"Behind the Badge is raw, riveting, and profoundly human. Scott Fleuter takes us from the command post to the abyss and back again with unflinching honesty and unexpected grace. His story shatters stigma and reminds us that even in the darkest fall, there's a way back to light." - Lara Love Hardin, New York Times bestselling author of The Many Lives of Mama Love "Inviting, honest, and utterly compelling. Scott Fleuter is a masterful storyteller, and this book belongs on every shelf." - C.J. Redwine, New York Times bestselling author of The Shadow Queen BEHIND THE BADGE: FROM POLICE CHIEF TO OPIOID ADDICT: A TRUE STORY OF RUIN AND REDEMPTION A GUIDE TO SURVIVING OPIOID ADDICTION Scott Fleuter had it all. A successful career, a perfect marriage, and great kids. Then he plummeted from a police chief at the top of his game to a hopeless addict chewing opioid meds to chase the high and stave off withdrawals. Take a shocking, and sometimes darkly funny, journey through Scott's life of trauma, addiction, recovery, and hope. Witness his reckless childhood go from Norman Rockwell to Lord of the Flies. Enter the violent world of police work, where multiple injuries lead to his spiral into addiction and depression. Experience an unflinchingly honest roller coaster ride of shame as he wanders the freezing halls of a detox center clad only in a backless hospital gown, or lines up for the daily pee test at a 90-day drug rehab. Learn the lessons embedded in Scott's life story as seen through the lens of a fictional psychologist. Benefit from practical tips and techniques that helped Scott endure drug withdrawals, crippling panic attacks, and severe depression.