On a fateful day in the fall of 2008, Melanie Schwarz realized she had failed miserably as a mother. Her denial of her daughter's recent actions and changes had brought her to a place where rejecting reality was no longer an option. As she finally accepted Morgan's addiction, she knew that her every action and reaction from that point on would either positively or negatively mold their lives. In a raw and sometimes emotional retelling of her journey through her daughter's addiction, Melanie shares what she learned about the disease, about herself, how an addicted person adapts to the disease, and about the power of recovery as she unconditionally loved Morgan while helping her navigate her struggles. Melanie identifies the different phases of addiction; explores denial, enabling, and tough love; addresses suicidal tendencies that can surround addiction; and details recovery and the long-term challenges that accompany loving an addict as well as the pitfalls associated with relapse. Life Jackets shares a mother's story that helps lift the cloak of shame that addiction carries, and reminds those either struggling with this disease or their caregivers that they are never alone.