it's always a really cool day when someone in your family writes a book. it's even better when that book is saying something important.
 
i was incredibly lucky to be sent an early copy of 'crackdown: surviving and resisting the war on drugs' by @garthmullins, who happens to be my mum's cousin. growing up, i didn't have a close relationship with garth (he lived in vancouver, i lived in victoria), but as our families reunited for important moments (family reunions! milestone anniversaries! weddings!), i was always enthralled by the work he was doing. when i think of an activist, he's who comes to mind.
 
this book is special. i can't really give an unbiased review, but know that i think everyone should read it. growing up on the west coast, the news was constantly reporting on the war on drugs, and now living in toronto in 2025, i've seen how the war has changed, but so much work still needs to be done. garth has been fighting the fight almost his entire life, and so much change in BC and in canada has been a result of the work he's done with others in the community. this book is a tough read at times (it's hard reading about the struggles of someone you know personally), but alongside @crackdownpod, it's a key part of this conversation.
 
garth, thanks for sharing your story. i know this is one the world needs to hear right now.

Addiction was a way Garth Mullins adapted to his environment. His feeling of disconnection drove his addiction. This book had me wondering what would happen if society pivoted from judgement and stopped pumping money at a model that is broken and asked ourselves why we’ve changed so much as a society that we can’t welcome and include and connect with each other.

I still have a lot to learn about a part of our world I was sheltered from, but I can start by reaching out to my students and offering support, kindness and love. I can work with others to build the power of community and maybe in some small way I can encourage others to help change the tide.

Garth asks readers to imagine a system that helps rather than harms. It starts with one person. It’s never too late.

This was a tough read. I'll admit to cherry-picking. What I did read changed the way I look at drugs, users, and rehabilitation.