"I’ve now worked to support those struggling with addiction for 28 years. This book by Jessica Hulsey is the most important guide to action I have ever read. Jess has a voice of enormous comprehension and compassion. She is the child of a multigenerational family savaged by chronic substance use disorders. A Princeton grad of courage and great leadership. This compelling and brilliantly written book is a guide not just to understanding the tragedy of SUD … but also a strategy for families to act."

• Barry R. McCaffrey, General USA Retired, ONDCP Director 1996-2001

 

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“Jessica Hulsey’s “unlikely journey from homelessness and foster care to Capitol Hill” is a must read for those attempting to understand the complexities of substance use disorders through the eyes of a survivor who has dedicated her life’s work to this mission. Her passion is second to none. A remarkable effort.”

• Jonathan Blodgett, Essex County, Massachusetts District Attorney 2003-2023; President National District Attorneys Association 2018-2019

 

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“In a time when so many lives are being lost to drug overdoses and addiction, and countless families feel unprepared to support their loved ones, this powerful guide, produced by Jessica Hulsey, offers a lifeline. Jessica deeply understands what parents and families need to engage in meaningful conversations about addiction. This book is a compelling, science-driven resource that provides essential information, practical skills, and actionable steps for families to help their children and others struggling with addiction. I believe this guide should be available to all families with children. I was truly impressed and grateful to see this guide created—an invaluable resource that must be accessible to every family.”

• Dr. Nabila El-Bassel, Columbia University School of Social Work

 

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“Understanding Addiction counters popular approaches to addiction that center myths, blame, and punishment with science, empathy, and love. Hulsey’s book offers practical advice and evidence-based solutions for families struggling with addiction.”

• Dr. Valerie Earnshaw, Professor, University of Delaware​

 

 

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“Jessica has given us a comprehensive treasure trove of resources for family members impacted by addiction. It offers a clear understanding of this chronic disease, key elements of quality treatment, effective ways to support your loved one, and essential self-care tools. She shares her family’s struggles, missteps, and moments of joy to help other families find a path to hope and healing.”

• Jerry Moe, MA, National Director of Children’s Programs, Emeritus, Betty Ford Center

 

 

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“Understanding Addiction is a magical combination of evidence-based knowledge and captivating storytelling.  Jessica's lifelong passion for helping those struggling with substance use disorders is inspiring.  This book is a gem for anyone whose life has been touched by substance use disorders.”

• Dr. Brian Fuehrlein, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine

 

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“Anyone who has a loved one struggling with addiction will find this to be an immensely valuable resource. Not only is the material highly practical and accessible, it is written by one who has walked the precarious path, peaks and valleys, of desperately trying to make sense of the insanity of addiction and finding some degree of healing for herself and those she loves. Jessica has learned much on her journey that will give others much-needed hope and help.”   

 

• Dr. James Berry, West Virginia University

 

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“Understanding Addiction is a timely, compassionate and comprehensive resource that demystifies the complexities of addiction with a rare combination of scientific rigor and heartfelt personal insight. By weaving together decades of accumulated evidence-based information and practical guidance, Hulsey empowers families with the knowledge and tools needed to support a loved one struggling with substance use disorders.”

 

• Dr. Mark S. Gold, Former Chairman of Psychiatry at the University of Florida; Adjunct Professor at the Washington University School of Medicine

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Understanding Addiction: A Guide for Families by Jessica Hulsey is a personal, transformative resource for anyone impacted by or concerned about substance misuse. As a professional in the field and a parent, I found this book incredibly empowering, informative, and helpful. Hulsey provides accurate, practical, and non-stigmatizing information, which is crucial for breaking down barriers and misconceptions around addiction. With clarity and compassion, she sheds light on the science of addiction and the journey from prevention to recovery, from which every family can benefit. As our communities continue to face the rising challenges of substance use disorder and deaths of despair, this life-saving information is more important than ever. I encourage all families to use this book as a guide.  Everyone knows someone impacted by substance use disorder, and I am grateful to have this as an available resource to help prevent substance misuse before it starts and encourage those already impacted to enter successful recovery.

• Michael Litterer MPA, FHELA, CHES, CPS, Vice President, RWJBarnabas Health |Institute for Prevention and Recovery

 

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“I have been working in the Justice System for over 50 years and would urge anyone who has been impacted as a result of substance use disorders to read Jessica Husleys " Understanding Addiction: A guide for families. Ms. Hulsey’s personal, professional and educational background make her one of the most knowledgeable individuals in the Country to not only address the complexities of substance abuse disorders, but also offer evidenced based solutions which result in positive outcomes and hope for so many. I firmly believe that families and practitioners who read this book will have a better understanding of not only the challenges relating to those impacted by substance use disorders, but hope knowing there are effective solutions.”

• Judge Robert Rancourt, retired

 

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“A remarkable story of surviving parents caught in the unforgiving and chaotic world of opioid addiction. Jess learned from these life changing events to provide a meaningful and comprehensive guide to families struggling with drug use among loved ones. Read this book to better understand the value of treating addiction and learning about resources in order to forge a better path going forward.”

