As we grapple with the national opioid crisis, it is easy to get lost in statistics, stereotypes, and judgement, losing sight of what truly matters – the individuals and families who suffer, many of them to the point of losing their lives. Enter David Poses, with a brilliant account of his own life-long struggle with mental health and addiction, and the path that led him to recovery and healing.

Brutally honest, surprisingly funny, often heartbreaking, and always captivating, this gripping memoir reads like a novel, while sparking important conversations about the efficacy of traditional rehab and 12-step programs, the link between mental health and opioid addiction, and the importance of medically guided and assisted treatment. Whether you are well-versed in these issues or just beginning to learn about the complexities of this crisis, this book will help to educate, inform, and engage.

Ultimately, David’s story is one of struggle and hope. If you are looking for an entertaining read that will deepen your understanding of the opioid crisis by giving you an intimate look at one person’s deeply personal struggle, this book is for you.

As someone who has only experienced addiction on the peripheral… A few people that I have known, but not been in my close circle. But I observe their lives and their addictions, and had so many questions in my head that I could never ask them. And sometimes I thought to myself… Some people just really need illegal drugs. I don’t know why I don’t understand it, but sometimes I think they do. It is terrible, all the stigma Related to illegal drugs. Do I want my kids on them? No do I want my spouse on them? No. But for those people that really need them… It is so sad what they have to go through so they can feel good mentally. I think this book needs to be given consideration by anyone dealing with drug addiction, rather it is for themselves or someone they know. There’s just another mindset that should be considered.

The opioid epidemic that began to exercise its fierce grip in American culture began in the 1990’s and is showing no signs of slowing down or easing up: “the weight of air: a story of the lies about addiction and the truth about recovery” (2021) is candid and courageously written memoir by David Poses. His battle with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) began in 1995, recovery is a process that lasts a lifetime, there is no cure.

When David was admitted to one of the top renowned rehab programs in the United States, he had been hospitalized for his addiction to Heroin. His father, who he barely had a relationship with, intervened in his care, it was evident he should have kept his (usual) distance. Poses explained to his counselors in rehab the level of “pain” (depression) had led to and resulted in his addiction. Poses quickly realized that the popular 12 Step Program used by the majority of American rehab programs at the time, would not really work for him. Poses illustrated the negative side of the rehab and insurance industry, and the failure of the (one size fits all) 12 Step Programs.

Two decades would pass of relapse, lost relationships and the inability to relate honestly to those who loved and cared about him most. The lies and deceit, rare well-paying jobs lost--where he could have used his talents and gifts to excel. Poses takes readers on his difficult and harrowing journey towards living his life without using drugs. The silence, stigma, and shame of addiction ceased when he began to honestly share his truth with others. This is an important book. Poses writing has been featured in several notable publications, including the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and the NY Daily News. He lives in Hudson Valley, N.Y. with his wife and two children.

after first pages I though I will hate it, but with every sentence and new chapter I got pulled in more and more and could not put it away. The way its written mirrors for me the state the author was at given moments he describes, which in the end make it even a better read and more comprehensive picture.

I read a lot of books about addiction, drug issues etc. trying to understand it. But only honest books like this one can get you closer to the problem and the never ending fight and struggle they go through. There seems to be not a one path, or story and every one you hear of or read about shades a new light on this complex problem. It touches multiple aspects of addition and systematic issues. It is a really great read in so many aspects.

Wish all the best to the author and hope he will keep up the good fight.

I have read quite a few addiction books. I am always trying to understand my brother I lost to an overdose. My review is most definitely affected by my personal history with my brother. David is an excellent writer; but he does not do well at writing endings. He explains in great detail how he felt whenever he got the drugs throughout 3/4 of the book. Then he meets his wife and boom everything is on fast forward. His life is picture perfect. He is still on the struggle bus with depression and addiction. He realizes he needs to do something, which is great. But he does not take the care to go into the same amount of detail through his recovery and how his truth effected his loved ones. This book starts out great, I couldn’t wait to hear about his recovery. After all that’s why I picked it up. I know addicts can and do recover; and I wanted to read that part! I wanted to see that someone made it out where my brother didn’t. David basically blames the stigma on drugs for the addiction problem in the USA. I feel it is a contributing factor. I think using drugs to get off of drugs slowly and safely can be very beneficial. And I might believe David using the prescribed drug like a diabetic uses insulin; if his story didn’t read like a love story with heroin. My brother had 2 personalities, sober and on drugs. My brother was a smart, loving, enthusiastic person sober. He was a forgetful shell of a person when on drugs. Maybe he was putting on a show like David mentions. I will never know. But this book ends like the on drugs personality, not the real person. Maybe I am being to harsh. Maybe I just don’t like David’s personality. I don’t know David and his story is only what he wants is to see. I hope David continues his therapy and stays his version of sober. It seems to be working for him. Of the other books I have read on addiction; I don’t think his method of sobriety is for everyone. It is also not very affordable.

