Catastrophe: Oy Vey, my Child is Gay (and an Addict)

When Anne Lapedus Brest discovers the secret life of her daughter Angela, this mother’s once safe little world of Shabbos dinners, shopping centres and family gatherings is shaken to the core as a dark world, filled with lies, desperation, pawn shops and forged cheques, becomes a daily occurrence.

It’s a story that will resonate with every parent, brother, sister, husband, wife or friend of an addict: the helplessness, the frustrations, the denial, the terror, the false promises, the financial ruin, the shameful degradation and the noose of unconditional love. 

Catastrophe is also a wake-up call to addiction, the scourge that affects
1 in every 8 South Africans, that spans across religion, colour and creed, sparing none along its ravenous path. Told in an easy-to-read and often entertaining way, the book will inform and educate on the tell-tale signs of addiction,  and give practical help and insights to the loved ones of addicts to help navigate their way through it.

Ultimately Catastrophe is a story of hope and redemption as addict Angela claws her way into recovery while mother Anne’s unconditional love and relentless support for her daughter shine and triumph.

Fact file on CAT

Methcathinone (Cat) is a highly psychologically addictive drug, and can produce methamphetamine-like withdrawals. 

Its appearance is in the form of white or off-white powder and is usually snorted, but can be smoked, injected or taken orally. Cat users, like users of meth/tik/crystal, often stay on “runs” for days at a time, then sleep for a day or more before starting another binge.

Street slang for methcathinone includes terms like: Cat, Stroof, Katestroof, Jeff, Bathtub Speed, Wannabe-Speed, Kitty, Meth’s Cat, Meth’s Kitten or Marzipan (from smell during synthesis), Cadillac Express, Wonder Star, Wild Cat, The C or Gaggers.