Living Jonathan's Life: A Doctor's Descent into Darkness and Addiction

By Scott M. Davis

Book Overview

A true story of identical twin brothers, each fighting similar physical and emotional battles. One would lose his life; the other would nearly self-destruct. The day I watched my identical twin... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0757306497
• ISBN13: 9780757306495
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Hci
• Length: 243 Pages
• Weight: 0.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.5" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Great Book!

Although this book is about addiction, I believe anyone can relate to the story. Anyone who's suffering from drug/chemical dependency, anyone who's a codependent or anyone who's going through a rough time in life. Great story!

Honest and accessible overview of addiction

Dr. Davis's extremely honest and genuine account of his twin brother's death and his own spiral into addiction provides readers from all different experiences a solid introduction to addiction and the hope that comes with treatment. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a family member or friend dealing with addiction, anyone who wants to know more about a disease that is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, and any healthcare professional who realizes the extent to which addiction pervades every patient population and the often inadequate help these patients receive. The appendices provide the reader with a great resource manual of different treatment programs and facilities nationwide as well as several screening tools for someone who suspects an individual may be abusing or addicted to alcohol or drugs.

A moving recollection of addiction and the connection between twin brothers

Dr. Davis's discovery of his brother's poetry unexpectedly provides him with insight into his own past. What was once a shared existence, Dr. Davis's loss of his twin brother to HIV/AIDS reveals how much their lives have diverged on the surface, only to converge again in after his brother's passing - a realization that comes to him only after sharing his experiences to others during his own recovery process. Now, Davis is continuing the legacy of his brother by sharing his poetry and his life story. This book is a very fluid read, and it comes across as very honest without sacrificing its sentiment. Davis is describes the hidden aspects about a professional living with an addiction. It is an encouraging message to those of us who are facing hardships and have succumbed to addiction as a result. His life course has led him to a better place, and vividly documents how he has made that journey.

A touching story and view of addiction

Dr. Davis conveys an important message in a gripping and honest book: that addiction can affect anyone, even physicians, and that recovery is possible by facing one's fears and deepest emotions. As an identical twin myself, I could relate to much of the description of the relationship between Scott and Jonathan; there's just a bond between twins that is unique and unbreakable. This book is also a great resource for those interested in finding or referring help. There is a lengthy appendix addressing issues surrounding addiction and abuse as well as intervention and recovery. I highly recommend it!

A great portal into the nature of addiction

Dr. Davis's book gives an intimate and insightful perspective on addiction and its effects not only on the addicted, but on the family. By telling his story honestly and without any flair, Dr. Davis shows us that even the best of us can become victim of addiction, and despite the horrible nature of the disease, that there is hope. As a medical student, it is a jarring view of a problem that we see all across the US all too often, and being able to understand it through Dr. Davis's account, gives us better insight through which to understand our patients.