Mainlining Philly: Survival, Hope, and Resisting Drug Addiction
Reviews (49)
A page turner!!! A modern underdog story of someone who not only survives but Thrives!
This book was an incredible read! Anyone who is struggling to understand drug addiction, have overcome hard times or loves reading books that provide a perfect balance of memoir style and informative information - this book is for you! It takes you on a journey throughout the author's life of struggles- from her troubled upbringing in drug run Philadelphia to purging the negative patterns and vicious cycles in her genetics once and for all! One fact remains the same- she didn't succumb to the lifestyle choices that her family raised her in or her genealogy provided to her! Not only is it a real life Rocky story for the modern ages but the author explains how and why she didn't let her lineage decide her future with the perfect balance of her own real life experiences but also utilizes her knowledge as a doctor in the field to break down drug addiction with factual information and research to support the facts. In this day and age having children growing up in our world with so many people addicted to drugs is scary! This book provides some guidelines for how to talk to your children and steer them in a positive healthy direction, especially if addiction exists in your family. Not to mention- it was so amazing to read a book about the underdog coming from such diverse circumstances that not only survives but triumphs over life! I would highly recommend this book! I can't say it enough- read it! Finished it in a night because I couldn't put it down!
Shocking, Entertaining, Educational
Startling, riveting account of family addiction and criminal behavior in which one child stays clean and grows up to become a doctor of psychology, specializing in treating addiction. Her dangerous childhood, which reads like a fast-paced movie, will make you squirm, but you’ll come away learning a great deal about addiction (aided by an included short Addiction Handbook) and hopeful that determined children can overcome even the most dysfunctional childhoods and go on to live accomplished, prosperous lives.
AMAZING! AMUST READ!!!!
WOW! Just wow!!! Knowing Gerri-Lynn personally, I would have never of thought she endured this much as a child. And to become who she is today due to her past is just absolutely amazing! I too come from a family of addiction, some have gone cold turkey and are clean 30+ years (my parents) some are doing well and some not so much (which hurts like hell 😢). I commend and appreciate Gerri-Lynn for opening up her life to the world, I imagine it was easy. I one I have battled with people saying it’s a choice and not a disease, I will ALWAY STAND MY GROUND THAT IT IS IN FACT A DISEASE! Educate yourself! READ THIS BOOK!!!!
A must read...a story of trials, perseverance and success!
Mainlining Philly is a must read for anyone who has a loved one struggling with addiction or anyone working in addiction, particularly for those who have parent(s) who are addicts. Follow along on Geri Lynns journey as she navigates life with both parents battling the insidious disease of addiction and how she persevered, refused to unleash the "monster" within and became a successful physician dedicating her life to helping those who battle the disease . She is an inspiration for all of those who have lost their way and may feel trapped in their own homes. She offers hope to all of us and has truly found a way to not have history repeat itself and is living a life many thought impossible! Kudos to you Geri Lynn and thank you for your bravery in sharing your personal story with us all! Maybe it will make more of us stop and help more people along the way, especially all the children growing up in this same situation.
Honest depiction of addiction and its impact on families
Dr. Utter writes a gut wrenching tale of growing up with addicted parents surrounded by a lifestyle of criminal activity. Yet she also does an amazing job highlighting the human side of people struggling with addiction rather than your typical sensationalized depiction. I found myself enthralled with the “characters” in this book who aren’t really characters but real life people who have shaped the author into the advocate and educator she is today. She is truly in a unique position to bring light to the current crisis plaguing many of our communities and loved ones. At the end of the book, she provides an explanation of current treatment trends that is easy to understand for readers who are not trained in the treatment of substance use disorders. Dr. Utter’s story provides hope to those who have experienced challenging upbringings and multiple traumas that they can come out on the other side to become a success story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants insight into dealing with a loved one who is struggling with addiction.
Once you start you can’t put it down, amazing
As the Dominique to the story I can say myself I learned about 85-90% new information of my sisters life in this book. Things that made me cry, open my eyes and really appreciate the person that is Dr. Geri Lynn Utter. This book doesn’t just give story after story about her life and how she made it and wasn’t a statistic- it truly reals you in and opens your eyes about addiction. Education is so important and that’s something the book will keep reiterating, in a not so boring lecturing way. Dr. Geri lynn speaks from past trauma experiences and is completely vulnerable and showed you her life in a way where it’s not like you feel at another boring lecture from another person who thinks they know what’s up. That’s the amazing thing- she knows EXACTLY what’s up and she just wants to share that with anyone who’s willing to read. We can’t change the world if we continuously act ignorant to the drug problem in America and that’s what key in reading this book and you won’t even realize it till you’re done reading it. Take in the way you feel after the last page. It’s amazing.
A must read!!
What a page turner! You absolutely cannot put this book down. Mainlining Philly is an inspiring story about Dr. Geri Lynn Utter’s life and what made her into the person and clinician she is today. She has taken the leap of putting her story out there for the world to read. This book is there to teach you about addiction and how it impacts everyone involved. If you’re looking to understand the world of addiction, the struggles, and how it changes life this book is a must. If you want a lesson with out feeling like you’re being taught read this book you won’t regret it.
A must read!
I read this book in less than 4 hours. It puts your own life into perspective. Geri Lynn's passion for wanting to understand addiction without passing judgement is what this world needs! I hope kids and adults of all ages read this book to better understand what it's like living with someone who struggles with addiction and knows that it takes time, patience and unconditional love. Regardless of her parents' struggles, they believed in Geri Lynn and her father's words of wisdom had a large impact on her desire to succeed.
Could not put down!
I am not much of a reader. When I read a book it must capture and hold my attention right away. This book did that, I read it in 3 days. It was also my first kindle read. I could not put it down. I would recommend this book to everyone; addicts, family members, teenagers, doctors, teachers, etc. The opioid crisis is real and it is out of control. I am hopeful that some how we will over come this crisis one day, with the help of people like Dr. Utter!!
Need to Know
I chose a 5 star rating for "Mainlining Philly" because of the articulation and bravery of the author to share her life story. Ms. Godfrey explains the truth of the matter in no uncertain words. She truly allows the reader into her life experience. She also not only offers education about growing up among addicts and how it affected and still affects her but Ms. Godfrey also offers hope and understanding of the world of addiction. I know Geri-Lynn and I have always respected and admired her. She is living proof of tenacity, determination and love. Please, read this book.
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