Some books leave a quiet yet profound impact on their readers, and Alex’s poetry collection, I Learned How to Love From Heroin, does precisely that. From first glancing at the title and dedication, I felt a deep connection to this work. As a person in recovery, these seemingly simple elements were powerful enough to ground me in a shared experience before I even turned the first page.
The collection begins with a foreword that acts as an introduction and an invitation—a call to use this poetry as a springboard for self-expression. Alex encourages readers to take this journey with him while simultaneously exploring their own stories. This gesture is one of generosity and vulnerability, and it set the tone for what became an incredibly emotional and intellectual experience.
Alex’s poetry is a raw and visceral journey from pain to understanding to healing. Throughout the book, I found lines that spoke directly to my heart and experiences. Some were deeply resonant, like:
“I would have pickpocketed God himself / to show this beautiful woman her value.”
This struck me as a poignant reflection on love, desperation, and the lengths we go to for the people we care about.
Others felt like hard-won truths of recovery and self-awareness, such as:
& sometimes survival, depends on the revival; of the deeds left to those who should have known better, but didn’t.”
And then there were moments of sharp honesty that caught me off guard with their candor:
“I’d worry about Today, just so Yesterday could save face.”
Alex’s poetry is compelling because it balances this honesty with a sense of hope and empowerment. Even in its darkest moments, the work serves as a reminder that while pain is universal, so is resilience. Lines like:
“I loathe the loads I’ve lifted, now I expect myself to carry more,”
This reminds us of the weight we bear in recovery and the strength we find to continue.
Reading this collection, I felt seen. Every poem felt like a mirror, reminding me I was not alone in my struggles or healing. The journey Alex shares in these pages is unlike mine, and that realization brought me a profound sense of connection. His words are a gift to anyone who has ever faced their demons, and they serve as a beacon of light for those still finding their way.
I want to thank Alex for baring his soul and, in doing so, reminding me of the strength within my own. This book is more than a collection of poems—it’s a roadmap for self-discovery and a celebration of the human spirit. For anyone looking to reconnect with themselves or to find solace in the words of another, I Learned How to Love From Heroin is an essential read.
#QUITLIT Sobees Score: 4 out of 5
Sober Not Mature Podcast: Alex S. – Cheese and Poppies
Apple Podcasts:
Spotify:
SOBER POETRY: Sober Poetry at The Sober Curator is a space where recovery and creativity meet. It features heartfelt verses that capture the emotions of sobriety. Written by various Sober Curator Contributors and readers about their recovery journeys, these poems provide inspiration, healing, and reflection for readers seeking solace and connection.
Do you have a sober poem you’d love to submit? Please email us at thesobercurator@gmail.com.
TSC LIBRARY: Welcome to The Sober Curator Library! We don’t just read books; we immerse ourselves in literary journeys, tune in on Audible, and craft insightful reviews. Our digital shelves are organized into three genres: #QUITLIT, Addiction Fiction, and Self-Help.
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
