Local author, photographer and life coach Kristine Casart recently released her first book, The Unconventional Addict – A Guide to Healing, Transformation, and Living with Purpose. The book, which became available in February, follows Casart’s journey through healing and finding sobriety, aiming to open discussions on sobriety for those who may feel ashamed to seek out support — including those who struggle with a variety of nontraditional addictions.

Casart moved to Sarasota eight years ago, a decision that sparked her passion for helping others as she found a strong and supportive community in the city. Through her book, Casart hopes to help others feel less alone, reflecting on her own experience with addiction.

“I just really want to help [others] just know that you don't have to check the mold of what a traditional addict is supposed to be, because I would Google, ‘am I an alcoholic?’ And the answer would always be no. So I felt, without any uncertainty, that I could not reach out for help because I didn't check all the boxes,” Casart said.

The Unconventional Addict is a project Casart has worked on for nearly six years — the vulnerability of sharing her story halted the writing process several times, but she always felt a calling to finish the book. She described a pull to shift the narrative around addiction and remind readers that there is no shame in admitting to their struggles and seeking out support.

Casart’s book also features a variety of community collaborations—emblematic of the found community in Sarasota, which inspired her to write it. Local therapist Jamie Day wrote the forward, local artist Josselyn Egas-Ryan designed the cover and several of Casart’s close friends in Sarasota share their own journeys toward healing in the book. She described the sense of community and support from friends she felt as she worked on this project.

“Community, for me, is everything… Sarasota attracts the most amazing, open-hearted, loving, kind, compassionate people,” Casart said. “It's such a beautiful place to live. I've never experienced anything like it, and I feel like there are so many people here that are on a healing journey and want to keep growing and learning.”

As her story is shared with the world through this book, Casart’s hope is that readers are able to work through their own healing processes as they follow hers, and recognize that a path to recovery is possible.

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