A Fresh and Honest
Meditation on Addiction
in the Family

Addiction is a family disease. Most people who battle substance use disorder have entire communities of family and friends that suffer right alongside them. Blake Cohen’s “I Love You More” paints a painfully clear yet enduringly optimistic picture of this reality, while helping family units to better understand what they can do to help. “I Love You More” tackles the various perceptions, behavioral dynamics and ultimate outcomes of addiction through three accounts that, while fictional, could easily be one of our own. The book strives to provide emotional context, informed hope and deeper understanding to anyone who is unsure of their footing within their loved one’s addiction and recovery, while letting them know that they’re not alone.
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Three Stories Depicting the Raw and Unflinching Realities of Addiction

A poignant and relatable account of parental drug addiction, its impact on children and what happens when we try to maneuver within a fractured family unit.

A portrait of the very real and tangible legal consequences of addiction, what the aftermath does to parents and siblings, and the desperate, isolated indignity of drug-seeking.

A story of the deepest pain and loss in the wake of overdose, and a reminder that there is strength, comfort and healing in remembrance.

  • Story 1:

    Recovery

    “JOSH, how many times do I have to tell you: I want every single bottle in the medicine cabinet brought out to the kitchen table one more time! Dad’s about to get home and the discharge planner at the rehab said we need to get rid of anything that’s abusable or could trigger him.” From his comfy place on the couch, Josh looks toward his mom in the kitchen and rolls his eyes. As he gets up, he pauses the television and buries the remote in the back pocket of his pants before making his way out of the living room and into the master bathroom.
  • Story 2:

    Lost

    8:33 a.m. Tweet by @GabiGabberz94 “My brother’s sentencing is today. Literally, would rather be going anywhere else. SMH”

    GABI PUTS her phone down on her dresser and walks over to the full-length mirror on the back of her bedroom door to take another look at her court outfit. Realizing the wrinkles on her shirt didn’t fall out the way she was hoping they would, she tries to smooth them with her hand but then notices something even more alarming – a white toothpaste stain on her collar. She leans in to get a better look.
  • Story 3:

    Gone

    “I CAN’T CLOSE my eyes without that moment replaying over again in my mind.”

    Even with close to 30 people in attendance, you could’ve heard a pin drop – save for the sound of a coffee pot percolating on a table along the wall. Displayed on a platter right next to it are freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies, courtesy of one of the group members.

Testimonial

It is easy to be judgmental and consider addiction to be a moral failure, not a true illness. But it is extremely hard to be open-minded, consider the thoughts and feelings of others and to make individual change. What has always impressed me about Blake is that he seems to deeply understand this concept. He consistently strives for personal growth and, in doing so, has helped many others.

About the Author

Blake Cohen, CAP

@blakeevanc
As National Outreach Manager at Recovery Unplugged, Blake plays a critical leadership role in spreading the organization’s message of music-focused addiction rehab through a variety of outreach efforts. In addition to helping guide individuals struggling with addiction toward treatment, and helping their families heal and empower themselves during the recovery process, Blake helps coordinate admissions and speaks publicly as an ambassador for the organization at a wide range of events.

Blake earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University and has also been educated as a Certified Addictions Professional by the Academy for Addiction Professionals. In past positions within the field of Substance Abuse, he has also held positions as Director of Admissions, Group Facilitator, Case Manager, and Behavioral Health Technician.

Blake was also instrumental in developing the Recovery Unplugged Employee-Assistance Program (EAP), and continues to spearhead corporate educational trainings to companies in need of guidance in the area of workplace substance abuse. Most of all, however, Blake provides a compassionate, informed and experienced voice to those who have been rocked by the emotional turbulence of substance within themselves or in their family units.


READ MORE ABOUT BLAKE’S WORK AT RECOVERY UNPLUGGED

Music-Focused Rehab for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Recovery Unplugged is a national addiction treatment organization, and the only behavioral care entity to fully integrate music into its rehabilitation model. Using innovative and effective music-focused therapies, clinical staff to works to help clients engage existing evidence-based treatment models. Recovery Unplugged relies on music’s natural ability to help patients open to the substance abuse treatment experience so they can give themselves fully to the process and get the most of out of their care. Recovery Unplugged offers inpatient and outpatient care models, medically supervised detoxification and withdrawal management and locations throughout the United States, including Florida, Texas and Virginia and more.

Blake’s Role at Recovery Unplugged

Blake is deeply in tune with the Recovery Unplugged mission, and is a critical part of helping guide more and more clients toward treatment and lasting recovery. In his role as National Outreach Manager, Blake engages individuals and organizations through various initiatives, including speaking engagements, corporate trainings, person-to-person outreach and more the spread the Recovery Unplugged message of music-based healing. He has been instrumental in increasing the Recovery Unplugged reach, and is a committed and enthusiastic part of the organization. In his spare time, Blake helps educate the community concerning addiction and recovery, speaking at middle schools and high schools to raise addiction awareness among youth.
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