What do you think?
Rate this book
Chasing the High: A Firsthand Account of One Young Person's Experience with Substance Abuse
Kyle Keegan was like many eager to fit in at school, he experimented with alcohol and drugs. Soon, his abuse of these substances surpassed experimentation and became a ruthless addiction to heroin that nearly destroyed his life.
Now in recovery, Keegan tells his remarkable story in Chasing the High . Starting with the early days of alcohol and drug use, Keegan charts his decline into crime and homelessness as his need for heroin surpassed all thoughts of family and friends, of right and wrong. He then goes on to use these experiences to offer guidance and practical advice to other young people who may be struggling with substance abuse. In straightforward, easy-to-understand language and along with the psychiatric expertise of Howard Moss, MD, Keegan discusses what is known about the neurobiology of addiction in young people, how to seek treatment, and how to get the most out of professional help. He also covers such topics as which therapies are used to combat addiction, how to talk to family and friends about substance abuse, and how to navigate risky situations. Both an absorbing memoir and a useful resource for young people.
Part of the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative series of books written specifically for teens and young adults, Chasing the High is at once both an absorbing memoir and a useful resource. It offers hope to those who are struggling with substance abuse and will help them to overcome its challenges and to go on to lead healthy, productive lives.
Now in recovery, Keegan tells his remarkable story in Chasing the High . Starting with the early days of alcohol and drug use, Keegan charts his decline into crime and homelessness as his need for heroin surpassed all thoughts of family and friends, of right and wrong. He then goes on to use these experiences to offer guidance and practical advice to other young people who may be struggling with substance abuse. In straightforward, easy-to-understand language and along with the psychiatric expertise of Howard Moss, MD, Keegan discusses what is known about the neurobiology of addiction in young people, how to seek treatment, and how to get the most out of professional help. He also covers such topics as which therapies are used to combat addiction, how to talk to family and friends about substance abuse, and how to navigate risky situations. Both an absorbing memoir and a useful resource for young people.
Part of the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative series of books written specifically for teens and young adults, Chasing the High is at once both an absorbing memoir and a useful resource. It offers hope to those who are struggling with substance abuse and will help them to overcome its challenges and to go on to lead healthy, productive lives.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
7 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 12, 2018
In my book Chasing The High, Kyle Keegan introduces you into a world of drugs. The book mainly focuses on Kyle’s life and the struggles he goes through everyday. The book also tells you about some of the biology behind drug addiction. It tells you all the problems that occur when you are addicted. It gives the reader very good intelectual facts and a whole new look on life.
Kyle starts off as a good kid with his own group of friends. He isn’t the type of popular kid, and he is not really all that athletic, but he is very intelligent. He comes from a good family that has around a middle-class income and treats him very well. You wouldn’t expect a kid like him to become an addict but that’s because of stereotypes. He lives an average life that you would expect as a teenager, but then he gets introduced to alcohol. He never expected himself to drink because he knows what it can do, but he is at a party and thinks why not. He then starts abusing alcohol to get rid of his problems. After that he starts using marijuana, and even starts mixing them. This is when his life flips. He starts hanging out with the popular kids because he is the “plug.” After this happens he starts relying on drugs for everything, and even gets introduced to new ones, which leads him to a life of disaster.
This book would be good for anyone who is fascinated behind the science of addiction. It would also be good for anyone who may not be going down a good path in life, and has drugs involved. A great part about the book is how it tells other stories of people who are addicted, even some famous people. Another good thing is that the book is very vivid about drug addiction, and what it can do. One bad part about it, is that it could be draggy at some points, but overall it was a very interesting, fun, factual book to read, and I would definitely recommend it to someone.
