From Binge to Blackout: A Mother and Son Struggle with Teen Drinking

by Chris Volkmann

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Author: Chris Volkmann

Publisher: Berkley

Paperback:
ISBN 10: 0451219090
ISBN 13: 978-0451219091

Throughout his college years, Toren Volkmann partied like there was no tomorrow, having what was supposed to be the time of his life. Like so many parents, his mother, Chris, overlooked Toren’s growing alcohol problem. But when he graduated, Toren realized he’d become a full-blown alcoholic. And he was not alone.

Considered a rite of passage, teenage drinking has skyrocketed to epidemic proportions, fostering a generation of young adults whose lives are already beginning to come apart under the strain. This book, written from the viewpoints of both mother and son, is a riveting, enlightening, and heartbreakingly true story of a family that was able to confront the fear, pain, and denial that threatened to destroy them—and survive the epidemic of teenage drinking that’s putting America’s future at risk.

Review

“An important book for every parent of a teenager. This fearless and searching diary brings the reality home that alcohol does not care who it conquers. From Binge to Blackout offers honesty, hope and hands-on guidance for parents and teens to make empowering choices.”—Marci Shimoff, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul

“I recommend this book to parents, students, and anyone interested in the current alcohol culture in which many of today's young people have become so entrenched. The dangerous attitudes and behaviors towards alcohol that many are exhibiting are a threat to the future of our children. I admire the courage it took Toren to recognize and overcome the devastation that alcohol was having on his life before it was too late. We challenge each of you to be aware of alcohol abuse and to educate yourselves and your children about the potential deadly consequences. It cost our family the ultimate, as our daughter, Samantha, died in September, 2004 of acute alcohol poisoning. Our goal is to prevent another family from having to endure the pain of losing a child in such a senseless and preventable manner.”—Patty Spady, mother of 19-year-old Samantha Spady, a student who died of alcohol poisoning at Colorado State University

About the Author

Chris Volkmann, a former classroom teacher, lives in Olympia, Washington. Chris stepped away from her career to parent three sons. She attended Toren’s college graduation having no clue her son was part of a not-so-hidden epidemic. She shares what every parent thinks but cannot always say.
Toren Volkmann (BA in psychology, former Peace Corps volunteer) lives one day at a time after successfully completing rehab and a six-month residence in a Florida halfway house.

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From Binge to Blackout: A Mother and Son Struggle with Teen Drinking