We receive testimonials every week from people who have seen Todd’s film, read his book,
heard him speak or hired him to work with their loved ones.
If you have a testimonial to share about Todd,
please send it to info@toddzalkins.com

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“We had heard of Todd’s book through a friend of ours- and couldn’t believe what he had survived after reading it. We also knew he was the right fit to intervene on my husband, a bright, successful man, whose life was being destroyed by painkiller addiction. Todd’s presence and way of handling not only us, but my husband as well throughout the intervention was a godsend. I know the addict has to do the work to stay clean and sober, but I’m convinced that our lives changed for the better as a result of working with Todd…and my husband is grateful to be living a clean and sober life.”

Wendy A.- San Francisco, CA

“One Wild Ride.
I knew Todd Zalkins from the old Long Beach Records chat boards and live chat’s they occasionally had. I knew that Z liked to “get billied” and drink his fair share, but I had no idea his addiction was so serious. Knowing how Z-Man talks and his sense of humor make this book hilarious. Although he finds comedy in the darkest of his addiction, he paints a picture of how terrible and evil opiate, alcohol and pretty much any addiction can be. This book is a must read for anyone who is a fan of Sublime, as Z was their emcee and

friend for years, as well as for people who have struggled with addiction. THIS BOOK IS FOR EVERYONE. It is such a wild ride and some of the stories are almost unbelievable they are so crazy, but it was the crazy life that Z lived for almost 24 years of his life. This book made me laugh, cry and feel warm inside. If Todd “Z-Man” Zalkins can get through such a tough addiction anyone can. There is hope.”

German Irish

“Dying for Triplicate is raw look into the demon of addiction. Todd’s story offers up a daily (and nightly) dose of true chaos between society’s norm and the addicts norm. Prescribe this book to anyone dealing, battling, or enabling addictions.”

Matthew Stark

“Great Read!
I have to admit that I bought this book because another so called author was bashing this book and this author so much that I was intrigued into reading it. What a great story this was!! I am so glad that I read it and I couldn’t put it down. This is definitely a must read for anyone that is interested in a true story about the horrible world of drugs. I would love to read a follow up story about Todd, he is a great storyteller! I think I will thank the (ahem) writer that was bashing this book so much and let him know that his advertising of this book was definitely worth my time!”

Diana

“great book!! stop attacking!!
Awesome book. I have read it numerous times. I would strongly suggest this book to anyone out there, especially people that have tried pain killers a few times. After reading these attacks against todd, I had to edit my comment and stand up for the guy! This book helped me realize I could beat addiction and todd himself has contacted me several times offering his help. As far as his huge ego, I dont see it. I see a guy that truly cares about people and wrote his story for that exact purpose. This is not a book for “twilight” readers, this is a true horror story of addiction and how it can be beat no matter how bad off you are. I appreciate todd zalkins and applaud his efforts. He is a caring guy that is not out for money and fame, he is truly out to help people trapped in addiction. I cant understand why people would attack him for that. Obviously they are jealous that not only did he beat his addiction, he wrote his story and used it to help others. He could easily have went back to insurance or some other means of making money, instead he uses his time helping others. I bet every person that has attacked him on here is selfish and contributes absolutely nothing to the human race. If you didnt like the book thats your opinion but dont suggest to others not to buy it!!!! This book was a huge part of my recovery! Thank you Todd for telling your story, God bless!!”

Chad

We got word through my grandson’s best friend that he was struggling with his use of alcohol and marijuana. I have been sober in Alcoholics Anonymous for 29 years and have been a personal friend of Todd Zalkins for much of that time. When I got the call there was no hesitation on my part, I called Todd right away and asked him what we should do.

He met with my daughter and I first, then later with the entire family for the pre-intervention meeting. Todd was forthright about the problems of a young man getting sober and was very straight forward, telling us the things that we needed to do to make it happen properly.

