Lotten Säfström, born May 16th 1966 in Borlänge, Sweden, is an author, lecturer and publisher. She is based at her own company, Salto De Vita. Her life's work is to be part of the widespread movement of people around the world who are trying to learn what causes addiction and, most importantly, how to create a life-style that makes staying free of mind-altering substances more attractive than relapsing. In her own words: “It is very important for professionals to research the physical and psychological hows and whys of this deadly affliction. For the victims in the wake of substance-abuse, though, a crucial thing is learning how people who have this disorder can begin to live a life where relapse does not become an option. Victims of addiction are also the children, relatives, friends and those devastated by crimes committed by abusers of alcohol and other drugs. We already know how to diagnose this deadly, and in so many ways, harmful disorder in the very early stages of its progression. Now, an even stronger focus needs to be put on continuing to implement this knowledge, in order to develop further the strategies that will decimate the awfully high numbers of those who suffer because of addiction.” Lotten is also an advocate for bringing education about healthy emotional development into school in order to give future generations a ground-breaking head start in personal health and adult responsibility. The authors' books “I Only Wanted to Dance” and “Now the Dance has Begun” are written with the intention of relaying support, solace and hopefully inspiration to those living, caring for or working in the proximity of people with an addictive disorder. Her literary works may also be of interest to people who have found the desire to give up that lifestyle and will, possibly interest those who are still suffering from active addictive patterns. These books are written for adults but, with adult supervision, teenagers can benefit from reading them too.

There I am. A dazzling smile, looking straight at the camera. A child known for having social skills, but all I remember is discomfort. I played the part, though, in that strange coalition of people. At least for a while. When I found a way to relax, I finally gave up the charade. Blindly pursuing the strongest impulse I had ever felt. The emotional relief was immeasurable. Now, I needed no-one. Even life-threatening consequences were obscured by the buzz. Desperately, I tried to silence the nagging about the harm I caused. Detached, chemically mind-altered, I left the realm of the humane. Was I sick? I simply know this – no healthy human being would do what I did. This is a tale of miraculously cheating Death and, Dear Reader, of what happened when I had managed that. Then I tell of the beginnings of making things right in my world. “This is a strong narrative that should be of interest to most people. A book that even youngsters ought to read, so that they never become seduced by romanticized descriptions of narcotics or alcohol.” (Citation from booklet #12121088) Pia Holmström, Reader, BTJ, the Swedish Library Service

Praise for “I Only Wanted to Dance” This book is, first and foremost, very important as it deals with many aspects of addiction. It tells an engaging true story of a tough fight battling this disease, its many faces and its deceitful progression. But, it is also a book about awakening, surrendering and finding a way out. Filled with empathy and educational importance. Wonderfully written and beautifully executed. Peter Nilsson BSc Medical Biology and Chemistry This is a strong narrative that should be of interest to most people. A book that even youngsters ought to read, so that they never become seduced by romanticized descriptions of narcotics or alcohol. (Citation from booklet #12121088) Pia Holmström, Reader, BTJ, the Swedish Library Service Lotten's book “I Only Wanted to Dance” is an honest and well-written book about the progression of addiction and, most of all, about the painful path into a balanced recovery. Lotten gives life to the addicted parent's role and also portrays her love for her child. The narrative ought to be of solace to other parents and of benefit to social workers in search of solutions to help the children of addicts. The book moved me deeply, I cried about some and was gladdened by the others of the phases in Lotten's life. Everyone who comes into contact with addiction, whether within the family or in a professional capacity, has something to learn from Lotten's story. The book is all the more readable thanks to its strong narrative style and vivid language. Thank you, Lotten, for having the courage to share your and your child's life with us. Best regards to you both! Eva Edstedt, Former Manager at Malin's Minne