The opioid crisis began in the 1990s and shows no signs of stopping or easing up. David Poses could easily have been one of the casualties of this, but instead, we have The Weight of Air: A Story of the Lies about Addiction and the Truth about Recovery (2021) is a forthright and bravely written memoir. His struggle with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) began in 1995; treatment is a lifelong effort; there is no cure. David had been hospitalized for his heroin addiction when he was admitted to one of the most prestigious rehab facilities in the United States. When his father, with whom he had a strained relationship, intervened in his care, it was clear that he should have kept his (normal) distance. Poses described to his rehab counselors how his “suffering” (depression) had led to and resulted in his addiction. Poses rapidly concluded that the popular 12-Step Program, which was used by the majority of American treatment centers at the time, would not be effective for him. Poses exemplified the terrible aspects of the rehab and insurance industries, as well as the failure of the (one-size-fits-all) 12 Step Programs.
Two decades of relapse, broken relationships and an inability to relate honestly to those who loved and cared for him would pass. The lies and deception, the loss of rare well-paying employment where he could have excelled if he had exploited his talents and gifts. Poses puts readers on an arduous and painful but ultimately fruitful struggle to live a life free of narcotics. When he began to honestly communicate his reality with others, the silence, stigma, and shame of addiction vanished. One needs to delve deeper into his stories to really understand – I offer no spoilers.
The main premise is that Poses explores, via his own life experience, the idea that there is an option other than total abstinence. As addiction treatment evolves, books like these appeal to both the emotions and provide a critical glimpse into the opportunities beyond the conventional 12-step based wisdom.
This is a significant work that anyone interested in addiction treatment should definitely read. Poses writing has appeared in a number of prestigious newspapers, including the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and New York Daily News. He and his wife and two children live in Hudson Valley, New York.