Gertze launches ‘Living with an Addict’

Tiffany Gertze’s book, ‘Living with an Addict’, brings to light a personal journey of her family’s experience with addiction, specifically, her brother’s 18-year struggle with crack cocaine.

Gertze, from Swakopmund, is a preacher, theological student and serves as a youth leader at church. She is passionate about young people, healing and spiritual growth.

Gertze says the book is not only a story of addiction but also of hope, resilience, and the redemptive power of God.

“The message is clear: no one is too far gone, and healing is possible, even from the most broken places. I also wanted to highlight the often-silent suffering of families and the importance of community, support and faith when navigating life with a loved one in addiction,” she says.

Gertze says she wrote the book because she wanted to share her story with others. She says she felt compelled to share to experience of healing, and to give a voice to countless families going through the same thing in silence and shame.

“For years, I carried this story in my heart. I wanted to break the stigma, offer hope, and show what restoration through God truly looks like. I felt God calling me to turn our private pain into a public testimony that could inspire others. I began writing during one of the lowest points in my brother’s journey, jotting down moments, prayers, and memories,” she says.

Gertze says her actual writing process intensified in 2023, when she finally had the courage and support to turn those thoughts into chapters.

“With the encouragement of a dear friend who believed in the story, I pressed on to complete the manuscript. Most of the writing happened in quiet moments—early mornings, late nights, during prayer, or when a memory resurfaced,” Gertze says.

She says writing about trauma while still healing from it is one of the hardest things she has ever had to do.

“Reliving the pain, fear and moments of hopelessness was emotionally taxing. There were also moments of doubt—wondering if people would judge my family or question my faith. . . Publishing logistics were also a learning curve, but God sent the right people at the right time, Victoria Haihambo and Marcia, my editor and self-publishing publisher,” Gertze says.

The book is Gertze’s first book. She says writing is a different experience from anything she has done thus far.

“This book digs into my real life — our family’s tears, prayers and triumphs. It’s a written altar of testimony. I would like to urge those reading my book and you’re in the trenches of addiction or loving someone who is, please don’t give up,” Gertze says.

She says there is more coming from her and this book is just the beginning.

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