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Reaching Your Addicted Loved One: Help and Hope for Those Battling Substance Abuse
As a teenager, Victor Torres was a gang warlord and heroin addict on New York City’s violent streets. Through the ministry of David Wilkerson and Nicky Cruz, Victor had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ and came to realize that God had a purpose for his life. Victor has spent the last forty-five years helping tens of thousands of young men and women find freedom from drug addiction and gang life. Now, he answers your toughest questions about your addicted loved one. Without pulling punches or promising easy answers, Victor provides wisdom and expertise that can lead you toward success.
Some of the questions Victor addresses are… God did not create your loved one to be an addict or a loser. On the contrary, God created him or her for a better life. Although, for the moment, it may seem like you are losing your loved one, they still have a God-given destiny and a purpose. No matter how bad the picture may look now, there is always hope.
Some of the questions Victor addresses are… God did not create your loved one to be an addict or a loser. On the contrary, God created him or her for a better life. Although, for the moment, it may seem like you are losing your loved one, they still have a God-given destiny and a purpose. No matter how bad the picture may look now, there is always hope.
224 pages, Paperback
Published January 8, 2019
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 14, 2019
This was a very hard book for me to read. It had a personal meaning to me because I have a family member who became addicted to drugs at an early age. It destroyed his life as well as the family. It is hard to convince someone they need help and I wish I had something like this book at the time to encourage me and guide me through helping this person. I do agree with the author about not blaming yourself for their addiction.
I have a very strong opinion about addiction and I agree with the author that addiction is curable, but the person has to want to be cured. It's all about choices and sometimes people make bad choices because of their addiction. One of the things I learned was not to give up and keep trying to help them. One of the best things about this book is the honesty the author has about his own struggle with addiction. His candidness is refreshing and although I may not agree with everything in the book, I applaud him for speaking out about something that others don't want to deal with. His experiences are real and can help others because he understands what they are going through.
I liked the biblical facts he presented and how we need to lean on God when dealing with someone who is an addict. It isn't an easy road, but with God all things are possible. A support system is vital to helping you cope and I wish I had had that when I was in the midst of my addicted family member. Overall the book is informative and has a lot of information that will help people as they go through this battle.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I have a very strong opinion about addiction and I agree with the author that addiction is curable, but the person has to want to be cured. It's all about choices and sometimes people make bad choices because of their addiction. One of the things I learned was not to give up and keep trying to help them. One of the best things about this book is the honesty the author has about his own struggle with addiction. His candidness is refreshing and although I may not agree with everything in the book, I applaud him for speaking out about something that others don't want to deal with. His experiences are real and can help others because he understands what they are going through.
I liked the biblical facts he presented and how we need to lean on God when dealing with someone who is an addict. It isn't an easy road, but with God all things are possible. A support system is vital to helping you cope and I wish I had had that when I was in the midst of my addicted family member. Overall the book is informative and has a lot of information that will help people as they go through this battle.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
January 6, 2019
In a very easy to read format, former gang warlord who was a drug addict Victor Torres combines his personal testimony of how God brought him out of his addiction with biblical and practical advice that will help someone struggling with an addiction or a family member or friend of an addict know how to help the addict. He explains how the power of the Holy Spirit works in and through people and circumstances to bring about change in the life of an addict. He talks about how being an addict begins with a simple choice to use a drug or participate in whatever addictive behavior is available.
Torres believes that addiction "is a disease activated by a choice." My personal study and understanding leads me to believe addiction is not a disease, yet, I do agree that each person is responsible for the choices he or she makes.
Torres explains there is a cure for addiction when an addicted person chooses to “lay down the chains of bondage and pick-up the weapons that will bring an end to this warfare. These mighty weapons can tear down the stronghold of addiction through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Even with my disagreement with Torres on several points, I am in absolute agreement that the only hope an addict has is in and through transformation by the Holy Spirit.
I am confident that addicts and their family and friends will find this book helpful.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Whitaker House and Victor Torres for reviewing. I was not required to provide a positive review. Thoughts in "My Two Cents" are my own opinion.
Torres believes that addiction "is a disease activated by a choice." My personal study and understanding leads me to believe addiction is not a disease, yet, I do agree that each person is responsible for the choices he or she makes.
