SPECIAL PRAISE FOR
Leave the Light On
“There are few books about lesbians in recovery. This is, by far, the best I’ve read. Those of us who work in the narrow niche of LGBT recovery know the connection between the twelve-step recovery process and the process of “coming out.” Jennifer skillfully blends the two together in this memoir. Every gay and lesbian person in early recovery needs to read this book to know they are not alone in their experience. What a gift to our community!
Joe Amico President, National Association of Lesbian and Gay Addiction Professionals (NALGAP)
“By generously sharing her story in Leave the Light On, Jennifer Storm adds to the literature of recovery and hope so helpful for those who think they are alone in their journey. This memoir is a welcome addition to anyone’s recovery bookshelf.”
Kate Clinton Comedian and author of I Told You So, Don’t Get Me Started, and What the L?
“The odds of substance use for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth are on average 190 percent higher than for heterosexual youth, according to a study by the University of Pittsburgh. Jennifer’s touching memoir of addiction and recovery is something that resonated with my life, and I’m sure for many others as well.”
Charles Robbins CEO, The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth
“For someone who found recovery fairly late in life (I was 42), I find Ms. Storm’s struggles over her addiction at such an early age especially courageous. Peer pressure to “keep the party going” is so strong at her age. She is a shining example of the power of recovery for youth. I applaud her and hope this book brings the treasures of a life in recovery to many, many young people.”
Leslie Jordan Emmy Award-winning actor and author of My Trip Down the Pink Carpet
“Jennifer takes the recovery world “by storm” in this gripping account of her struggle with self-destruction and self-acceptance. In Leave the Light On, Ms. Storm offers her readers an accessible, honest, and intimate account of the unique challenges faced by those whose recovery as substance abusers is dependent upon honest exploration and loving resolution of their sexual histories and identities. By sharing her own story, Jennifer lays the groundwork for others to follow. It’s a book that every clinician who works in the field of addiction and every person who hopes to find recovery can benefit from reading.”
Paul L. Hokemeyer, JD, PhD(c) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist The Caron Treatment Centers
LEAVE THE
LIGHT ON
A MEMOIR OF RECOVERY AND SELF-DISCOVERY
BY JENNIFER STORM
CENTRAL RECOVERY PRESS
Central Recovery Press (CRP) is committed to publishing exceptional material addressing addiction treatment, recovery, and behavioral health care, including original and quality books, audio/visual communications, and web-based new media. Through a diverse selection of titles, it seeks to impact the behavioral health care field with a broad range of unique resources for professionals, recovering individuals, and their families. For more information, visit www.centralrecoverypress.com.
Central Recovery Press, Las Vegas, NV 89129
© 2010 by Jennifer Storm
eISBN-13: 978-1-936290-40-6
eISBN-10: 1-936290-40-5
All rights reserved. Published 2010. Printed in the United States of America.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.
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Publisher: Central Recovery Press
3371 N Buffalo Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89129
Publisher’s Note: To protect their anonymity, the names of some of the people in this book have been changed.
Cover design and interior by Sara Streifel, Think Creative Design
In loving memory of Mara Jean Storm
This book is dedicated to my Higher Power and the rooms of recovery, for without the combination of these two powerful entities in my life I would not be here.
To the alcoholic or addict who is still sick and suffering, may this book read as a hopeful guide to recovery for whatever you are going through. May you find hope in these pages.
To Melissa and Rose, may you both respectively rest in peace.
To anyone who has ever loved an addict, I encourage you to never give up and to always leave the light on in the hope that it will guide them home.
Contents
