The Role of OxyContin in the Gripped Book Series

In the “Gripped” book series by Stacy A. Padula, the narrative weaves through the lives of teenagers in Montgomery, Massachusetts, grappling with the realities of substance abuse. One drug that plays a pivotal role in shaping the characters’ lives and the series’ overarching themes is oxycodone. This article explores how oxycodone is depicted, its impactContinueContinue reading “The Role of OxyContin in the Gripped Book Series”

Y.A. Novel ‘Blindsided’ Exposes the Effects of Opioid Abuse on Teens

Written by Sarah Parrish, Dover, Massachusetts Sarah is a senior at Dover-Sherborn High School where she is captain of the Alpine Ski Team and the Track and Field Team. She is also a member of her school’s Peer Helping Club and Community Service club. Throughout the summer, Sarah works as a counselor at a localContinueContinue reading “Y.A. Novel ‘Blindsided’ Exposes the Effects of Opioid Abuse on Teens”

Q&A with Stacy Padula on Writing Part 2

In preparation for an upcoming interview with Doug Llewelyn – Why do you feel your books are necessary for young adults to read? My books share the raw truth about opioid addiction, as well as other substances, in a realistic and relatable way. Drugs pose an empty promise for fulfillment, which often leads to self-destruction and hurts many others in the process. I want to help kids avoid the heartache that goes along with substance abuse and find positive/beneficial outlets for their energy. There is an immense amount of social pressure on teens today. Between social media and technology, they are constantly connected and can easily lose touch with themselves. They face enormous pressure to fit in with their peers and often lose themselves in the process…