Torres explains there is a cure for addiction when an addicted person chooses to “lay down the chains of bondage and pick-up the weapons that will bring an end to this warfare. These mighty weapons can tear down the stronghold of addiction through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Even with my disagreement with Torres on several points, I am in absolute agreement that the only hope an addict has is in and through transformation by the Holy Spirit.
I am confident that addicts and their family and friends will find this book helpful.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Whitaker House and Victor Torres for reviewing. I was not required to provide a positive review. Thoughts in "My Two Cents" are my own opinion.
January 2, 2019
Addiction is a tough topic, and one that many people want to avoid. It’s hard to admit that our loved ones have a problem, and many times we are nervous about how to approach them on it. In my opinion, there isn’t one certain way that is going to work for every single situation, as people react differently to different things. Some people need tough love, some people need a gentle push, and some people just can’t be helped no matter how much we try. I happen to have someone like that in my life right now and it breaks my heart.
Because of this, I was ready to dive into this book and see what different strategies it could offer me. Unfortunately for me personally, it fell flat. But that is just my story. I think the thing I missed the most was scripture. I wanted more from God’s Word. There were a few verse references, but I expected and wanted more.
The author does do a good job at presenting the signs and symptoms of an addict, which a lot of people don’t even know about. I appreciate the time and effort it took for him to share his stories, compile the stories of others, and present them in the pages on this book. I believe that there are people out there who can benefit from this book, and I pray that they do. Addiction is everywhere, and we need to try to help others, with God by our side, find the assistance they need.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Because of this, I was ready to dive into this book and see what different strategies it could offer me. Unfortunately for me personally, it fell flat. But that is just my story. I think the thing I missed the most was scripture. I wanted more from God’s Word. There were a few verse references, but I expected and wanted more.
The author does do a good job at presenting the signs and symptoms of an addict, which a lot of people don’t even know about. I appreciate the time and effort it took for him to share his stories, compile the stories of others, and present them in the pages on this book. I believe that there are people out there who can benefit from this book, and I pray that they do. Addiction is everywhere, and we need to try to help others, with God by our side, find the assistance they need.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 8, 2019
Clearly, concisely and authoritatively written by a man who knows his subject well, and has much to offer to those seeking to understand and help their addicted loved ones. Getting directly to the point, offering real help and hope, Reaching Your Addicted Loved One is a must-read for everyone who has someone in their life suffering from addiction.
Definitely one of the most convicting, encouraging, informative and helpful resources I have received as I am doing life with my own addicted loved one. I am so grateful to be given this opportunity to read and implement the strategies outlined in this book. This book reached me at a particularly opportune time in my life. I give it the very highest recommendation!
The author boldly states this, and I believe it’s veracity:
“Addiction, like smoking- and eating-related illnesses, is a disease. But it is a disease that begins with a choice. It’s a choice that leads to a disease. Research has now proven that heredity, in and of itself, does not lock a person into a future of addiction. Possibility does not have to equal probability.”
Please get this one for yourself and others you know who love addicts – you’ll be truly grateful for this invaluable resource and support.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
Definitely one of the most convicting, encouraging, informative and helpful resources I have received as I am doing life with my own addicted loved one. I am so grateful to be given this opportunity to read and implement the strategies outlined in this book. This book reached me at a particularly opportune time in my life. I give it the very highest recommendation!
The author boldly states this, and I believe it’s veracity:
“Addiction, like smoking- and eating-related illnesses, is a disease. But it is a disease that begins with a choice. It’s a choice that leads to a disease. Research has now proven that heredity, in and of itself, does not lock a person into a future of addiction. Possibility does not have to equal probability.”
Please get this one for yourself and others you know who love addicts – you’ll be truly grateful for this invaluable resource and support.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
January 7, 2019
This handbook for those who have family members battling addiction is written from the trenches by one who knows the ropes. Victor Torres was addicted as a young person and overcame his troubled past with God’s help. Now he ministers to others caught in the mire of drugs and alcohol. The book covers all aspects, from knowing if someone suffers from an addiction to dealing with the condition and getting treatment to relapsing. He also offers a list of resources in the back, including specific guidelines to follow when a loved one comes home and a brief description of recommended treatment programs. His own ministry for addicts is called New Life For Youth. The book contains much valuable information in a handy form. I thought it seemed repetitive in places, but maybe that’s for emphasis. I learned much I was not aware of. I especially appreciate the chapter on dealing with a relapse—this could make all the difference in successfully maintaining the new life. I would recommend this as a resource in church libraries and for any family dealing with this situation. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. all opinions are my own.
