Johnnie & Me: Facing the Voice of Alcohol Within

Book cover Johnnie and Me: Facing the Voice of Alcohol Within by Dr. Larry Smith

Can booze really talk to you? Many people suffering from addiction can relate to their favorite drug or drink of choice and hear it talk to them. In “Johnnie and Me” alcoholism and addiction are being presented in a very unique perspective. Throughout his addiction, Dr. Larry Smith was guided by a voice from deep within. He symbolically referred to this voice as an actual being named “Johnnie.” For 30 years of his life, Dr. Smith was in an unhealthy and shackling master- slave relationship. Johnnie was a jealous lover and insisted that the relationship be kept a secret. Dr. Smith’s misadventures, near-death experiences and dramatic recovery are written in chilling and exquisite detail. He is emphatic that recovery is possible for anybody suffering from addiction if they take responsibility for their past actions and wholeheartedly commit to the recovery process.

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  • “An idyllic, truly Canadian upbringing devolves into unimaginable traumas that lead to alcoholism and addiction. Johnnie and Me is a memoir of innocence, pain, hope, recovery, and love.”

    Bruce R., B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed., sober since 1997

  • “This book makes you realize that you can truly beat addiction and overcome adversities if you have the drive the belief, the conviction, and the support network. A wonderful and inspiring read!”

    Ken Chew, Pharmacist, Victoria, B.C.

  • “I have known Dr. Larry Smith D.C. for many years as a colleague as well as providing him with primary care. Larry’s book, Johnnie and Me (A Memoir) is a personal, courageous, transparent and honest portrayal of the ravages of alcohol addiction and the tremendous barriers in overcoming it. Interestingly, Larry views Johnnie (Johnnie Walker) as a deep inner voice that kept him enslaved for decades: ‘I was totally convinced that I was having a relationship with an evil entity.’ This book is a page-turner and as I read it, I was reminded of Bob Dylan’s song Gotta Serve Somebody from the 1979 album Slow Train Coming - reminding us that no matter our background, ‘Well, it may be the Devil or it may be the Lord But you’re going to have to serve somebody.’ For anyone who has battled addictions of any kind, I highly recommend that you read this book.”

    John Cline M.D., B.Sc.

  • “Amazing! An intensely moving story with a powerful message of hope! Johnnie and Me provides a unique perspective of addiction and successful recovery. Reading this book is a life changer…”

    L.Côté Winnipeg, MB

  • “A compelling true story from which we can all draw hope. Dr. Smith’s incredible honesty, courage and insights can help us realize meaningful solutions for the addiction crisis.”

    Chris Chilton, ex-Chief of Staff - Office of the Premier, Province of British Columbia

  • “Johnnie and Me, Larry Smith’s unforgettable memoir, does not hold back. His writing is direct, honest, and unsparing, and the book flings you through the high winds and emotions of trauma and recovery. You will never again look the same way at a Johnnie Walker bottle.”

    Jack El-Hai, author of The Nazi and the Psychiatrist and The Lobotomist, and past president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors

Hitting shelves July 15th, 2025, anywhere books are sold!

Johnnie and Me by Dr. Larry Smith available at Barnes and Noble
Johnnie and Me by Dr. Larry Smith available on Amazon
Johnnie and Me by Dr. Larry Smith available at Target
Johnnie and Me by Dr. Larry Smith available at Waterstones
Johnnie and Me by Dr. Larry Smithavailable at Prologue Bookshop
Blue water ripple effect

“First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.”

— F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby)