Book excerpt: Major League Baseball All-Star Darryl Strawberry has triumphed … not only on the baseball diamond, but in life. “Don’t Give Up on Me” skillfully weaves Darryl’s story of childhood abuse, anxiety, drug and alcohol addiction, and ultimately, recovery, with easy-to-understand explanations of addiction from trained professionals. Presented through the eyes of a psychoanalyst, neuropsychiatrist, licensed clinical social worker, and addiction specialist, this book offers hope and a path to healing. By shedding the light on addiction, “Don’t Give Up on Me” speaks to all people – from those who are still trapped in the depths of addiction to those who are currently in recovery to caregivers, parents, friends, and therapists. This book also stresses the importance of good parenting–feelings of low self-esteem, low self-worth, bullying, as well as emotional and physical pain, can sow the seeds of substance abuse at an early age. Whether the addiction is to alcohol, heroin or other opiates, gambling, food, or sex, this book shares the hard truths and hopeful messages for anyone impacted by this deadly dilemma.