A fast and interesting read. I could not put it down. So helpful. Additionally- the author has a writer's voice that is authentic and matter of fact. Reading this book was as though we were sitting at a table and simply talking together. He: Sharing common sense and fascinating perspective, story and wisdom, while I: Listen intently. Also love that he doesn't write (or talk) over our heads and make the book too cerebral - it's an easy read where I did not have to decipher every line and work to read the book. That action of having to "think" to read a book gets tiring. I love a book that's clear in communication and intriguing and this book is that! If you are reading this type of book you know the subject is already heavy. So why not enjoy the learning along the way?!
Julie in Nevada·June 11, 2026·Kindle
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Must read
This is written brilliantly! An absolute must read.
Amazon Customer·March 3, 2026·Paperback
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The inside story of addiction
A book to help families better understand the disease of alcohol is extremely useful. One that is honest and written from the perspective of the alcoholic is a strong tool. I have used this myself and shared it with many friends.
Donna Hall·February 26, 2026·Paperback
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A good read for me!
Thank you Michael for opening my eyes as a parent of an adult addicted person. I will definitely reread and share this book as so many of us struggle with "How can I Help" I am involved in Family Recovery groups and NarAnon, I am clearly ready for some professional help for myself and will be on the search for that.
cmcross·September 15, 2025·Kindle
1 found this helpful
Helpful in understanding addiction
I found this book to be helpful when it comes to better understanding what someone with addiction is experiencing. It's been something I have been unable to grasp. I think the analogies and hearing the authors story/experiences as well as the mom that just tried to save her child, were helpful to me to understand how bad you can let things get if alcohol/addiction controls you. I personally was hoping for a book that was more directed towards spouses, I felt this was more directed to maybe parents of an addicted child, but still helpful advice. I have tabs all over this book incase I need to go back and remind myself of some of the things that resonated with me. I passed my book along to my mother in law, I hope she gets something out of it as well.
Jennifer·July 9, 2025·Paperback
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Very helpful insight
This book gave me real insight into the mind of an addicted child and didn't blame and judge me as a parent.
Amazon Customer·April 29, 2025·Paperback
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life changing
I needed so much of this book For myself and a loved one. Thanks to Michael for putting the words down that I needed to read.
Kelly Standen·April 12, 2025·Kindle
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Gut wrenching and true
When I first received the book I was a little angry and almost sent it back. It is double-spaced and large space between paragraphs - I felt like I paid too much for what was there. However, I wanted to give the content of the book the benefit of the doubt and to give Michael a fair shake, especially if proceeds are helping with addiction. My son spent 15 years in active addiction from age 14 to 29, when he was murdered 4 and a half months ago as a direct result of his addiction and psychosis. I was the "tough love" parent and his dad was the "enabler". I like how Michael steers away from these terms as everyone's definition may be different. Instead he talks about what is helpful for families vs what is not helpful. The metaphors Michael uses are very effective. I understand after reading this book that my son had no chance unless his family got on the same page, which wasn't going to happen. This stuff is serious and the descriptions in this book match reality head-on. The MOST important thing is to get help for yourself. I hope your story has a happier ending. Take this book to heart.
Denise Varga·November 14, 2024·Paperback
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Amazingly helpful book.
Mike's analogies are always on point, relatable and so helpful. I give this book away constantly as it helps families and friends understand addiction.
Kate Duffy·September 2, 2024·Audiobook
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A must read for families struggling with addiction in their lives
I loved how easy the book was layed out to read. He eases you in gently, and you start to see the Lions in your life, that you have encountered. I have bought another copy to give as a gift as I want to keep mine to read again. Thank you for explaining what has been going on with my struggle.
T Studio·March 31, 2024·Paperback
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You need this
If you are looking a books for families struggling with addiction, READ THIS BOOK. The author really nails it.
Sandra Fitzgerald·March 25, 2024·Paperback
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great book
I'm soaking up all that I can and Loving Lions is one of the best books out there! Anyone who knows and loves an addict should read this book.
Lucy T Mills·June 10, 2023
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A warm embrace with practical steps to assist families in need.
Sensible, gentle approach to rethinking and maintaining love and order and boundaries while living with people in active addiction.