Kyle starts off as a good kid with his own group of friends. He isn’t the type of popular kid, and he is not really all that athletic, but he is very intelligent. He comes from a good family that has around a middle-class income and treats him very well. You wouldn’t expect a kid like him to become an addict but that’s because of stereotypes. He lives an average life that you would expect as a teenager, but then he gets introduced to alcohol. He never expected himself to drink because he knows what it can do, but he is at a party and thinks why not. He then starts abusing alcohol to get rid of his problems. After that he starts using marijuana, and even starts mixing them. This is when his life flips. He starts hanging out with the popular kids because he is the “plug.” After this happens he starts relying on drugs for everything, and even gets introduced to new ones, which leads him to a life of disaster.
This book would be good for anyone who is fascinated behind the science of addiction. It would also be good for anyone who may not be going down a good path in life, and has drugs involved. A great part about the book is how it tells other stories of people who are addicted, even some famous people. Another good thing is that the book is very vivid about drug addiction, and what it can do. One bad part about it, is that it could be draggy at some points, but overall it was a very interesting, fun, factual book to read, and I would definitely recommend it to someone.
November 23, 2014
Kyle Keegan has created an oddly amazing happy book written about his horrible past with drug abuse. The story is very sad except for the fact he made it very uplifting and inspiring rather than sad and gloomy. In the book he talks about how he gets over his drug problem, recovery and diseases that come with it. Kyle starts off talking about being a teen experimenting with all different types of drugs then his whole life struggling with drug abuse and getting help. I would recommend this book to anybody that enjoys learning about drugs. drug abuse or biographies. What I liked about the book is how its written positively reflecting on how he managed rather than giving up. I really did not dislike anything about the book.
March 12, 2013
A great book to help me begin my Capstone. The book is told by Kyle Keegan a former drug addict reflecting on the past. He speaks honestly about addiction describing the downward effect drugs can burden you with. Starting as a teen with these poison is just as toxic for you mentally, physically, and socially. Not only does this book provide his story but others as well who battled with substance abuse. However, Kyle's main drug was heroin and because today it is an increasing drug used by teens this information was helpful. He did provide a little background on other drugs but he focused on the effect heroin had on him. Overall a well written and informational book.
March 3, 2020
I read the book called “Chasing The High” by Kyle Keegan. In this book, you learn about a boy who went down a rough road growing up. He started out a boy who loved to spend time with his dad and his family and liked to go outside.
It all started when he was around 9 years old, he took a turn for the worst, he started to not like to be around his family and wanted to be alone. When he was near 16, he went to a local bar that didn’t card you to see how old you are, and he got drunk. He claimed that it took away his mental pains, so he started to go there every night. After he went there many times, it started to wear off, and he needed something stronger. He went from drinking to weed, and from weed, he tried just about every other drug.
I would suggest this book to someone who likes to read a story with a lot of detail, and to someone who also likes to read about the struggle of someone who comes over their addictions, and getting their life back on track.
It all started when he was around 9 years old, he took a turn for the worst, he started to not like to be around his family and wanted to be alone. When he was near 16, he went to a local bar that didn’t card you to see how old you are, and he got drunk. He claimed that it took away his mental pains, so he started to go there every night. After he went there many times, it started to wear off, and he needed something stronger. He went from drinking to weed, and from weed, he tried just about every other drug.
I would suggest this book to someone who likes to read a story with a lot of detail, and to someone who also likes to read about the struggle of someone who comes over their addictions, and getting their life back on track.
October 11, 2019
My poor friend Kyle Keegan wrote a talented book meant to help other bright kids like ourselves who were ripe for addiction. Unfortunately, after its publication came twenty more years of addiction for Kyle, including several prison terms, years homeless and the introduction of crystal meth into his chemical world when he relocated to Louisiana from upstate New York State. I remember sending him $50 from my prison cell, where I was doing a dime thanks to heroin addiction. The work demonstrates two things: how talented and smart Kyle Keegan is, and how powerful narcotics are. Despite the happy end printed in the book, I don’t know how the story really ends to this day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2021
"Chasing the High" by Kyle Keegan is an autobiography/novel about a high school boy that was living a normal life with a loving family and good grades until he felt pressured to fit in. He starts using drugs and goes on the run becoming a junkie. He later goes too far with them nearly demolishing his own life. It was so bad to the point where the only thing he could think about was his next high. My favorite part was when he begins to seek help from a therapist and starts recovering. His therapist helped him expostulate against substance abuse. I liked the way it was detailed in a way where you could understand what Kyle was feeling. I recommend this book to people who would like to know what it's like to go through something like this especially when you begin with such a normal start.
