Courtesy Boy: A True Story of Addiction

A Message from the Author:

“Thirty years after my last ingestion of chemicals, I inventoried the traits and behaviors connected with my addiction, chronicled my early adult life, and wrote a book.

My motivation is to help those suffering and their loved ones connect the dots between the destructive traits and behaviors—and the potential for addiction. In so doing, infuse some fresh air into the oppressive stigma that clings to addiction and mental health.

Addiction itself is not linear. It’s an insidious mosaic of multi-layered behaviors, circumstances, traits, and events that leads eventually to a perspective that can only be gleaned, accurately and wholly, in hindsight.

Courtesy Boy is the reconstruction of that mosaic.”

★★REVIEWS★★

"Alcoholism and addiction have probably touched everyone in America. In that sense, Mike Matson's story is one for us all. Matson tells his personal story with humanity, humor, and real introspection."

Kevin Willmott, Academy Award winning screenwriter of BlackkKlansman

"With humor, self-awareness, and a deep sense of the spirit that ultimately saved him, Mike Matson shares the harrowing story of how his youthful success in broadcasting was intertwined with a growing alcohol dependency that nearly ruined his life."

Alex Heard, Author, Editorial Director of Outside magazine, former editor of Wired and The New York Times Magazine

"If we were to choose someone to become an addict, Mike Matson would be my choice. I know that sounds strange, but his skill to recall his past and describe it is invaluable. He’s cut open a vein to give us a gift."

Bill Kurtis, Television journalist, producer, and documentarian