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A revealing, hopeful account of a young woman's ascent out of the bleak despair of addiction and how recovery helped her confront the traumas and secrets that kept her living in the dark for so long.
In her first memoir, Blackout Girl, Jennifer Storm enthralled readers with the haunting account of her descent into addiction, which began when she was raped at twelve years old. But against all odds, she survived, and ultimately thrived.
In this courageous and insightful sequel, Jennifer continues her story through recovery and the self-discovery that followed. With fearless honesty, she chronicles her journey as she embarked upon a new life without alcohol or other drugs, finally facing her traumatic past, confronting her buried emotions, and revealing the long-hidden truth about her sexuality. This book conveys a beaming message of hope for those facing similar adversities.
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, 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, 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 honestly exploration and loving resolution of heir 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, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, The Caron Treatment Centers
In 2002, Governor Edward G. Rendell appointed Ms. Storm as a commissioner to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. She was later appointed to the Homeland Security, Law Enforcement and Justice Systems Advisory committees where she also serves on the Terrorism Prevention and Local Law Enforcement Subcommittee.
Her media appearances include appearances on all major networks as a spokesperson for victims rights. She has been profiled or appeared in We, Magazine for Women, Central Penn Business Journal, Curve Magazine, Rolling Stone, TIME, and many other media.
Ms. Storm is the author of Blackout Girl: Growing Up and Drying Out in America (Hazelden, 2008) and the follow-up memoir, Leave the Light On: A Memoir of Recovery and Self-Discovery (Central Recovery Press, 2010).