In today's episode of Tendrils of Grief, we have the privilege of speaking with Patricia Roos, a former professor of sociology at Rutgers University, whose life took a tragic turn in 2015 when her 25-year-old son, Alex, passed away from a heroin overdose.

Guided by her academic background in sociology, Patricia embarked on a deeply personal journey to make sense of the devastating loss that her family endured. This journey led her to write a compelling and insightful sociological memoir, Surviving Alex: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Addiction, which was published by Rutgers University Press in May 2024.

Patricia brings a unique perspective to the conversation, blending her professional expertise with her lived experience as a grieving mother. In this episode, she shares her insights into the complex factors surrounding addiction, the challenges faced by families navigating this crisis, and the process of healing and rebuilding life after such a profound loss.

Join us for a poignant and enlightening discussion as Patricia opens up about her personal story, the creation of her memoir, and her mission to bring awareness and understanding to the multifaceted issue of addiction and its impact on families.

Episode Highlights

· Grief and Loss

· Addiction and Recovery

· Heroin Overdose

· Sociological Perspectives on Grief

· Healing After Loss

· Parenting Through Addiction

· Memoir of Grief

· Surviving Alex book

· Rutgers University Press

· Coping with Child's Death

· Sociology of Addiction

· Parental Grief and Addiction

· Addiction Crisis in Families

· Mental Health and Addiction

· Substance Abuse Awareness

· The Opioid Crisis

· Mental Health Awareness

· Breaking the Stigma of Addiction

· Navigating Grief During the Holidays

· The Role of Family in Recovery

· Mothers Speaking Out on Addiction

· Raising Awareness of Substance Abuse

· The Impact of Grief on Mental Health

· The Intersection of Sociology and Personal Experience

· Memoirs that Heal: Stories of Loss and Recovery

· The Role of Education in Understanding Addiction

· Community Support for Families Facing Addiction

· How Grief Transforms Lives

· The Hidden Epidemic: Parental Grief Over Addiction

· How to Support a Loved One Through Addiction

Know more About Patricia Roos

Link to her book:

Surviving Alex: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Addiction: Roos, Patricia A.: 9781978837027: Amazon.com: Books

Visit her page at www.patroos.com

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