August 31, 2018
The book doesn't really go into his experience with substance abuse as much as you would think from the title. It outlines and describes the basics of all kinds of addiction and has moments where it discusses his experience. The title was misleading from what I was looking for, not terrible.. But it was more like an informational book.
June 25, 2017
I personally really liked it. I have never been in a situation like his and i appreciate that he is brave enough to share it with people like him.
I really recommend for people ages 11-28 because that is kind of the ages one would start feeling mad,sad,depressed, ect
I really recommend for people ages 11-28 because that is kind of the ages one would start feeling mad,sad,depressed, ect
April 23, 2025
very insightful. filled with lots of hope for those struggling.
June 8, 2018
My book was very interesting. The title already gives an introduction, "A firsthand account of one young person's experience with substance abuse". I think this book is a little bit more than that as it also gives you somewhat of a scientific breakdown of how and why people struggle with substance and why it's near impossible to stop.
So the book is starts with the author, Kyle, explaining how he started doing less dangerous drugs during his High School days. He explains how he he wanted to be in the Navy, but eventually quit and returned home. He was so disappointed that he started doing more hardcore drugs. He pretty much became an addict within a pretty short period of time. Eventually it got so bad that he could only think of his next high. He became like most people who are addicts; he needed drugs just to keep living every day. He explains that the though of becoming sober was so far out of reach. I can't give away the ending but it is a story that you will never forget.
I would totally recommend this book to anyone who just wants an interesting read. I would also recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a bit of basic information on the effects of drugs on your brain and your body. Anyone who likes science, biology, etc. would like this book. I liked the way it ties science and a comeback story into one good book. The only think I disliked about this book was probably the amount of time the author spent on his days before he was a drug addict. I overall liked this book a lot and thought it was very interesting.
So the book is starts with the author, Kyle, explaining how he started doing less dangerous drugs during his High School days. He explains how he he wanted to be in the Navy, but eventually quit and returned home. He was so disappointed that he started doing more hardcore drugs. He pretty much became an addict within a pretty short period of time. Eventually it got so bad that he could only think of his next high. He became like most people who are addicts; he needed drugs just to keep living every day. He explains that the though of becoming sober was so far out of reach. I can't give away the ending but it is a story that you will never forget.
I would totally recommend this book to anyone who just wants an interesting read. I would also recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a bit of basic information on the effects of drugs on your brain and your body. Anyone who likes science, biology, etc. would like this book. I liked the way it ties science and a comeback story into one good book. The only think I disliked about this book was probably the amount of time the author spent on his days before he was a drug addict. I overall liked this book a lot and thought it was very interesting.
November 20, 2013
The book Chasing the High is about how Kyle Keegan became a drug addict. He started as a normal teenager who just wanted to fit in. He did many drugs before finding his favorite, heroin. He quickly became and addict to heroin. he stopped caring about his life, friends, family, work, and future. In this book Kyle Keegan recounts his early days of drug abuse following his decline as a heroin addict. He did everything he could to maintain his habit. He started stealing and manipulating every way he knew how. He no longer could distinguish the line between right and wrong. He begins wishing for death and contemplates suicide. Eventually Keegan recovers and finds the right treatment for himself. He is now a professional diver that lives in New York with his wife and daughters.
While reading the book Chasing the High, I became increasingly bored. This book by Kyle Keegan had very good information on how the brain works with an addiction, but I found that it was too much information for me to digest at one time. It felt like I was reading a yawn producing lecture from science class. In a few years time I would probably reread this book. A few more years of sciece under my belt would definitely help me to understand the information in this book.