We did the pre-intervention and the next day the intervention happened. We had no idea what to expect since we didn’t know if it was going to be a long process or not. With the preparation that Todd had us do however, the intervention lasted about 10 minutes! Our
grandson agreed to get help.

Todd was also instrumental in getting our grandson into detox and what I consider the best rehab in Southern California for young people. I’m happy to report today that my grandson has over 100 days of sobriety and seems to be doing very well. I can’t thank Todd enough for his help and insight into this whole process.

Bob P. (Seal Beach, Ca)

“We are currently facing a major drug epidemic within our nation, with our collegiate students at the forefront of the conversation. Statistics are proving that what was once an issue in older populations is drastically shifting towards a younger audience. Todd Zalkins’ documentary, “The Long Way Back: The Story of Todd “Z-Man” Zalkins,” allows a new, unedited insight into this phenomenon through his portrayal of the journey to recovery. East Carolina University’s Collegiate Recovery Community was blessed with the opportunity to bring Todd to our campus in order to give students a new perspective of the issues we face. We were able to host a movie showing, a keynote speaking event and a podcast featuring both myself and our Collegiate Recovery Coordinator. Throughout the process, we were able to get several students to recognize risk behaviors, identify a problem, seek help and get plugged into recovery resources. We were able to attract students who were fans of Sublime’s music and, in doing so, allowed ourselves to get the message of recovery to those who we would be otherwise unable to reach. There is a strange mindset on college campuses that excessive partying behavior is the norm and there is a troubling belief in students that, “you are not an addict until you graduate.” Those of us plugged into the recovery population know this is far from the truth and we are seeing students enter treatment younger and younger as a result of these perceived social norms. Todd’s talk allowed students to see recovery through a new lens, one free from the, “just say no,” prerogative that fails to resonate in the majority of the population. Students were given a raw representation of addiction through his documentary, and were then able to connect deeper through his talk the next night. After these events were ﬁnalized, the podcast allowed university’s CRC the opportunity to speak on the issues we face in order to break the silence of the anonymous people. This gave us a platform to voice our concerns and raise awareness to what Collegiate Recovery Communities are doing across the nation. As addiction continues to be a controversial issue, it is often difﬁcult to spark a dialogue within the general population. Todd’s appeal and charisma was the catalyst needed to open the door for conversation across our campus. Mike Meeker and Todd Zalkins were absolutely incredible in creating an avenue for those in recovery to be heard and those across our campus to listen.”

Claire Perry - East Carolina University, Student and CRC Ally

“When you are lost and don’t know what to do, as a parent who loves their child, I can think of nothing that compares to that…that feeling of desperation. Todd calmed all of those feeling for us, and steered us the entire way as a family to get our son the help he needed. He’s been clean and sober ever since, and although I know the work had to be done by my son to stay sober- we give Todd and his colleagues the credit for breaking down the denial that our son had, and he finally admitted he had a problem…the greatest sense of relief we had felt in years, the day Kyle agreed to get help. Thank you Todd for helping to save his life.”

John & Kerry L.- Chicago, IL

“5stars!
Absolutely life changing! This book was a fantastic account of addiction and recovery. I have never read such a helpful book on the subject. I picked up “Dying for Triplicate” hoping to gain some understanding on addiction, as many close loved ones struggle with addiction. I could not have asked for more from the book- I got the understanding I was looking for, and then some! I laughed out loud many times, teared up more than I thought I would, and ended with such a feeling of satisfaction. This book is the reason
my boyfriend went into treatment. He finally had some hope that that he could get sober after reading about someone getting past an addiction similar to his. I cannot possibly describe the help that I got from this book. Thank you Todd for sharing your story and giving people HOPE that they too can get past this horrible addiction! I highly recommend this book to anyone with a loved one struggling with addiction, as well as addicts themselves.”

