I was worried I might feel pity. I didn't. I couldn't. Talking to Bassam over a coffee revealed to be richly interesting. It was the second time we meet and I couldn't help thinking: this guy is so talented! Why on earth did he...? This question bumped like a hundred times through my head. But it wasn't the time for it to be asked. Instead, after a little chit-chat, I warmed up to ask more about the book, and the experience. Because I had been chosen to write the press release for the upcoming events (book signing, round table, etc.) And I had never tried or been remotely interested in drugs, pills, or even smoking...

I had read the manuscript before the book had been published and had loved it. Period. So my small contribution had to be "alive". Vibrant. Interestingly captivating. To draw the maximum number of people to read it and maybe have a glimpse of understanding of what it is to be dependent on painkillers. How one gets out of this vicious cycle is a personal and medical matter. To each his strengths, his weaknesses, and ways of dealing/coping with life matters.

This book is not a "leçon de morale". It aims only at crudely showing how deep in shit dependency can literally drown you. How you would end up doing things you'd normally never even consider doing. All whilst considering the behavior as "normal" because you're being human. Bassam's dark humor will guide us through his rollercoaster of an addict's journey with a smile and the urge to know more and at the same time realize that this could happen to anyone of us.

Written on 27.11.2012