Poetry book inspired by addiction and recovery

Glen McCarthy has unveiled his first poetry book, ‘Me, Myself and Eye’, which delves deep into the struggles of addiction. McCarthy's collection offers a raw and intimate portrayal of addictive thinking and its impact on those that struggle with it.

A painter and decorator from the northside of Cork city, McCarthy says that addiction followed him for the whole of his adult life.

In ‘Me, Myself and Eye’, McCarthy shares his own battles with addiction and provides insights into the challenges faced by those attempting to overcome addiction.

“My first poetry collection book depicts my journey from darkness to light in poetry and the written word. There is visual art for each poem, and my story is also in 1,000 word introduction to each section,” he explained.

Reflecting on his own experiences, McCarthy said: “Addiction and psychosis have nearly taken me to meet my maker many times, but I’m still here, and there must be a reason why I'm still here to tell the tale.

“For a period of my life not too long ago, I couldn’t dissociate what was real or not; psychosis was my living, breathing reality. Living in a world of make-believe and still trying to function. But even in my darkest days, I managed to cling to life, and there was a way out.”

‘Me, Myself and Eye’ is a compelling read for those seeking an understanding of the impact of addiction on the human mind and our lives. McCarthy's unfiltered and honest writing provides a refreshing perspective on a subject often burdened with shame and stigma.

“My mission is to help as many other people who suffer from addiction and the silent killer, the addiction to thinking, and in my book, I try my utmost to expose this,” said McCarthy.

'Me, Myself and Eye’ is now available online. There was a book launch at St Vincent’s Hurling and Football social club on Sunday.