National Best Selling Authors, David and Nic Sheff, visited with students in grades 9-12 at Tappan Zee High School to introduce their new book, High: Everything You Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol, and Addiction. The film, Beautiful Boy, is a 2018 American biographical and drama based on the memoirs of David and Nic.
David began talking with students about some of the startling statistics, including that more than 20 million people in the United States are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Nic shared that he grew up as a confident kid who began experimenting with drugs and alcohol at a very young age. His father, David, was admittedly in denial, even when the school called to alert him that his son was having substance use issues. David was told that this it was normal for young teenagers to experiment, and it took him years to realize how much his son was using and the destruction it was causing to Nic, their family, and friends.
What began as dealing with anxiety, depression, and an overall feeling of not fitting in spiraled into almost a decade of addiction, and in several cases, emergency room visits and near death. Nic shared that it was hard for him to imagine engaging in a social situation without any substances around, but came to realize that life is more beautiful and enjoyable without them.
Nic spoke about the false impression that he had of everyone else doing so well and the negative image he had of himself. His father mentioned how people compare themselves to everyone else on social media and that people post mostly celebratory and happy pictures. The session concluded with Nic and David encouraging students to talk with anyone about any issues they are having, even those such as stress and depression that can often lead to substance abuse.
Thanks to Nic and David for sharing their powerful stories with us!
