Communions: Addiction and Art Through the Eyes of Adam Lehrer
Neither denunciation nor valorization, Communions probes the haunting singularity of opiate
What happens when addiction intertwines with creativity? In this gripping episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery', Adam Lehrer sits down with host Marshall Poe to discuss his book *Communions*. Lehrer, an art critic and former heroin addict, takes listeners on a journey through the dark, mesmerizing world where opiates and artistic expression collide. Rather than a conventional memoir, *Communions* is a collection of fragmented narratives that blend speculative fiction, criticism, and autobiographical elements.
Lehrer channels the voices of deceased artists and addicts, like Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse, to explore the eerie allure of shared experiences and the unique impact of opiate addiction on creativity. This episode dives into themes of addiction, class, and the opioid crisis, offering a raw and unfiltered look at how drugs have shaped art and culture. Lehrer’s unique perspective provides a haunting yet thought-provoking exploration that will leave you reflecting on the complex relationship between suffering and creativity.