‘It is hard to believe that Hemi’s story would have ever had a happy ending were it not for the tireless effort, love and support of his mother … This book should be read by families struggling to help a loved one [and] those providing treatment to people who use drugs.’ – Dr Alex Wodak AM, Alcohol and Drug Service, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia
With courage, intuition, and help from some unlikely sources, Mandy Whyte undertakes a life-saving mission to get her malnourished and severely methamphetamine-addicted son from Australia to safety in Indonesia. When he’s expelled from rehab, she is left to care for him herself.
From the Sumatran city of Jambi and from Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, she begins to learn what it takes to draw someone out of addiction and back to reality. Her compassionate approach is in stark contrast to the often punitive and paternalistic approaches used by many services and treatment providers.
Dancing on a Razor’s Edge is about tenacity and love. It explores the limits of care available to drug addicts and challenges the idea that people must take responsibility for their addictions when they are unable to do so. It shows that families, with the right information and support, can play a critical role in helping their children recover.
‘Raw and confronting …’ – Marianne, mother and health worker
‘… gives hope to parents and people working in this field.’ – Maree, social worker, and mother of a drug-addicted son
‘Inspirational story that motivated me to get off meth and gave me the strength to turn my whole life around.’ – Tahlia, former meth addict
'If it wasn’t for her I would most likely not be alive today. Although I avoided her at all costs during my many years on the shit … she never gave up on me. I love you, Mum.' – Hemi
