On Pills and Needles

The Relentless Fight to Save My Son from Opioid Addiction

By: Rick Van Warner

Narrated by: Traber Burns

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.

Was Skeptical

As a long term recovering addict with my fate share of therapeutic communities (both expensive & state spin-dries) plus 40 years of off/on AA, I learned a lot listening to this memoir. Yes, the addict was terribly spoiled financially yet love & acceptance won out.

Great story..........

A little dragged out, but definitely good. The narrators voice was a little drab, but you get used to it.

He lived

Disliked the reader - he was angry and although the story is a serious one, i didn’t like that. I have brothers with similar backgrounds and I understand the struggle.

Vulnerable story

I really am saddened by the stories in this book though I understand the realness is something many families go through. I have never personally been through our witnesses such a repetitive, anxious, vulnerable tale, yet I thank Rick for sharing. The story was repetitive and I have learned that is what the relentless the author was attempting to explain. All the patience in the world I send to the parents fighting the fight Rick explained.

Great Story

This book is great for any parent who has struggled with a child in the throws of addiction. A true visual of what it is like to be that parent. the absolute despair and anguish but the overcoming peace that can be found.

Drugs effect the whole family

heartbreaking, and a very powerful listen to.
if you have teenagers you might want to listen to this.

Ok

Im sorry but I personally did not like the performance of the narrator in this story. 😕

Good Honest and interesting

Didn’t love the narrator. He just seemed flat. But a good overall and honest story.We also have four kids and I could relate to feeling torn at times between all their various activities and the middle child often getting smushed...The father was quite amazing though. You can do everything in the world and never know how it will turn out.

Great Listen

Shows the struggles a family goes through when a son has a strong addiction. For anyone who knows someone struggling with addiction this is a great read

Should be mandatory reading for parents and families

Tough topic and a story that no one wants to know firsthand. I so deeply appreciate Rick Van Warner for writing this. Thus story goes beyond that of an addict to one of a father’s own self discovery. Rick didn’t cause his son’s addiction but that he was willing to look at his own contributions to the situation and reflect on his past, his words, and his actions and present them with honestly and humility are what truly make this book unique and important. This is more than the journey of an addict; it’s the journey of a family caught in a global drug crisis.