Scholars will always tell you “don’t ignore the classics” for a very good reason. Some of the most profound lessons about life, love, and the human spirit can be found in the pages of amazing pieces of literature. Still, some authors create books that are designed to take you on a different sort of adventure: an odyssey into the human vices. As it turns out, some of the most prominent books of this nature fall into the drug genre, a section of literature dedicated to education or warning the public about drugs. Over the years, many great authors have showcased the dark side of heroin, methamphetamine, morphine, and other terrible substances. Let’s take a look at some of the important meanings behind two modern books that focus on drugs.
The Man with the Golden Arm (1949)
The first project to receive the National Book Award for fiction, Nelson Algren’s The Man with the Golden Arm is a story of tragedy and despair brought on by tremendous suffering during a time of crisis. Set between 1946 and 1949, the book details the hardships of Frankie, an illegal card dealer, and a talented drummer. While serving as a soldier in World War II, he suffered from an injury in which shrapnel entered his liver and received morphine as medication. As a result, Frankie becomes addicted to the painkiller and believes he can handle his problem. Overall, this book covers the obvious topic such as drug abuse during wartime and opioid addiction, but an even more profound message rings loud and clear to people today: drug problems cannot be tackled without the help of supportive, loving people around an addict.
Crank (2004)
Strangely poetic and bizarrely powerful, Ellen Hopkins’ Crank is a heartbreaking story based on the real-life struggle of Hopkins’ daughter Kristina, who became addicted to the deadly drug crystal meth. Combining vivid poetry and harsh realism, the book pits the innocent Kristina against a being called “the Monster” (a personification of crystal meth), which she meets after visiting her deadbeat father. After giving in to the “Monster’s” influence, Kristina develops a seductive alter ego named Bree and proudly proclaims (under the trance of the drug) that her innocence is gone. Unlike Kristina, Bree loves to take chances and seeks out affairs with dangerous boys as she seeks out a supply of crank. Overall, the book warns us about how drugs can transform innocent people into monsters. However, the most important and relevant aspect of Crank is its major theme: loss of innocence (the fate awaiting children who take drugs for the first time).
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance abuse disorder or addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug addiction and substance abuse troubles today.