Donna Wolfe·April 14, 2023·Paperback
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Amazing book!
I did not personally buy this book, the grandma of my step-kids sent it to me. Her daughter, the kid's mom, is a heroin addict. I've been dealing with her chaos for eight years and have read several books on addiction, but this one is by far the best. I loved that it was coming from a former addict's perspective. The whole time I was reading it I was like, "yes!", "oh my gosh, she does that all the time!" I may actually go back and read it AGAIN just because I want to take it all in again. Great book!
Christine Miller·March 31, 2023·Paperback
1 found this helpful
Enlightened my thinking.
I was fortunate to hear Michael speak about his story through a zoom chat offered by BRC out of Austin. By that time I had gotten the book and couldn't put it down. It has definitely changed my direction in my thoughts about helping my adult son in his bipolar depression and addiction. I am going to seek family intervention to learn more about his needs and stop trying to convince him to get better. I have already recommended this book to several friends who are also struggling with loved ones in addiction.
Kindle Customer·January 30, 2023
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Great book
Well written
george mentonis·October 10, 2022·Paperback
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Accurate depiction of addiction and how best to deal with it
His description of what drives an addict was very impactful and educational when facing this disease. Excellent book.
Patricia·January 31, 2022·Paperback
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Game changer for our family
This book came into our life when we needed it most. Mike Wilson's honest portrayal of addiction and recovery opened our eyes to the truth about addiction, the insanity of trying to expect something rational from someone actively using drugs, that treatment is the solution, and that there is hope. We passed this book around the family and collectively said aha. A must read for anyone who wants to learn and be a resource for recovery.
purplepurchase·January 8, 2022·Paperback
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Helped me see things clearly
This book was recommended to me. I am the parent of a young addict and this book has helped me see things more clearly. It has been the catalyst for me to begin a new journey. There is a lot to learn and understand about what real support for my child looks like. Thank you for writing it and for your passion to help people.
Amazon Customer·January 5, 2022·Paperback
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i wish I'd read this book five years ago
If you have a family member suffering from alcohol or drug addiction problems this is a must read. I wish I'd read it five years ago. It could have helped us avoid many of the errors we committed in dealing with our son's problems. It is written by a recovering addict who offers sound advice in what to do and more importantly what not to do in dealing with a near and dear one who is suffering this dread disease.
nEveready·August 12, 2021·Paperback
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Essential read for loved ones of addict
Mike's book has been helpful for me. He makes it easier to understand addiction from the perspective of the addict. Knowing Mike's story has given me more empathy for my own loved ones, and more concrete understanding of how to support. Highly recommend for anyone with a loved one struggling with addiction.
Amazon Customer·June 20, 2021
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A powerful and practical approach
This is a well written, no nonsense approach to dealing with addiction or mental health in your household or family. If you have a young adult struggling with addiction in your life, this book offers great advice.
GB·January 12, 2021·Paperback
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Insightful
An absolute must for families with a loved one struggling with a substance use disorder. Michael presents insight and guidance on the disease in a relatable, understandable way. My copy is dog eared & heavily highlighted!
Tami M·November 29, 2020·Paperback
Insightful
This is a well written easy read and is full of insight into the world of addiction recovery. Written by a man who has seen both sides of the coin Michael Wilson touches on topics that start a conversation. If you or a loved one are suffering from the effects of addiction, then let this book give you hope and access to information to help you "love your lion".
Charles D Parker·November 29, 2020·Paperback
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Amazing a must read for anyone struggling or anyone with loved ones struggling!!!
This book is incredible, it help put so many things into perspective for me. I recommend every family member of someone struggling to read this gem. It truly touches the soul!
Danielle gallagher·November 29, 2020·Paperback
This book was a life changer
After many years of reading material about addicts, recovering addicts, and addiction, I finally read a book that was a game changer for me. If you are struggling with having someone in your family who is addicted to drugs/alcohol, this is the book for you to read. Michael not only presents the disease from the addicts dilemma and point of view but also gives real advice for families who are experiencing the pain of having an addict in the family. Not only do I recommend this book to people dealing with a family member with the disease but I also highly recommend it as a must read for those in recovery. Thank you Michael for sharing your insights into this disease.