January 10, 2019
Reaching your addicted loved one
This is written by a man that knows how it is to live the addicted life. Fortunately I have not been or know anyone that has been. I am sure this would be an very beneficial book for someone that does have an addicted loved one. There is a lot of great information in the book. Some true stories from people that has experience addiction. I definitely recommend checking out this book.
I did relate to someone mention in the book. It was mentioned several times that David Wilkerson was someone that helped him. I remembered reading his books when I was an teenager, so long ago. David Wilkerson has a really good ministry. Through Christ substance addiction can be overcome.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
This is written by a man that knows how it is to live the addicted life. Fortunately I have not been or know anyone that has been. I am sure this would be an very beneficial book for someone that does have an addicted loved one. There is a lot of great information in the book. Some true stories from people that has experience addiction. I definitely recommend checking out this book.
I did relate to someone mention in the book. It was mentioned several times that David Wilkerson was someone that helped him. I remembered reading his books when I was an teenager, so long ago. David Wilkerson has a really good ministry. Through Christ substance addiction can be overcome.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
January 4, 2019
Someone who has friends that have suffered from alcoholism this is a very helpful book. Torres gives you hope for your loved one. He also gives you ways to help them and what you might expect will happen. It is an easy read but full of amazing information. You can tell he has been through it and have done his research. If you have a friend or you have a loved one suffering get this book. I wish Al-Non would use his book.
January 5, 2019
This week, drugs were the theme. No, really. I didn't plan on it. But first I was talking with my brother about his DDR (drug demand reduction) assignment for Young Marines, and we spent some time researching how much drug problems cost the military. Then I read Premeditated Serendipity, which I'll be reviewing really soon (like tomorrow), and one of the characters lost a family member to drugs. And I read Reaching Your Addicted Loved One. Even though none of my close family members have drug problems (thank you, Lord), I've met many friends in recovery, and some not-yet-in-recovery, especially through church programs I've been involved with. So I'm always interested in reading books about addiction. They help me understand the battles so many of my Mpact girls and youth kids have faced as they watched close family members deal with addictions.
I was excited to read this book because the author, Victor Torres, came through the Teen Challenge program and was mentored by its founder. I'm very familiar with Teen Challenge and the story that birthed this awesome ministry, so I signed up to read Victor's book.
But before I talk about the book, why should we read books about addiction, even if we don't have loved ones who struggle with drugs or alcohol (or other non-chemical addictions)?
#1 We Should Read Books About Addiction Because the Drug and Alcohol Problem is Everywhere.
Even if this problem isn't in your house, chances are, you are going to encounter it. Your kids will see and hear things at school. I hope you make friends at church that have struggled with drugs, because that means that your church is attracting the sick and broken, and also that these people are taking steps to get their lives together! And drugs may even impact your own family...even if your family members don't drink or smoke or take illegal drugs. (How? Many addictions start with a legally prescribed drug to relieve pain from an injury. As helpful as these drugs can be for their intended purpose, they can also be highly addictive.). If someone you know and love becomes trapped in the snare of addiction, you want to see the signs early. You want to read books about addiction now, so that if this does happen in your family or with someone you know, you'll be able to avoid panic and take the correct action to help your loved one.
Reaching Your Addicted Loved One is actually intended for the family member in the thick of it, the one who already knows there is an addiction or is starting to suspect it. But personally, I think we should read books about addiction before that situation arises, for the same reason you learn first aid or CPR. Imagine if you had to open a book to read about how to do first aid when someone you love was bleeding all over the floor.
That image. I know. You're welcome.
