Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction

by David Sheff

Beautiful Boy is a heart-wrenching and deeply moving memoir by David Sheff, chronicling his experience as a father watching his son battle addiction. This book offers an unflinching look at the pain, fear, and hope that come with loving someone in active addiction. Sheff’s story is a reminder of the toll addiction takes not just on those struggling with it, but on their families as well.

At Today’s Sober Women, we recognize that addiction is a family disease, and this book serves as a powerful reminder that healing must extend to everyone affected. Sheff’s honesty and vulnerability make this an essential read for anyone who has a loved one grappling with addiction.

Key Principle #1: The Power of Hope
Sheff’s memoir is infused with hope, even in the darkest moments. He shows that while addiction is devastating, hope is always present.

Key Principle #2: Letting Go of Control
One of the hardest lessons Sheff learns is that he cannot control his son’s addiction. This mirrors the journey many family members face—learning to love someone through addiction without trying to fix them.

Key Principle #3: The Impact on Family
Beautiful Boy highlights how addiction affects the entire family system. Sheff offers an emotional, raw look at the ripple effect of addiction on loved ones, reminding us to prioritize self-care even as we support others.

Key Takeaway: You can’t control someone else’s addiction, but you can still be there with love. Today, focus on what you can control—your own healing.