John Mainella·May 4, 2019
3 found this helpful
Great combination of personal history and professional addiction experience
I have had the privilege and pleasure to work with Mike Wilson for a number of years, and find his story and experience highly credible, necessary, and influential for professionals in our field and for families in need of help with battling addiction. This book is a great primer to the kind of skills and experience that Mike has in supporting families, and is nicely peppered with anecdotes from his deep experience. I highly recommend this book to individuals and families struggling with addiction.
Justin Cambria·February 4, 2019·Paperback
1 found this helpful
Every parent should read this.
I have been working in the addiction field for 8 years. This book is one of the best I have read for families struggling with a loved one in addiction. This book will likely aid in saving lives and families. I would give it 6 stars or more if I could. The author knows his stuff!
Tyson·January 20, 2019·Paperback
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There is always hope and Mike nails it
Mike come's to grips with horrific patterns of addiction - and turns his life around to help others. So helpful and well written, it is a page turner That is tough to put down. A must read for family Members affected by addiction. Loved this book.
Linda ferrini·December 30, 2018·Paperback
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Great book. Excellent perspective
This book touches on all the important information a parent/loved one needs to have to help battle this disease.
Pete.·November 27, 2018·Paperback
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This book gives hope and clarity
This is a book that every family coping with an addicted loved one should read and also every addict should as well. Every analogy makes perfect sense and is relatable. It creates a clarity for the reader that helps them realize what is going on and what their addicted loved one is experiencing.
michael·November 21, 2018·Paperback
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How you can help steer your loved one toward recovery.
This book is a critical addition to the available recovery literature. It is a roadmap to recovery for parents and loved ones of people struggling with addiction. I've shared it with terrified parents who need to hear how they can promote recovery for their loved one. I highly recommend it.
Linda Haskins·November 1, 2018·Paperback
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This author knows what he is talking about. Don't pass this up.
This book confirms what I already know about the author. He knows what he is talking about. He has lived it and he is now walking the walk, helping families through the difficult journey of having a loved one struggling with addiction. His experience and knowledge helped our family out of complete chaos and taught us how to love our "lion", but with healthy boundaries and educating us on how to put the anger aside, which helped our loved one. A must read for anyone touched by addiction.
Amazon Customer·October 31, 2018·Paperback
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Education about addiction
This book gave me better understanding about addiction. I learned more about how I can help my daughter. Recovery happens.
Janka·October 30, 2018·Paperback
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Help for families dealing with addiction
Loving Lions is a powerful book that describes first hand the life and struggle of the addict and in turn the addict's family. It is an insightful look at how addiction effects the entire family, serving as a guide for family members to understand their loved one and how they can best respond in order to protect themselves and provide the best chance of recovery. Michael's perspective as a recovering addict and someone who has helped countless families offers a model of hope, strength and compassion.
Elaine M·October 18, 2018·Paperback
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The author knows what he is talking about
Read the book anyone going through someone with addiction needs to read this book it will tell step by step what can happen all of it is so true. As parents we want to fix the problem; the book will guide you in a different direction that does work.
michael bouffard·October 6, 2018·Paperback
Genuine, Insightful, & Inspiring
As a professional in the field, I have found the book that I will give to the families of my Lions.
Meredith Meng·October 5, 2018·Paperback
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Empowering
What a fantastic book for any family member of someone struggling with the disease of addiction. Very empowering information on how to do right by your loved one without helping them continue to struggle with real life examples!! Great quick read!!
Sharon Girardi·September 19, 2018·Paperback
Glad I read this!!!!
I didn't want to read this book because I lived the years of Michael's addiction alongside his Mom. I'm his Aunt. I knew Mike had gone thru recovery and knew in my mind it had to have been so hard but until reading this book did not understand just how hard it is to overcome addiction. I'm glad my son bought me this book and I read it, helped to understand lots of misconceptions I had on addiction. I am so proud of him and how he took control of his life and is now using his experience to help others find the life that he finally has found.
Genie W.·September 17, 2018·Paperback
Part memoir and hopeful guide!
