Melissa A Bond

I read this book in four days straight, and that hasn't happened in a LONG time. Ironically, the book features insomnia, and I felt so compelled to read it, I felt like it was contributing to my own.

Melissa tells the story of a young mother suffering from sleepless nights. She has a young son with Down's syndrome and another infant on the way. As you might imagine, she's desperate for some sleep. Unfortunately, after Ambien stops working for her, she visits a new doctor (who markets himself under the auspices of integrative medicine) who prescribes Ativan which is part of a class of drugs called benzodiazapines. This class of drugs is highly physically addictive, and are also extremely difficult to kick because cold turkey is not an option.

Melissa relates the story of her addiction in very raw, honest, and beautifully rendered language. Her clear intellect and incredible writing talent make you think "how does this happen?" And honestly, after reading it, I'm still not completely sure. But as Melissa becomes more and more trapped by these medications, her ability to parent and her husband's ability to tolerate the situation spiral ever downward. Her story is compelling, but I think it would be a mere footnote of another addict if she wasn't an A caliber writer. I felt her anguish every step of the way.

As a complete aside, coincidentally Melissa lives in Salt Lake City - where I have just moved. And she has a couple in her life who really extend themselves on her behalf who are from Baltimore - where I just moved from. And her husband is a landscaper, and I work for a landscaping company.
So I felt a little extra close to this story in a certain way that added to my overall appreciation.… (more)