A Mother's Diary

About the Book

Most of us have heard about ADD/ADHD, and everyone knows about chemical addiction. But do you know that there is a connection? And that connection can be lethal!

My story and completed book, A Mother's Diary, is an objective and subjective account chronicling the lives of my two sons and their struggles with ADD and chemical addiction.

Recently much attention has been given to this deadly combination. In August, 1999, Joseph Califano, who heads the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, sent a letter to Ann Landers. It was printed in her column and reads in part, “Please tell your readers about research showing a link between Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and substance abuse. Those children with learning disabilities who fall prey to substance abuse and addiction must receive treatment tailored to deal with BOTH problems. Each delay focusing on this can set them on a tragic and often deadly course.”

My small book is unique, powerful, and timely. It is intended to touch the hearts of overwhelmed parents who are challenged by their children’s genetic blueprint of behavioral disorders and chemical addictions. I don’t believe there is another book on this subject written from a mother’s point of view. Yes, the literature is out there, but written by clinicians in the language of the scientific and medical community.

My story is based on experience. It tells not only of my sons’ journey, but also of mine as a fellow traveler linked to them through co-dependency and mother-child bonding. It is a story about dealing with the unimaginable, including the untimely death of two sons, and ultimately, about healing.

About the Author

Transitioning from corporate sales to a grant facilitator, Barbara’s experience includes youth drug and alcohol prevention, healthy aging for seniors and public speaking. She divides her time between Northern New Jersey and Florida