I’ve read many addiction stories, but this one stands out as my favorite. The raw truth in The Weight of Air compelled me to keep turning pages. I trusted the author, primarily because Poses shared his flaws and the ugly side of addiction along with some beautiful sides of his character. And don’t we all have both?

The writing is clear, but intellectual, stimulating but not difficult to read.

The author gave readers insight to the mind of an addict, yet he didn’t dwell on the experience of his highs under the influence, something that could easily be a trigger for someone in recovery. Instead, he let us see his depression and his joy. Most importantly, the epilogue gave readers hope, something often unreliable in families of addicts. And he offered a treasured solution.

I’m passionate about the topic of addiction and am grateful to know Poses is currently an activist on the topic. In many ways I am, too, especially in terms of parents intervening before drug use becomes a disease. My brother overdosed on heroin, so I have a different perspective on addiction. Mine is a sibling angle I’m capturing in a memoir I wrote during my MFA in creative nonfiction and am now editing for publication.

I found the beginning to be way too confusing. I didn't know what was going on and why he was where he was. There wasn't any explanation that I could figure out. I stopped reading it then came back since there were so many good reviews. And I must of picked it up at just the right place....I loved his writing and his story and his explanations about depression and ... the weight of air...basically yes!! I understand how that can feel!! UGH! How life can just be too much. HIs story is an interesting one. I do agree that some of the things seem a little hard to believe - fabulous well paying jobs while super young and inexperienced and with barely an interview...but who knows. Anyway I did enjoy the book, sometimes I just couldn't put it down!

Near the end of the book I decided to see what he looked like and see what was up with him now...very very sadly I found that he just died in February 2022!!! at such a young age and when things were going so well ...finally. That is so awful. But please do read this book and stick it out during the confusing beginning. I lived with a junkie who Romanticized heroin- he was an idiot and completely wasted his life away and then died from it. This book will show you that some people use drugs to self medicate because the air just hurts and it's a relief to not feel that crushing weight all the time. Please read it.

From the start I appreciated David pointing out the often perplexing nature of twelve step based approaches that have saturated the treatment landscape with little tolerance at times for those it doesn’t mesh well with, whether it be for the disease concept and/or higher power pieces. This book also has parts that take place in areas of western Massachusetts where I bought and used substances, so his story definitely came to life a little easier for me as a reader, but it made his experience all the more tangible. Lastly, I think David does a fantastic job of highlighting the specific and often misunderstood nature of depression, while giving us an opportunity to view a path to both healing and sustaining wellness through medication that often leads to criticisms of one’s recovery. I’m grateful he wrote so openly about these matters.

-Joseph Conniff, Author

Causes and Conditions, A Life Experience in Addiction and Recovery

From the gutter to middle class existence this is a powerful and sometimes painful read.Glad the author didn't top himself and got over his smack addiction..

This book hit me really deep being a recovered opiate addict myself. Thank you David and I’m grateful people like you are working to remove the stigma. I feel like I’ve forgiven myself now too a lot more after reading your book, and I really needed that. You are loved by many xxx

This is an incredibly important perspective on the physical and emotional toll of an opioid addiction. In the midst of a crisis that has no sign of slowing down, this book describes why abstinence based approaches will fail and result in countless and unnecessary accidental overdoses. Long term recovery from opioid addiction requires all of us to dig deep and take steps towards reducing the shame and stigma of wanting to get better, which can only be achieved by understanding what opiates do to the brain and body. David’s (sometimes painfully) honest and vulnerable memoir gives an important perspective that is imperative to creating a society that helps sufferers rather than leaving them to die. His writing is compelling and entertaining and drew me in from cover to cover. It is raw, funny and heartbreaking. Most importantly, it has been a significant step in helping me grieve the loss of a loved one to his relapse.

As someone personally touched by addiction, I found solace and inspiration within these pages. The book doesn't just focus on the problem; it beautifully illustrates the transformative power of recovery. It instills hope and emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding.

Insightful, honest account of depression and addiction, and the hidden struggles of the brilliant author, David Poses. I read this book in one day, and will never forget it. Thank you to David and his family and friends. Much love to you all.