While reading the book Chasing the High, I became increasingly bored. This book by Kyle Keegan had very good information on how the brain works with an addiction, but I found that it was too much information for me to digest at one time. It felt like I was reading a yawn producing lecture from science class. In a few years time I would probably reread this book. A few more years of sciece under my belt would definitely help me to understand the information in this book.
October 14, 2021
"Chasing the High" by Kyle Keegan is about a high school boy, Kyle Keegan's journey down a bad road. In high school he tries to fit in, along with that is falling to peer pressure and developing drinking and smoking problems. Eventually these turn into addictions, and lead to him getting addicted to heroine. Eventually he becomes homeless and loses all consciousness of right and wrong. This book is his journey to getting over drugs and then becoming a helper for people with drug problems.
I think the most impactful part of this book was when he got into a bar that didn't card when he was 16. Once he started going there regularly, the feelings wore off and he tried weed to take the acute pain away. After the weed wouldn't hide the pain he tried just about every drug until he got addicted to heroine. I found this impactful because it shows how even alcohol can be a gateway into much worse things such as the heroine addiction he got into.
I would give this book a 5/5 just because this book could help so many kids in need of someone who's been through the struggles they are going through right now.
People who will like this book are people who've been through the drug addiction problems and can relate to the book the most.
I think the most impactful part of this book was when he got into a bar that didn't card when he was 16. Once he started going there regularly, the feelings wore off and he tried weed to take the acute pain away. After the weed wouldn't hide the pain he tried just about every drug until he got addicted to heroine. I found this impactful because it shows how even alcohol can be a gateway into much worse things such as the heroine addiction he got into.
I would give this book a 5/5 just because this book could help so many kids in need of someone who's been through the struggles they are going through right now.
People who will like this book are people who've been through the drug addiction problems and can relate to the book the most.
February 16, 2013
It was a really good book. I liked how it explained all of their stories. One story was about this 17 year old girl started to hear voices in her head that urged her to commit acts of violence to herself. After she went to the doctors they diagnosed her with something called schizoaffective disorder,which is a blend of schizophrenia and a mood disorder. She was in and out of the hospital so many times. She said all that she wanted was to feel better, she said that she knew the medicines that they were giving her weren't helping but everyone would tell her that if she took the medicine she would feel so much better. The voices just mocked her and the doctors she said. Then she started doing cocaine....cocaine helped her ignore the voices in her head. As long as she was high she had enough strength to ignore those voices calling her back into that crazy world. She stopped taking cocaine....and broke her addiction....for the "voices" the doctors gave her some other medicine to help get rid of them with out all the harmful affects that would be caused by cocaine....I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! It was very inspirational!
November 22, 2013
In Chasing the High by Kyle Keegan, Kyle Keegan is a heroin addict. Kyle became a drug user at the age of 16, in high school, and never stopped. Kyle was introduced to drugs at a teen get together.
Kyle Keegan was at a teen get together when alcohol was introduced. Everybody was doing it so to be “cool” Kyle decided to try it with his friends. He kept drinking it with his friends even after the party. Later in high school he was introduce marijuana too. He started to use the two together and was becoming addicted and had to take bigger doses to get high because his body was getting used to the amounts.
If you are interested in trying drugs then you might want to read this book because after you read it you will want to stay far away from these drugs. Some interesting thing in this book are the affects that the drugs can do to you. The facts are amazing, they grab your attention and it makes the text so much more interesting.
Kyle Keegan was at a teen get together when alcohol was introduced. Everybody was doing it so to be “cool” Kyle decided to try it with his friends. He kept drinking it with his friends even after the party. Later in high school he was introduce marijuana too. He started to use the two together and was becoming addicted and had to take bigger doses to get high because his body was getting used to the amounts.
If you are interested in trying drugs then you might want to read this book because after you read it you will want to stay far away from these drugs. Some interesting thing in this book are the affects that the drugs can do to you. The facts are amazing, they grab your attention and it makes the text so much more interesting.
