The Road I Never Meant to Take

What happens when the therapist needs therapy? When the helper becomes the one in need of healing?Told through 52 heartfelt letters, The Road I Never Meant to Take is a brave and compassionate memoir about one woman's unexpected descent into addiction-and the gritty, beautiful journey back. Through the voice of "L," a fictionalized character based on lived experience, author and therapist Alanna Bell explores the emotional wreckage, the neurological science, and the spiritual reckoning behind substance use disorder.But this isn't just a story about addiction. It's about recovery-from trauma, from shame, from the belief that we have to do it all alone.This book offers:A rare behind-the-scenes look at addiction in the lives of high-functioning professionalsPowerful insights into the biology and psychology of substance use disorderA soulful invitation to heal-mind, body, and spiritPractical encouragement for helpers, sufferers, and supporters alikeWhether you're personally struggling, loving someone who is, or working to better serve clients and patients-this book is for you.Because addiction doesn't just affect one kind of person. And neither does recovery. We don't have to do this alone. And we are all a part of the solution.