On Pills and Needles cover art

On Pills and Needles

The Relentless Fight to Save My Son from Opioid Addiction

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On Pills and Needles

By: Rick Van Warner
Narrated by: Traber Burns
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About this listen

When Rick Van Warner found himself searching abandoned buildings and dangerous streets looking for his missing son, he had no idea that the synthetic, pill-form heroin that had snared his teen was already killing so many. In the years of pain and heartache that followed, as he tried to save his son from opioid addiction, Van Warner discovered what the American public is just now becoming aware of: Opioids prescribed for even minor pain relief are so addictive that even a few days of use can create dependency. On Pills and Needles is a memoir that also serves as a wake-up call and crash course in opioid addiction. Through his harrowing personal story, Van Warner exposes the common causes of opioid addiction, effective and ineffective ways it has been treated, and how families can walk alongside loved ones who are dealing with the daily realities of addiction.

©2018 Rick Van Warner (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Christian Living Christianity Heartfelt Addiction Memoirs

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All stars
Most relevant  
This story helped gain an insight into addiction and how it affects the family and the person suffering. I’m really grateful for the happy ending

Understanding

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This is a story that hits hard, it’s both familiar yet different.
Show each other kindness abandon judgment and celebrate each moment of the journey. I have learned as a mother of an addict that it’s only living through utter despair that we can experience deep joy.
Thank you for sharing your story with the world. Xxxx

Harrowing but inspiring

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If I wasn't at work I'd be sobbing, this was fantastic, I didn't expect a happy ending. There were times when I was like, how many times are they going to help Tommy, wow what amazing parents x

Brilliant

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I really enjoyed this book. At first I was not a fan of the narration but I got over that as the story compelled me to keep listening.
it really hit home to me how powerful love and acceptance is.

Fantastic heartwarming story

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Initially I wasn’t keen on this audiobook. The narrators voice grated on me and felt too harsh whilst the story itself seemed to be about unsympathetic parents who didn’t understand the language that had driven the child to become an addict. I almost quit the book but having now finished it I am glad that I didn’t.

It occurred to me that they narrators voice is possibly quite similar to the authors, and therefore a good choice. Also, the book is very much about the learnings of the author and his transition from someone who really didn’t understand to someone who becomes self aware and realises he can only change himself in order to influence his son and his son’s. addiction.

Whilst the story is also about the experiences of a family coping with the tragedy and challenges of addiction, it also looks into the history and politics of prescription drugs and poses questions as to why pharmaceutical companies are allowed to almost create this drug dependence.

The end is completely uplifting and I do hope this family continue to live so joyously. Thank you Rick for so graciously sharing the story of your family.

Heart wrenching yet uplifting story

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The power of love & all of upset & worry the parents went through . Really enjoyed it 👍🏻

Good

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So much respect for Rick Van Warner & his amazing parenting. What a man & role model. This is a wonderful, inspiring & emotional read (listen) that makes we want to be the best Dad I can be

Wonderful

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The narrator ruined it. Shouty, abrupt, spiky tone. I had to turn it off. Love all books on this topic so a real shame

Good topic bad narrattion.

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