#2 Addiction is Both a Spiritual and Physical/Mental Problem
The best books about addiction will address both sides of this problem. If they don't, it doesn't mean you shouldn't read them, but you should definitely make sure to include both sides of the equation. When your family or someone you know ends up in a drug addiction crisis, the world will be trying to give you their advice. Some of it will be purely physical or mental health related. Other advice will deny the physical side of things and focus only on the spiritual. But both are wrong...or right. We should run to Jesus first. But God made us physical beings, not only spiritual beings, and that means that there will be both physical and spiritual solutions to problems. Reading books about addiction - including both perspectives - will prepare you to approach the problem with both physical and spiritual tools.
#3 Every Addict is Reachable and Curable
When we read books about addiction, we acknowledge that there is hope, whether for our parent or child or friend or the homeless man on the street. We arm ourselves with knowledge of how to pray and how to act alongside those prayers. Learning about addiction will help you have hope and give hope. It will help you have a different view of your loved one who struggles with addiction (or the stranger on the street). You will understand better the choices they made, the choices they need to make, and how they got where they are. You'll better understand the healing that needs to happen, the resources available, and from that understanding can come great hope.
Would I recommend Reaching Your Addicted Loved One?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this book. It will go on my list of books on addiction, and I'm already planning to recommend it to my little brother for his next Young Marines project. This book was very practical and hands-on. Even though I'm not personally dealing with a loved one in this situation right now, as I read I felt like the practicality would be so encouraging to someone in panic mode, wondering what to do. The book is well-written and easy to read, well-researched with trusted sources. (I recognized many of them from my own research.) You can read the book straight through, or jump straight to questions like "What should I look for in a treatment program?" or "What if my loved one refuses to get help?" I think this book should definitely belong in any pastor's library as well.
I received a review copy of this book; all opinions are my own.
I was excited to read this book because the author, Victor Torres, came through the Teen Challenge program and was mentored by its founder. I'm very familiar with Teen Challenge and the story that birthed this awesome ministry, so I signed up to read Victor's book.
But before I talk about the book, why should we read books about addiction, even if we don't have loved ones who struggle with drugs or alcohol (or other non-chemical addictions)?
#1 We Should Read Books About Addiction Because the Drug and Alcohol Problem is Everywhere.
Even if this problem isn't in your house, chances are, you are going to encounter it. Your kids will see and hear things at school. I hope you make friends at church that have struggled with drugs, because that means that your church is attracting the sick and broken, and also that these people are taking steps to get their lives together! And drugs may even impact your own family...even if your family members don't drink or smoke or take illegal drugs. (How? Many addictions start with a legally prescribed drug to relieve pain from an injury. As helpful as these drugs can be for their intended purpose, they can also be highly addictive.). If someone you know and love becomes trapped in the snare of addiction, you want to see the signs early. You want to read books about addiction now, so that if this does happen in your family or with someone you know, you'll be able to avoid panic and take the correct action to help your loved one.
Reaching Your Addicted Loved One is actually intended for the family member in the thick of it, the one who already knows there is an addiction or is starting to suspect it. But personally, I think we should read books about addiction before that situation arises, for the same reason you learn first aid or CPR. Imagine if you had to open a book to read about how to do first aid when someone you love was bleeding all over the floor.
That image. I know. You're welcome.
#2 Addiction is Both a Spiritual and Physical/Mental Problem
The best books about addiction will address both sides of this problem. If they don't, it doesn't mean you shouldn't read them, but you should definitely make sure to include both sides of the equation. When your family or someone you know ends up in a drug addiction crisis, the world will be trying to give you their advice. Some of it will be purely physical or mental health related. Other advice will deny the physical side of things and focus only on the spiritual. But both are wrong...or right. We should run to Jesus first. But God made us physical beings, not only spiritual beings, and that means that there will be both physical and spiritual solutions to problems. Reading books about addiction - including both perspectives - will prepare you to approach the problem with both physical and spiritual tools.
#3 Every Addict is Reachable and Curable
When we read books about addiction, we acknowledge that there is hope, whether for our parent or child or friend or the homeless man on the street. We arm ourselves with knowledge of how to pray and how to act alongside those prayers. Learning about addiction will help you have hope and give hope. It will help you have a different view of your loved one who struggles with addiction (or the stranger on the street). You will understand better the choices they made, the choices they need to make, and how they got where they are. You'll better understand the healing that needs to happen, the resources available, and from that understanding can come great hope.
