Johnnie & Me: Facing the Voice of Alcohol Within

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

  • Dr. Larry Smith writes with such warmth and quiet wisdom that you just want to keep listening. Johnnie and Me is a raw, honest, and beautifully written memoir on his incredible life, personal journey with addiction, and the relentless voice that comes with it. His story is one of trauma, healing, growth, and deep humanity. If you've ever struggled with addiction of any kind, supported a loved one through it, or just want to grow in your understanding of someone fighting addiction and the complexities that come with it, this book will stay with you. It offers a reminder we all need sometimes: that even in the deepest pain, there is hope, and we are more resilient than we know.

    Julia Guagliardi

  • “After twenty-five years of sobriety, I still choose carefully whom I tell my relationship with alcohol and drugs.” That line stopped me in my tracks. Reading Johnnie & Me and walking alongside Dr. Larry Smith through his former relationship with Johnnie felt like being entrusted with something deeply personal and powerful. It is an absolute privilege to be invited into his story and to be ears to the events that shaped his life. This book pulls you in from the very first chapter. It keeps you eager to turn the page, while also softening you with a sense of understanding and compassion. The dialogue between young Larry and Johnnie is unforgettable—raw, real, and lingering long after the last page. Johnnie & Me is more than a memoir; it’s a story of struggle, resilience, and hope. I’m grateful to have read it, and I know it’s one that will stay with me for a long time. Thank you, Larry.

    Awaken Nature

  • I found Johnnie and Me a very interesting read that made it so I did not want to put the book down till I finished. The honesty and step by step journey through the life of an alcoholic from early child abuse to 30 years of addiction is a must read for anyone that has combatted addiction or is still struggling to get sober. The author shows great courage to face the realty that each of us are not perfect and the hard work that is needed to defeat our inner demons. Even if you don't face addiction I would recommend this book, for Larry Smiths story is a story about a true life hero.

    Rowan Morgana

  • Recovery as a Transformation – Johnnie and Me is a raw and vulnerable account of addiction, taking readers on an unfiltered journey through the good, the bad, the ugly—and ultimately, the recovery. It offers an eye-opening perspective on the daily, invisible battles that recovering addicts face as they keep fighting the good fight.

    Nathalie

  • This is an honest and well written account of how Dr. Larry Smith found the path to personal freedom through his recovery from alcoholism and childhood trauma. It is a good read that offers helpful information for anyone struggling with similar problems.

    Francee K.

  • This is a must-read for anyone suffering from alcohol or drug addiction and their family members. Dr. Smith has documented his battle with alcohol from early years to sobriety with painful honesty as he recounts the harrowing experiences of his lifelong battle with "Johnny." Highly readable and well-organized, this book demonstrates that alcoholism and addiction can be defeated with determination, courage and the help of a support community. Dr. Smith pulls no punches in describing his descent into an alcohol and drug-fueled hell and the long pathway to recovery and total abstinence. I highly recommend this book to those looking for a pathway to recovery and their family members.

    Lee Rankin

  • I read this book very quickly because it was so interesting. I consider myself very lucky to call the author a friend. He’s incredibly strong, intelligent and an inspiration to many people!

    JD

  • Growing up and sometimes hanging out with the author, he seemed to have everything going for him. He was an athlete, good student and friends with a wide range of people. But, as the author describes his life, he started abusing alcohol at a young age and kept some dark secrets. While his life was often tumultuous, he was eventually able to overcome his addictions and address some of the demons in his life. This book should be read by people dealing with abuse, trauma and addiction, but also by anyone interested in reading an engaging account of an interesting life!

    Richard Dilay

  • I was unable to put the book down. It depicts the author’s honest, courageous, and overwhelming battle with addiction and recovery. His unique presentation of the material provides the reader a real sense of the constant struggles that challenged the author during his lifetime. I believe this outstanding book will provide understanding and hope to those faced with addiction of any kind.

    Ron Stephenson

Available anywhere books are sold!

Also available at Mulberry Book Store in Qualicum Beach!

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Where has Johnnie & Me landed?

World map with a pin in Canada, USA, United Kingdom, and Australia, marking all the places Johnnie & Me readers are
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)