-       Mark W. Parrino, MPA, President, American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD)

 

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"As the CEO of the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA), I am honored to support Understanding Addiction: A Guide for Families by Jessica Hulsey. This book is more than just an informative guide—it is a compassionate resource that tackles the many complexities of addiction with clarity, honesty, and empathy. Jessica shares her own deeply personal journey, offering a beacon of hope for countless families navigating the challenges of supporting a loved one with a substance use disorder. Her clear explanations about the biological, psychological, and social aspects of the disease of addiction help dispel harmful myths, fostering understanding and reducing stigma. Most importantly, her insights and practical advice make this guide an invaluable tool for family members, empowering them to have difficult but necessary conversations and to offer the informed, compassionate support that their loved ones need to heal. NACoA stands behind Jessica Hulsey's work in bridging the gap between knowledge and compassion. This book is a vital resource for families everywhere, promoting healing, hope, and recovery." 

• Denise Bertin-Epp RN, BScN, MSA, CEO of National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA)

 

 

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“Understanding Addiction: A Guide for Families, written with remarkable insight by Jessica Hulsey, is a testament to one woman’s deep wisdom and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. Through a blend of personal experience and accessible, evidence-based strategies, Jessica sheds light on the complex issues of generational addiction and mental health. Jessica’s journey has not been easy—she was faced with multiple mountains of generational addiction and trauma. But rather than merely surviving these challenges, she has transformed her experiences into a powerful mission: to guide and inspire others to overcome their obstacles. Her passion and relentless commitment to helping others is palpable in every page of this book. Holding Understanding Addiction in my hands, I am reminded that recovery is real and that our destination matters more than where we began. This book is a courageous and heartfelt contribution, showing that healing is not only possible but achievable with the right guidance and support.”

-       Carol Boyer, Hope House Treatment Centers

 

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“As someone who's seen the impacts of addiction firsthand in our family, I highly recommend In Understanding Addiction: A Guide for Families. It not only offers clear explanations about the science behind addiction, but also provides invaluable advice on how to approach and support a loved one through the most challenging moments, all with compassion and understanding.”

• Michelle Jaskulski

 

 

 

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“The world is full of people who have turned their personal grief and struggles into their life’s mission. But few are like Jess Hulsey. In this book, Jess takes that powerful formula to the next level, capturing in one place an extremely rare range of gut-wrenching family history and expertise in the intricacies of drug policies and programs. She will touch—and win—both your mind and your heart.”

 

• Adam Gelb, President and CEO, Council on Criminal Justice

 

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Understanding Addiction:  A Guide for Families, is a captivating story about addiction and its impact on families. This book is thoughtful, well written and educational.  It dispels the myths and misinformation about addiction and puts a face on this truly horrible disease.  Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your story, experiences and feelings, we will all benefit as a result! Well Done!!

• Patricia Clay, Executive Director, Treatment Communities of America (TCA)

 

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“Inspired, committed people with purpose make changes in the world. Jess Hulsey is one of those people. Jessica’s motivating story and experienced journey provide a convincing outline for challenging stereotypical thoughts with facts, using medical treatment before punishment or isolation, thereby aiding families, and sufferers alike to again become happily and usefully whole.”

• Robert Champagne, Chief of Police, Peabody, MA, retired

 

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Jessica connects with families and caregivers by transparently sharing her own lived experiences with addiction. This is critical as many feel embarrassed and no one understands what they are experiencing. She provides families and caregivers with the answers to questions they struggle to answer. The beauty of this book is she allows them to understand the challenges their loved one is dealing with and recovery is possible.

• Deanna Hoskins, JustLeadershipUSA

 

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“As someone who's seen the impacts of addiction firsthand in our family, I highly recommend In Understanding Addiction: A Guide for Families. It not only offers clear explanations about the science behind addiction, but also provides invaluable advice on how to approach and support a loved one through the most challenging moments, all with compassion and understanding.”

-       Michelle Jaskulski, Founder, Beyond Addiction Ministry

 

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“I have been working in the Justice System for over 50 years and would urge anyone who has been impacted as a result of substance use disorders to read Understanding Addiction: A guide for families. Ms. Hulsey’s personal, professional and educational background make her one of the most knowledgeable individuals in the Country to not only address the complexities of substance use disorders, but also offer evidenced based solutions which result in positive outcomes and hope for so many.”

-       Judge Robert Rancourt, retired

 

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Jessica courageously navigates the reader down the road of her tumultuous family history with empathy and authenticity to create the landscape for understanding the complexities of addiction. Her story is a triumph and a masterful work weaving education, science and hope into a must read for anyone! Jessica provides a comprehensive approach with tools and resources that everyone can use for all aspects of our lives.

• Mary Ashley

 

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"As a researcher and clinical psychologist, I believe this is an invaluable resource for families. Understanding Addiction blends compassionate insights with practical guidance. By weaving her own story with clear, research-backed advice, Jessica Hulsey removes the stigma and empowers readers with accurate knowledge and tools to truly support loved ones. This book offers a roadmap that’s both deeply personal and universally relevant.” 

• Ashli J. Sheidow, PhD, Senior Research Scientist at Chestnut Health Systems’ Lighthouse Institute