Sarah DiBenedetto

“I knew a friend of mine in Los Angeles had done an intervention for her son a few years ago. I reached out to her, and she referred us to Todd, we had no idea how an intervention works. We felt like Todd was holding our hands from the very beginning which is what we all needed. My husband was abusing alcohol and drugs to the point where our marriage was at stake, and we didn’t want to lose him to the disease. Within a couple of days Todd flew to Denver, the pre-intervention was so helpful, and we all walked away knowing exactly how the intervention would work the following day. This was six years ago; my husband is clean and sober and active in AA. Our kids have their dad back and I got my husband back, healthier, and happier than he’s ever been. We’ve had plenty of ups and downs during the time he’s been sober, but my husband has been able to be present in our lives, something we didn’t have before. If you have a loved one who’s suffering with addiction and need to intervene, you’re in good hands with Todd Zalkins. We are forever grateful for his help and guidance.

T.S. (Denver, CO)

“Honest,Gripping book.
This book is hard to stop reading.Todd is VERY honest,he creates such images in this book-very descriptive,vivid and informing on the addiction he went through-step by step…It’s a really sad story and is totally hilarious too…I’ve never experienced an addiction to this degree.This book in my opinion will give a good deal of hope to someone in the depths of addiction hell.The book reminds us to live life to the fullest and appreciate every second we have and that there is hope for anyone to kick addiction.I think this is a book for anyone.”

Travis

“Sad tale told with humor.
Funny and sad at the same time. Todd went though hell and back with his addition. Sad tale told with humor.”

Amazon Customer

“Our family was at wits end before we met Todd Zalkins. My 24 year old son was struggling with drug addiction- and we knew nothing about intervention. Todd was not only kind & compassionate, he prepared all of us for what was one of the most frightening days of our lives, the intervention itself. We are on the east coast and Todd flew out within a few days to handle what we thought was really our last shot to help my son. Todd handled it all with grace & dignity…the intervention was a success and arrangements were made to transport “Kevin” to Southern California for treatment. It’s the best thing we ever did…thank you for helping save our son’s life Todd, and giving him a shot at a new life.”

Samantha W.- New York City, NY

“This Book is Addictive, Will Read it in Triplicate
Dying for Triplicate was the best “present” I bought myself in years. If you are an active or recovering addict, YOU HAVE TO READ IT! If you know an addict or think that someone could become an addict, give them this book as a “gift”! I think this book should be mandatory reading at every recovery program and facility. Mr. Zalkins, your story definitely delivers the powerful message of “HOPE”,which is what “we” all need!”

Judi Luppino

“Excellent book!
Todd’s stream of consciousness style of writing makes for a fun, quick read while genuinely coming straight from the heart.”

BW

“If he can do it ….
Very raw and honest, offering hope and a chance for recovery. The drug epidemic is out of control, this disease is serious and life threatening. We need more education and public awareness. I appreciated this read as a parent of a drug addicted son. I have hope that his recovery is possible.”

Cathy Brewer

“This book saved my life!
This book, changed my life. My sister Sara has met him and after hearing how down to earth he is in real life just swayed me to buy another copy of his book. If you or somebody you love is suffering from addiction have them read this.Ive been clean from heroin for 15 months after I read this. Thank You Mr. Zalkins!!”

Seth

“Dying for Triplicate is raw look into the demon of addiction.
Dying for Triplicate is raw look into the demon of addiction. Todd’s story offers up a daily (and nightly) dose of true chaos between society’s norm and the addicts norm. Prescribe this book to anyone dealing, battling, or enabling addictions.”

Matthew Stark

“I was referred to Todd Zalkins by Betty Ford in Rancho Mirage, Ca. My cousin had gone to Betty Ford many years ago and we heard good things about their program. But…and this is a huge “but”…our daughter wanted nothing to do with getting sober. She was on the verge of being kicked out of USC and we felt we barely knew our own daughter anymore. Todd helped us with the intervention which we thought would never work. It did work, even though she fought us with going into treatment she had a completely different attitude after being there for a couple of weeks. I hope I don’t ever have to do an intervention again, however, if I did, I would reach out to Todd Zalkins for help in getting it done.”

