An interesting and socially-important psychological review of the criminal archetype, that views the phenomenon of criminalized drug addiction both from the inside, as well as from the academic perspective. Offers a unique, fascinating and heartfelt glimpse into the world of criminalized drug addicts, revealing both the self-indulgence and the outgoing humanity of the puer and trickster images that is so prevalent in the social order of this shadowed underworld. Dr John Smethers takes us on a deeply personal journey, looking at the root causes and effects of a sub-culture populated by society's social outcasts. Drug addicts, alcoholics and petty criminals are studied from the unique perspective of someone who has not only 'been there', but one who has also successfully struggled against the social and psychological forces that have lead so many of our young men into hopelessness and despair. This is a keen and insightful look into a little-known underworld which we all, in one way or another, have helped to create.

I went to a party when I was twelve and didn't get back until I was 45 My early years weren't as dynamic or event-oriented as my later years, but in the opening chapters of this book I describe what I believe predisposed me to a life centered around drugs and alcohol. I also discuss my relationship with my parents and how they enabled me to continue on a self-destructive path. From junior high through high school, the story is all about my progression from weekend drinking forays to early stages of alcoholism and all the chaos of that age period. My five county jail sentences and one prison sentence is characteristic, more or less, for most drug addicts. For more than thirty years, getting stoned was the very most important thing in my life-even more important than a succession of girlfriends, three wives, and a beautiful daughter that I somehow managed to raise. I've had an interesting life. I tell about moving counterfeit money, drug smuggling and drug-dealing, writing my own medical prescriptions, and how I defrauded the public in service stations selling tires, shocks, and other automotive accessories. And of course I explain my journey through the prison system. At 45 years old, after being released from the California Department of Corrections, I started a clean and sober life that allowed me to pursue an education culminating with a Ph.D. The latter chapters of Addict to Academic take the reader through my education process, much like the earlier chapters takes the reader through my addiction process. "An open and honest account of one man's remarkable personal journey from a life of crime and addiction, to that of respected author and academic. A well written, moving and informative read." STM CheckPoint Press