Tweaked . . part I

I don't really know what it is with me and reading these depressing, sad, and serious books about drug addictions. Tweaked is one of those stories. I wasn't recommended this book but I remember looking at the iconic book cover from one of my peers and my curiosity has finally been fulfilled..well almost. I have to finish the book to fully get the experience. 

Starting out with a normal average kid with a chaotic family. Reading the first page I knew what was coming and sorrow overflowed my body. Gordie's brother Chase is a victim of the drug life. Specifically Crystal meth. He has devoted his life to revolve around this deadly monster. 

Looking up the crystal meth on dictionary, I stumbled upon this definition "The drug is cheap and provides a fast powerful high that makes it attractive to the user. But crystal meth carries a terrible price. Casual use of the drug can quickly lead to addiction, and prolonged use created a variety of serious health and social problems for the individual and his or her family"

Sadly this is the definition of Chase. After trying it with his friends he was automatically hooked and couldn't stop. Stealing, lying, rebellion was a normal routine to feed his addiction. He has stolen as much money from his parents as he could get his hand on. Gordie resents his brother and is angry..furious at what Chase has become. He is angry what Chase left behind, his family. He hates what his family has become from his addiction. From his parents' eyes, Chase is sick and needs help. Yet every time he is admitted to rehab he goes behind their back, only concern is searching what avenue or trick he could obtain money to pay his dealers. 

Gordie is trying to live a normal life, but how can he when his brother sells his precious guitar in order to pay for drugs. Stealing $2000 from Gordie to pay off his drug debt when he only needed $500. Gordie is absolutely finished with Chase, has no sympathy..completely enraged at his brothers actions. Chase ends up getting stoned and breaking a bottle over a man's head resulting in death. 

For a story dealing with a family member dealing with drug addiction, the author is able to capture the tragic and powerful emotions well. Usually stories based on drug addicts are about the actual drug addict; I understand what is happening to the drug addict not what happens to his/her family. In Tweaked, my instincts are telling me that this its not all about the actual addict, but how drug addictions of a family member can tear a family apart. This story is well written so far with a progressive plot and I can't wait to read more and find out what happens next with Gordie and his family.