Erica W. (Scottsdale, AZ)

“An absolute MUST READ!
I LOVED this book! This story gives a very real inside look at all aspects of addiction in a way that is especially identifiable to other addicts. Talk about a story of overcoming the constant battle with self that addicts go through. Plus the story makes you laugh, cry and gives you hope when you feel you have none. This is a MUST READ for any person who has been effected by addiction whether it is you or someone you love. I can’t say enough great things about this book! I’m so very thankful that Todd was brave enough to share his story and I applaud his honesty and willingness to share his pain in hopes of helping even one person.”

Mary

“Todd helped bring our family back together…I would recommend him to any family in need of intervention.”

Robert G.- La Jolla, CA

“Simply put, we would not have had any idea how to intervene the right way without Todd’s guidance. It worked…and our daughter got the help she needed.”

Dan & Susan M.- Seattle, WA

“awesome!!!
This is one of those books that you are so happy to randomly be so lucky to stumble across. Not only was this an extremely inspirational novel, it was very well written. I couldn’t stop reading it! I wish Todd luck in taking his story main stream. I will definitely recommend it to all of my friends. If you are reading this review, please know that my words do not do the story justice: just buy the book already!”

Tishie Felts

“Best book EVER!!!!
WOW!!!! True story n I don’t even know where to begin on HOW great this story is! ANYONE with a drug problem, (ESPECIALLY pills), or even just Anyone that wants to understand pill addiction NEEDS to read this!!!! This guy is SO lucky to be alive (n sober now!) n this was by far the most incredible story ever!!!! N I could totally relate!! Might sound cliche to say, but MUST read!!! I could NOT put it down n bookmarked the hell out of it!!!! This guy should win awards for his life story!!!!!!”

Julie

“Oh boy could I relate! (even though I’m not a drug addict)….
I’m an alcoholic! Todd and I got sober just months apart and as i read this, it sent me back to my own battle with addiction. This book is well written, real and hard to put down. As an alcoholic, I like to read recovery books to remind me of my past, my present and my program. What I like about this book is the way Todd describes his experience, strength and his hope. It is a tragic story with an incredible message of what can be if you don’t give up! Thanks Todd.”

Stephen A. Galash

“I love my life today, but it wasn’t that way for a very long time. In order to be built back up I had to be completely torn down” (Todd Zalkins). This quote by Todd speaks directly to my own experiences and to the struggles of my friends as well. Throughout his entire visit at East Carolina, this same message replayed constantly in my head. We always hear that we should “Just Say No!” to drugs and alcohol, but, it isn’t that simple. Todd was able to show me what it was like to go through addiction and eventually recover. His movie, speech, and podcast all felt as if he was talking directly towards me. His message inspire hope, instills passion, and serves as motivation to not give up. He has given me strength to continue my ﬁght against addiction in both myself and the community.”

William Guiller - East Carolina University, Student and CRC Member

“dying for triplicate
This was the best real story that I have read in a long time! Todd takes you where he was, and is. You feel as though you are part of the story, because he talks to you in the 1st person. I have and will continue to sugest this book to any one that loves a good vs evil story and a true told from the heart story. Thanks Todd for sharing your life with us!!!”

Max out on the card

“Wonderful Story
Todd, what a wonderful story, glad you are doing so well now…PLEASE stay that way..I just wish i had read this story years ago and then could have understood my sons addiction with oxy’s…..you are so honest with your story and it is a great read….I have also read Kindred Revenge(too gorry for me but great book) and The Most Selfless love,,,,,LOVED IT…… and now I am in the middle of Frog Forward. YOU ARE A GREAT PERSON. Jo Benson”

