experiences, the depths of his heroin addiction, and his steps to recovery, Keegan hopes to reach at-risk young people who have experimented with drugs or who are using. Each chapter discusses "the science, medicine, and social trends of substance abuse" as well. Back matter includes the names of many national resources for help along with a section of "Frequently Asked Questions." This heartfelt, powerfully written book is an easy read and a first choice for all collections.-Lorraine B. Wiener, Inglewood High School, CA Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

"The book provides a wealth of up-to-date information about the neurobiology of addiction and explains why teens are at a higher risk for drug abuse than adults...short excerpts from other addiction memoirs add to Keegan's wrenching story."--Booklist
"This heartfelt, powerfully written book is an easy read and a first choice for all collections."--Lorraine B. Wiener, teacher, in the School Library Journal
"Chasing the High is an excellent resource on substance abuse for adolescents and their families. Keegan's personal story captures the experience of addiction and recovery in a compelling manner. The authors even make the neurobiology of addiction clear and accessible. It is difficult to find good resources about addictive drugs for adolescents and this book fills the gap."--Charles Dackis, M.D., Director, Charles O'Brien Center for Addiction Treatment, University of Pennsylvania
"Chasing the High is honest and intense, yet also extremely informative. Kyle Keegan has writ