Would I recommend Reaching Your Addicted Loved One?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this book. It will go on my list of books on addiction, and I'm already planning to recommend it to my little brother for his next Young Marines project. This book was very practical and hands-on. Even though I'm not personally dealing with a loved one in this situation right now, as I read I felt like the practicality would be so encouraging to someone in panic mode, wondering what to do. The book is well-written and easy to read, well-researched with trusted sources. (I recognized many of them from my own research.) You can read the book straight through, or jump straight to questions like "What should I look for in a treatment program?" or "What if my loved one refuses to get help?" I think this book should definitely belong in any pastor's library as well.
I received a review copy of this book; all opinions are my own.
January 12, 2019
I believe that this would be a very good book for someone who has a loved one that is battling a substance abuse problem. This is well written and easy to follow. I liked a lot of their suggestions that they give. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
July 22, 2021
An incredible book!! Great reminder of how important it is to not give up on anyone living with an addiction!! Change takes hard work, recovery will never be easy but it is very much worth fighting for!! If you stumble, it doesn’t mean you forget everything you’ve learnt along the way and you have to start all over again. It means tomorrow is a new day and you’re only human! Praise God as there is nothing to difficult for Him!! Recovery is possible and it is very much worth it… 🎈
Thank you Lord for helping us with patience and perseverance when it comes to praying for a loved one or ourselves to overcome addictions. Thank you for your word and the hope that we can gain through reading it, in Jesus name, Amen!! 💕
Thank you Lord for helping us with patience and perseverance when it comes to praying for a loved one or ourselves to overcome addictions. Thank you for your word and the hope that we can gain through reading it, in Jesus name, Amen!! 💕
January 9, 2019
This is a book about helping addicted love ones get the help they need but it is also a book to help the ones that love them get help also. I recommend this book for anyone dealing with this in their lives and I also recommend that all pastors and counselors read and have a copy in their personal libraries. I say this because as the author states "Addiction is no respecter of a person, culture, or color. " The author discusses the question of whether addiction is a disease or a choice. I like his statement, "Addiction, like smoking and eating-related illness, is a disease. But it is a disease that begins with a choice. Just because you might be genetically more prone to addiction, ( drugs, alcohol, porn, etc) doesn't mean you're going to become an addict. You have to actually take drugs to become an addict and must drink alcohol to become an alcoholic. This a book that actually belongs in everyone's personal library because we all know someone who is addicted to something and it not only affects the addict but us all.
This is from a Facebook post that I posted while reading the book "The characteristics and plan of your invisible enemy are spelled out in the first few verses of John 10. But there's more. Your basis for hope is found in the second half of the chapter. Yes, you have an enemy who wants to take all you have and destroy you in the process. But he doesn't get to decide how this all turns out. John 10:10 says. I {Jesus} am come that they might have life. and that they might have it more abundantly'"
"There is a good life on the other side of this current darkness. But we have to make room for the One, the only One, who gives life."
"God is in the miracle business. Thankfully, that's His job and His business, not yours. "Let go and let God"
" We have to recognize God is the true heart-charger in us as well as others."
Even though this book is about addictions, I find there are things in this book that pertains to all of life and it's many problems.
Just one of the many reasons I am glad I became a book reviewer. Cause books don't just entertain they can change your life with their words if you let them.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
This is from a Facebook post that I posted while reading the book "The characteristics and plan of your invisible enemy are spelled out in the first few verses of John 10. But there's more. Your basis for hope is found in the second half of the chapter. Yes, you have an enemy who wants to take all you have and destroy you in the process. But he doesn't get to decide how this all turns out. John 10:10 says. I {Jesus} am come that they might have life. and that they might have it more abundantly'"
"There is a good life on the other side of this current darkness. But we have to make room for the One, the only One, who gives life."
"God is in the miracle business. Thankfully, that's His job and His business, not yours. "Let go and let God"
" We have to recognize God is the true heart-charger in us as well as others."
Even though this book is about addictions, I find there are things in this book that pertains to all of life and it's many problems.
Just one of the many reasons I am glad I became a book reviewer. Cause books don't just entertain they can change your life with their words if you let them.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
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