“Logan’s Story: A father’s fight against the fentanyl crisis” is a powerful, deeply personal memoir written by Doug Ballinger Jr., chronicling the life, struggles, and untimely death of his son, Logan. More than just a story of loss, this book takes readers on an emotional journey through the highs and lows of parenting a child battling Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Doug gives a voice to the silent epidemic of fentanyl poisoning, shining light on a harsh reality that claims thousands of lives every year. With honesty and vulnerability, Doug invites readers into Logan’s world—his energy, kindness, struggles, and ultimate battle against addiction. This memoir calls for compassion over judgment, urges families to stay connected, and demands that society recognize addiction as a disease, not a moral failing. It’s a story of resilience, hope, and the urgent need to break the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction before more lives are lost.
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Doug Ballinger Jr. is not only the proud father of Logan but also a relentless advocate for addiction awareness and fentanyl education. After experiencing the unimaginable loss of his son to fentanyl poisoning, Doug transformed his personal grief into a public mission. Determined to share Logan’s story and prevent other families from enduring the same heartbreak, Doug uses his platform to educate communities, dismantle the stigma around Substance Use Disorder, and push for real mental health solutions. His heartfelt memoir is a reflection of his dedication to saving lives, breaking the silence around addiction, and ensuring that Logan’s light continues to shine as a beacon of hope for others. Doug’s journey is one of love, resilience, and the unwavering belief that no one should feel alone in the face of this crisis.
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“A poignant, touching and brutally honest account of what it’s like to lose a child to something that is absolutely preventable. This is Logan’s Story for certain, but it’s the story of far too many families. This book does not hold back. It shows the good, the bad, and the ugly side of not only addiction but life and the human condition. I look forward to a day where these stories are a thing of the past. I have to hope that one day our loved ones will stop dying needlessly.”
Lori Carter
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“Logan’s Story by Doug Ballinger Jr. is a gut-wrenching yet inspiring account of his son’s life and death. It delves into the devastating impact of Substance Use Disorder and the fentanyl crisis. A powerful and deeply personal memoir, ‘Logan’s Story’ exposes the blind spots surrounding addiction and mental health, and urges society to recognize addiction as a disease, not a moral failing.”
Randy Sellers
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“This book assured me that you never truly get over grief—you simply learn how to live with it. And that process is rarely neat or perfect. Whether you’re trying to be the best parent, child, friend, or coworker, life challenges us in deeply emotional ways. What stood out most to me was the author’s openness in sharing his raw thoughts, emotions, and vulnerabilities as he struggled to help his son battle a devastating substance abuse disorder.
In my own life, I’ve had to navigate the chaos of loving someone with a mental health disorder. This book reminded me of how deeply such illnesses affect not just the individual, but everyone around them. It’s like being caught in a vortex—you keep trying to escape, but the pull is strong and constant. The disease can make a person seem selfish, and in turn, it forces those around them into survival mode, often neglecting their own well-being in the process.
One of the most important lessons I took from this book is the necessity of self-care. You can love someone with a disease, but you must also protect your own mental and emotional health. The illness, in a way, becomes contagious—its pain and dysfunction spreading to everyone in its orbit.
I deeply appreciate the author’s honesty and courage in sharing how his son’s addiction affected not only him, but their entire family and community. His real-life experiences are painful, moving, and deeply human. No matter what we’re going through, I believe every reader can find something to relate to in this story.”
Lauren Wolfe
