Beyond the Yellow Brick Road: Our Children and Drugs

by Bob Meehan, Tim Conway (Foreword)

Written by Bob Meehan, the "Father of Drug Intervention," and first published in 1984 as an answer to the alarming drug problem in our country, Beyond the Yellow Brick Road, was an instant success. With over 100,000 copies in print since publication, BYBR is a testament to Bob Meehan's unrivaled insight into teenagers and adolescent chemical abuse. This powerful book guides readers through the psyche of these "fun machines" we call teenagers. Additionally, the text offers parents practical advice about teens and drugs in a time of drug proliferation in society and the media, even what to look for in local drug programs and how to start a drug program. The insight in BYBR stems from Bob Meehan's 30 years of helping thousands of teenagers and their families recover from the devastation of teenage chemical abuse and learn to live a life of "enthusiastic sobriety." This newly revised edition of the classic text in its field has been updated and re-released in 2000. The Revised edition contains new insight into Bob Meehan's journey since the initial release of the book, and updated perspectives and guidance for parenting and teenagers as the yellow brick road leads us into the 21st Century.

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Mel Salcedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter 4 is a MUST READ for any parent struggling with a child with addiction. My daughter in a member of an Enthusiastic Sobriety recovery group ( The Insight Program ) in Atlanta and it has been life changing .

My main critique is that the book has many dated references ( which Meehan addresses in the intro ) but I really feel another update would help it feel more current and allow more parents to relate. This is why 4 instead of 5 stars.

[Linda Oleszczuk · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 6 chapters of this publication were full of useful information. A look at the teen psyche is something I could have used 10 years ago!

[Lia K Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!!! Highly recommend! Much needed literature for all parents, teachers, leaders involved with teens and young adults, but especially parents battling substance use with their child. Your child will come in contact with drugs. It is only a matter of time. This book, though originally written in 1984 and revised in 2000, is a timely read about the nature of the teenage psyche and drugs. It’s not your typical read about drugs and symptoms and treatment. This book is about true intervention for the family disease of addiction. This book is not about turning to drugs for escape. This book is about needing to fit in, self-esteem, and how a parent really can be a force of positive change – a safe space in a world that touts drinking, smoking, and taking pills to feel better.

[David Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for parents who are trying to understand abuse or are terrified of the prospects that one day their children could fall prey to the pressures of drug usage. It is enlightening and thought provoking.

Having gone from abuser, felon, convict, sober and counselor Meehan understands the path better than any. He gives great perspectives on life from the eyes of an adolescent and great insights for parents.

If you read this book as parent, I would encourage you to curb your blind ego before you start to read this book. The lessons in here are powerful calls to action for you, as a parent. In the past, when I have shared some of these lessons, most parents resist them or defend their current actions as justifiable. The instructions are valid and on-point, if you cannot read this book with an open and receptive mind, you are going to miss the most important lessons. And, you run the risk of enablement which is the most painful lesson all parents learn after they have lived the pain, misery, hurt, and confusion of abuse.

There is great value in this book. Be prepared to receive it.

[Karen]

Tom, my husband, met Bob Meehan a few weeks ago. He is the "Father of Drug Intervention." I am reading his book to learn what I can do to help kids who are struggling in this area. I am also reading it to work through issues around the death of my only son. Bob has had a lot of experience in this area and a lot of success in helping kids.The book was very helpful.