Eddie's Mom

“Having Todd at East Carolina University (Greenville, NC) was such an amazing opportunity. ECU’s Collegiate Recovery Community is in its 3rd year and we hosted our second “Recovery Week”. Our students wanted a keynote speaker who could engage college students with a relevant story and Todd deﬁnitely delivered! We had the added bonus of having him also bring his documentary The Long Way Back: The Story of Todd ‘Z-Man’ Zalkins! In my brief time in the ﬁeld, I’ve seen a lot of documentaries on addiction and recovery, this ﬁlm approaches the subject in such a way that is both educational on the process of addiction, but also entertaining without overglamorizing the “rock and roll lifestyle” that ultimately created the environment for his addiction to manifest. When Todd told his story in person, the students in attendance, many of them not in recovery, were engaged, but I did not know just how engaged they were until the Question and Answer portion of the program. Students even stayed aftwards to speak with him, and Todd didn’t mind having 1 on 1 personal conversations with several students. His message encouraged several to seek services in our Center for Counseling and Student Development. I can’t really put into words how invaluable Todd being a part of our awareness week meant to our students and allies and the energy of our group since his visit back in September!”

Jarmichael R. Harris - East Carolina University, Collegiate Recovery Community Coordinator, Alcohol & Other Drug Staff Counselor

“Could not put book down!
I read this book hoping to gain insight and hope while my family battled through my brothers addiction. I appreciated the book being somewhat “informal” and feel that it could really relate to people who are in this guys shoes. Though I am not an addict myself, I could still relate and find a lot of truth and feeling in what was written. I read the book within 3 days. My addict brother has read it 3 times, and though he still is not sober, I find peace knowing that when he does read the book he at least thinks about sobriety. I know this book will help many people and it was a really great read.”

HomeschoolMomof3

“A must read!!
This was a truly amazing story. I didn’t want the book to end! Thank z-man for this!”

Jimmy Herciuk

AS SEEN IN

TODD “Z-MAN” ZALKINS BLOG

April 24, 2024

I’ve Got This

I have a lot of sober friends on social media, I am also a part of a few groups that help people get into treatment who don’t have quality insurance or the resources to pay for a decent level of care. It has always been a thorn in my side when someone who wants to get help cannot find a place that will take them because of either a lack of money or no insurance. There should be equitable access to
treatment resources for all here in the U.S. and I hope that becomes a reality, it hasn’t happened yet. (more…)

I have a lot of sober friends on social media, I am also a part of a few groups that help people get into treatment who don’t have quality insurance or the resources to pay for a decent level of

April 24, 2024

Being Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Being newly sober is weird. I can vividly remember being in a state of discomfort on a constant basis. For several months during the detox period which for me seemed to last forever, that was the source of my discomfort. As time moved along and the pains of getting physically sober minimized, I found other things to get uncomfortable about. (more…)

April 24, 2024

Brain on Drugs

In late 2006 I was experiencing loss of speech patterns, tremors, often not having the ability to speak in complete sentences. My primary care physician knew I was sick, and drug addicted, suggesting I go to rehab immediately. He also wanted me to get my brain scanned at a place called the Amen Clinic in Orange County. I went ahead and did it, not having a clue what the point was in getting such a thing done.

(more…)

April 24, 2024

No Sleep for 44 Days

I am often asked, “Why did you not sleep for 44 days and how did you deal with that?” This requires a two-part answer and a great deal of elaboration. The “why” of it is not so much a mystery as it was a complete f’ing nightmare. I will illustrate the contributing factors, for one, I was addicted to opioid painkillers for about 17 years, many years addicted to the synthetic opioids Oxycontin and Fentanyl. Prior to checking into rehab on 2/16/07 I also snorted a truckload of cocaine, for a little over a hundred days straight all while taking the painkillers.

(more…)

I am often asked, “Why did you not sleep for 44 days and how did you deal with that?” This requires a two-part answer and a great deal of elaboration. The “why” of it is not so much a mystery

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About us

Todd is more than an interventionist, public speaker, and author, he’s a storyteller and motivator, who inspires others as a thought-leader on recovery, to not only realize their potential, but live it.

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949-677-3812 or 833-468-7863

email us at

info@toddzalkins.com