November 3, 2014
Educational and insightful, "Chasing the High" touched my heartstrings. Addiction is a personal topic for me, and Kyle Keegan's honest telling of his addiction experience, recovery struggles and eventual success renewed my decision to continue fighting substance abuse. I will encourage my children and everyone I know to avoid using drugs/drinking, embrace emotional health and become comfortable talking with trusted adults and mental health professionals about their emotions, struggles, needs and challenges.
I highly recommend "Chasing the High" for all parents and adolescents. Even if you think your kids are safe from addiction, addictive substances are everywhere, and you don't know the struggles your children may face that make them susceptible to an addiction. Open communication, addiction knowledge and complete abstinence can protect your kids. Read this book to learn more and prepare yourself to help your kids stay addiction free.
I highly recommend "Chasing the High" for all parents and adolescents. Even if you think your kids are safe from addiction, addictive substances are everywhere, and you don't know the struggles your children may face that make them susceptible to an addiction. Open communication, addiction knowledge and complete abstinence can protect your kids. Read this book to learn more and prepare yourself to help your kids stay addiction free.
December 30, 2012
I learned a lot from this book. It made me very anxious reading it, knowing that someone I care about is going through this. I read it as one who no longer trusts. I felt very naive reading it. I've never seen heroin or known people who have used it that I know of.
It taught me what happens to your brain when you are addicted. I never knew what you go through when you are addicted since I have never been addicted. I've known people addicted to alcohol, but since it is a legal drug for those over 21, I hadn't realized the worry about when your next high was going to be. I also never knew people shop lifted to support their addiction.
This man went through hell and getting off is not easy nor is it out of mind.
On page 114, he states, "In my opinion aftercare is crucial to maintaining recovery."
"It reminded me that good treatment does not come cheap." pg 120
It taught me what happens to your brain when you are addicted. I never knew what you go through when you are addicted since I have never been addicted. I've known people addicted to alcohol, but since it is a legal drug for those over 21, I hadn't realized the worry about when your next high was going to be. I also never knew people shop lifted to support their addiction.
This man went through hell and getting off is not easy nor is it out of mind.
On page 114, he states, "In my opinion aftercare is crucial to maintaining recovery."
"It reminded me that good treatment does not come cheap." pg 120
March 1, 2013
I read chasing the high by Kyle Keegan,which was about the many dangers and consequences of abusing drugs and alcohol. This book taught me how drug molecules can break through the blood-brain barrier in your central nervous system and cause serious damage to your body. The author also talked about how bad his situation was, and how he reached out and got help to overcome his addiction. I thought this book was very informative, and I learned a lot about how your body reacts to and craves these fatal drugs, once you start abusing them. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the harmful affects drugs and alcohol can have on your body.
July 2, 2012
This book is not for a substance abuse professional. It is written for those struggling with addiction or those who want to understand more about it. I say this because of the amount of space given to the medical effects of substance abuse. Keegan goes in depth about the effects of substances on the brain and body. While this information is extremely important and useful, I find his personal stories to be more so. Don't let it keep you from reading the book, just be prepared for the in-depth medical lesson.
February 29, 2016
Chasing the high By: Kyle Keegan is written through the eyes and experience of his own addiction. This book is very informational and inspirational. It follows him in his addiction and at his lowest point. It also talks about the road to recovery and how hard it actually is. It’s inspiring to read about his road to recovery. He did struggle with it be he did make it out. Lastly I liked that he told us how he is doing now with his past addiction. This story is truly inspiring and I think everyone should read it.
November 7, 2012
Rasing the high by Kyle Keegan. I liked the book. It was interesting .Makes me not want to do drugs (not like i wanted to) It's very sad. But i didnt want to put the book downn.. it was a good book. Many interesting things happen to him. I reccomend the book, it was a good one :)
August 29, 2008
This book is good because not only does it give a first hand account of a drug addict's downward spiral, it also breaks down the science of addiction and treatment.
December 31, 2016
not particularly new but informative to younger audiences
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews