The Recovery Initiative

I brought this book for a couple of reasons, one as i am having my own struggles and two because I went to school with Matt and wanted to show my support.

As i went to school with Matt i knew a small part of his struggles but until i read his book i had no idea what he was truly going through, i love reading peoples lives and this just floored me, i was filled with happiness, sadness, empathy, pride and admiration.

This is an amazing book and although Matt states he is no counsellor, i myself have found help in this book. I truly admire Matt's honestly and strength to share to help others through their tough times. Keep it up Matt, love this book

I stumbled upon this book by accident. I bought it just to find out a little more. I am not an alcoholic. I am not an addict. But I have been addicted to cigarettes, which is not at all the same thing, but was tricky to kick.

I read it straight through in one sitting.

It was well written and in a tone that drew you in to Matts life. He showed us the bare bones of his thoughts and feelings. He did not make excuses, he owned everything, any mistakes he had made, people he had hurt. But he did give explanations for how he sank deeper and deeper into the abyss.

And then he shared with us how he began to claw his way out.

I am in a dark place now. Several of the strategies and techniques that Matt discusses can easily be applied to my life. His struggle to keep going towards the light is inspirational and awe inspiring.

Reading this book has given me some strength to try to move forward and some ideas to help me get there.
This book is not just to be read by addicts or by friends/family members of addicts. It should be read by anyone who wants a greater understanding of our fellow humans.

Anyone who wants to increase their empathy and understanding of others. And for anyone who is doubting their self-worth.

Highly recommended and one to be re-read many times in the future.
This one is staying on the shelf.

I have followed Matt for some time now on social media, on his Facebook feed he is always present, positive and inspirational to others and doesn't hold back with his spirit, his book is no different. He has a hard story to tell, but a story teller he truly is. I read the book in one sitting, something I honestly haven't done since school but I was captivated, even through the darker parts of his story he remains so eloquent with his language and when the occasional cuss word slips you really feel the frustrations or the pain associated with how he must have been feeling at that time, but like a true gent he backs it up with an apology or a quick-witted statement to justify its cause.

As a person in recovery I took a lot away from Matts writing, I thought it was inspiring to include the opinions of others and some of his own personal tips on recovery were things that I too had known at one point but just lost track of them for a minute.

I recommend this book to you, people in recovery, family members, students looking to learn more about the struggle so many people go through and follow him if you get a chance. You wont regret it.

I came across Matt by chance. I’m a radio presenter and found his story compelling.

I read his book from cover to cover, in one sitting. Even if you or your family haven’t been touched by addiction, his story is inspirational and so honest.

His voice literally jumps out of the pages. It made me do some research and during this pandemic - there is a hidden pandemic that is far worse...

Any time I hit a dip, of which there are many! I pick the book up and pull my big girls pants up.

Radio Interview coming your way soon