As a child, best-selling author David Magee felt that his life purpose was to write a book that could change lives. He recently told his remarkable journey of triumph in the face of trauma in his book “Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love, and Loss.” A few years ago, David lost his son William to an accidental overdose just one year after his other son Hudson was in a three-day coma following his own overdose. At the same time, his daughter Mary was struggling with an eating disorder, and David himself was in recovery from an alcohol and substance use disorder. But before he passed away, William encouraged David to write about their family’s struggles to let others know they are not alone. With his wife’s blessing, David published this book, which gives readers an open and honest glimpse into the Magee family’s story.
In the latest episode of Heart of the Matter, David sits down with Elizabeth Vargas to discuss how recovery isn’t linear and is in fact a journey; the insight he’d give to parents whose children are struggling with addiction and mental health challenges; and how David is helping other families locally in Mississippi.
Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as in-depth discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, please contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at (800) 662-4357. These programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.
