Depression, Bipolar and Heroin: Lessons Learned from Losing my Brother to Addiction

Adam Wachtel was a "free spirit" - a surfer and snowboarder who loved travelling, nudist resorts, hiking, dancing and laughing. Wherever he went, he made people smile. He and his brother Blake shared a strong, special bond. Adam's addiction began like many others - with alcohol and marijuana. It progressed through prescription medication to heroin. Late one night Blake received a call, telling him that his only brother had died of an overdose at the age of 27.Blake LeVine is a social worker and life coach who lives with bipolar disorder. He's worked for many years to educate others about mental illness, and as a sober coach. Blake was employed by a rehab facility at the time of Adam's death. It's no coincidence that Blake spent Adam's last days learning how those who suffer from addiction lose everything. He was being prepared to share Adam's story, and to teach others about these problems. Addiction and mental illness have reached epidemic proportions in recent years. We've all read about celebrities who have died from heroin overdoses. School shootings have shown us how untreated mental illnesses impact our communities. This book has been written for everyone who wants to learn how these problems can be addressed - and overcome. For anyone interested in these topics, as well as for families who live with these problems. Depression, Bipolar and Heroin shows how faith enables Blake LeVine to help others, despite his first-hand experiences with these tragedies.