If you are dealing with an addicted loved one you know first hand the ups and downs of the disease. This very readable book is part memoir, part guide on how to manage your own life while dealing with an addicted loved one. Mike Wilson talks about dos and don'ts with your addicted loved one and ends the book with helping your loved one get treatment. This book is guaranteed to get you to begin thinking of this disease in a different way. It's hopeful and you will learn you can love your 'lion.'
Iris Adams·September 11, 2018
If you struggle or know someone who does, please read this book.
This is a must read for any family struggling with a family member with an addiction. It is not meant to answer and solve all of the issues that come along with addiction, but it portrays the harsh reality of living with and or loving an addict. He speaks with a voice of honesty and first hand knowledge. If you love someone who is struggling I urge you to buy this book. I've read many many books on this subject and this one spoke to me in a way that none others have.
Ellen·September 11, 2018
A must read for families
This book is extremely helpful in giving families a greater understanding of addiction, common pitfalls families fall into, and how to see through common lying and manipulating behavior addicted loved one uses to get their own needs met. I would highly recommend it to any family with a loved one with a drug or alcohol problem, as well as professionals who work with families. My only wish was that the author expanded the end of the book for an additional chapter or two to describe in more detail recommendations for getting loved ones into the right type and level of treatment.
Amazon Customer·September 6, 2018
2 found this helpful
Saving lives, saving families
Excellent guide for families who have a loved one who struggles with addiction. This will give families perspective and understanding of this disease. I believe what I have learned has saved my son's life and my sanity. Thank you Mike Wilson for a no nonsense approach to how to survive this disease.
Amazon Customer·August 30, 2018·Paperback
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Please read this book ... a must!!!
Every family member of an addicted loved one needs to read this incredible book...Mike shows how the family learning what to do helps show the addict what they need to do. Michael Wilson is the author of a much much needed book.
Susan Owens·August 26, 2018·Paperback
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Must read guide for families!
This book is a must read for anyone with a loved one struggling with addiction. I loved how he explained addiction in simple terms and the most successful steps for recovery. Best informational book I've read on the topic. Thanks.
Pat M.·August 25, 2018
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Recovery can be reached
I just finished reading "Loving Lions" by Michael Wilson, Jr. and it is an amazing book. While names are not mentioned in the book, I was part of the word "family" and I saw Michael go through his stages of addiction. He came into my life at age 9 when his mother married my son, so Michael became my grandson. I saw him struggling over the years and the heartbreak his family went through. Michael is an amazing man and he took his addiction and turned it around so that he could help others. If you have a loved one who is an addict...this is the book to read. It won't cure your loved ones addiction but it will help you to understand what happens with families when there is an addicted person. I am so proud of my grandson for turning his life around.
Barbara J. Wear·August 24, 2018·Paperback
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A must read for any family who wants to help a loved one find recovery from addiction!
Loving Lions is by far the most thorough guide for families struggling with their loved one's addiction that I have read. Mike has the broad perspective of having lived through years of active addiction, numerous attempts at various types of treatment, recovery, and many years of helping countless families. His insight and guidance comes from lived experience and he has a wonderful ability to explain what is so counterintuitive to "normal" parenting skills through clear metaphors, stories and examples. I know from personal experience that Mike's recommendations work because our family followed his advice and guidance, our loved one is in Recovery and we are all very grateful for his support. It is real and it is possible, and Mike gives families realistic hope and effective strategies that should become the Gold Standard for this widely misunderstood illness.
Mumo·August 23, 2018·Paperback
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Educational and inspiring!
Great book! Needed in every family library!
Bill Simmons·August 15, 2018·Paperback
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Wonderful resource! Unique perspective, compassionate framing of family dilemmas.
Amazing resource for anyone who cares for a person with an addiction! The author is a recovered addict himself, and helps the reader to truly understand what addiction is, as well as the thinking patterns and behavior that addiction causes--both within the addict and within the family system. He shares real-life stories of his own addiction and recovery, as well as fictional tales that serve as analogies, shedding light on the more difficult aspects of understanding family dynamics around addiction. He confronts issues like "tough love" and "enabling" with compassionate understanding and alternate strategies for strengthening boundaries and building new skills. He has a really unique perspective and teaching style, which helps decrease guilt & confusion, and increase skills, boundaries and ability to access resources.
M.R.·August 14, 2018·Paperback
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