Love and Kisses from My Padded Cell: Clinical Tale of Addiction

Hello, it’s Heather here! TW: the book I'm reviewing today is focused on clinical addiction and does discuss abuse, alcoholism, eating disorders, self-harm, drugs and other dark topics. Many thanks Dr. Katz for sending me a free copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.

Information

Author: Dr. Ellie Katz

Published: July 2017

Publisher: Self-Published, available on Amazon

Length: 230 pages

Brief Description (from Amazon)

Destruction By One’s Own Hand. What's the difference between an addiction and a habit? What's the difference between a harmless vice and a source of danger? Mishaps and Failures And Mind Boggling Compulsions.

Dr. Ellie Katz recounts the struggles of ten men and women who fell victim to the irresistible draw of using. There is no lack of tragedy, pathos or remorse, but there is also a hint of comedy as we explore the lives of people who have run counter to their true essences and behaved like genuine jackasses.​These stories are shocking, but they are also important. They give a first-person look into the mindset that can drive someone to sacrifice​ their​ good name, fortune, family, and more. Those who tell their stories here do so in the hope that others will be inspired to seek, and perhaps even find, a better way. The reader follows each subject from an early age, so they can see exactly when and why their compulsions began. These addictions frequently seem to be a coping method for individuals stuck in abusive and troubled households or stress either in the workplace or home.

(https://www.amazon.com/Love-Kisses-My-Padded-Cell-ebook/dp/B0741CWTRK)

Review

I've read my fair share of novels that either focus on addiction or contain a character who is suffering from one and have to admit that they've been... varied in success, so naturally I was very excited to read some life-stories about real people who have a clinical addiction. These stories are harrowing, motivational and, for me at least, a poignant reminder to be grateful. The majority of the subjects come from troubled homes with guardians or friends who are often addicts themselves, many of the subjects experience emotional and physical abuse and go through the most horrible ordeals. It's fascinating and tragic to understand exactly why and when their compulsions begin. I'm sure everyone has a few moments in their childhood that they'd rather forget but rarely to these extremes.

My primary concern when reading memoirs is that the subject’s story may be sugar-coated with too much sympathy, either by the subject themselves during the interview process or by the writer. I am pleased to report that this is not the case for Katz, who managed to retain the voice of each subject whilst subtly slotting her own questions and comments, which guides the reader towards their own conclusion, allowing them to be shocked and disturbed but also understand the torment of addiction. This provides a considerate and honest reflection of each individual studied. I feel like media often glorifies addiction, frequently delighting in the idea of an alcoholic or drug addict being ‘cured’ by the support of a truly miraculous love interest, devoted friend or family member. As Katz states, ‘destruction by one’s own hand is far less romantic up close’ and the reality of the matter is that many addicts suffer alone, afraid to show their vulnerabilities, particularly to those they love, and isolating themselves in the process. It was refreshing to read material on addiction and psychiatric illness covered in such a sincere and open way.

Another highlight is that Katz very rarely shoulders blame on one person, instead of recognising that everyone makes mistakes and everyone experiences pain in their past. Most of the more dislikeable people involved in the lives of the subjects notably were addicts themselves, like Rosie’s alcoholic father, and frequently the subjects would say or do things to their family and friends that probably continued this chain. Katz says pretty early on that ‘the addict is the hero and the addiction is the villain; or maybe they both are the villain’ and this struck me as a really interesting point. Psychiatric illness is selfish and cruel, not only to the addict but also to the people who look after and care for them. Pablo’s girlfriend is almost unbelievably forgiving when he pops to the shops to get some cigarettes and doesn’t return for six months! 

The title did initially baffle me since very little of the book is focused on the ‘padded cell’ of rehab itself. On the contrary, Katz seemed to avoid it, instead of writing about everything that fostered their addiction and how they handled it until rehabilitation, their relapses after and current state. For me I did find this a drawback as the reader watches each subject suffer from addiction and anticipates how rehabilitation will help them, only to not be divulged that information. Of course, I completely understand why Katz chose not to disclose what happens at rehabilitation (it’d make each section far longer, there are sometimes confidentiality laws in certain clinics, most treatments take a tedious amount of trial and error to work) but I have to confess that I was a little let down by this aspect.

The book is satisfying in how it's organised, with clearly marked sections, excellent structure and impeccable grammar. The balance between compassion and frank wit in writing style is absolutely spot on, making this a compelling read. The introduction and conclusion are brilliant, noting both the symptoms of addiction and remarking that there is no shame in asking for help. Recovering from addiction is challenging and arguably the process of recovery never ends, but the battle gets far easier to fight with the appropriate treatment and support. Even if the reader cannot see what happens at rehab to help each subject recover, the knowledge that these incredible people have been through so much and can get better is really uplifting.

Addiction is difficult and, again, I want to emphasise the bravery of going to rehab or even just telling a friend. Many of Katz’s subjects were at their lowest when they kept their addiction to themselves - don’t be afraid to reach out to a loved one and tell them what’s going on! I’ll be back soon to write on J.D. Barker and Dacre Stoker’s novel Dracul.