Self - identity is also a key theme. Addicts often lose their sense of self due to the all - consuming nature of crack addiction. They have to rediscover who they are without the drug, which is a central part of their journey in these books.
The destruction of relationships is another common theme. Crack addiction can ruin friendships, family ties, and romantic relationships. For example, in many of these true - story books, addicts steal from their loved ones to get money for drugs.