HELP THROUGH ADDICTION: WE ARE NOT ALONE

A mother wrote to me: When we learned that our 19-year-old son was addicted to heroin, I remember praying and searching for other parents who would truly understand. All I really wanted was to talk with another parent – especially a mother – who could really understand the brokenness in that special bond between a son and mother. Al-Anon meetings helped, and our good God led me to a meeting made up mostly of parents of addicted children. 

My reflection: Addiction floods us with emotion and confusion, and we want to command the addiction to go away, order it into the pit of the earth where it belongs. When I was lost in addiction’s grasp, other parents, who walked in my shoes, helped me find my way to sanity, serenity, and faith.  

Today’s Promise to consider: After an Al-Anon meeting, I wrote, “I found a peace that has eluded me. My soul quieted there, in the basement of a church. I heard such pain from others, and I listened intently to how they are struggling to survive. Maybe I can find strength and comfort in Al-Anon, and ultimately in myself.” Today, I will open myself and my story to other parents of addicted children. I know that I am not alone.

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GAIL PEACOCK
GAIL PEACOCK
4 years ago

It does help to know we’re not alone.

Pat Nichols
Pat Nichols
4 years ago

My recovery formula: Patience plus education equals understanding and understanding leads to forgiveness which creates renewed love and compassion which gives me hope and it is this hope that ignites my own long term peace and serenity.

Joan Fitzgerald
Joan Fitzgerald
4 years ago

Libby , I remember feeling exactly the same way , I drove 4 hours , to be with a group of mothers experiencing the same loneliness, fear and confusion. During those first days, months , when I first here the words Heroin almost 10 years ago now I thought – I can’t be alone, and I wasn’t . You have been a life line for me thru these years , you have opened your heart and life to so many of us Thank you

Kim
Kim
4 years ago

Thank you for this post. I need to know I’m not alone in this struggle. So far, I’ve found online help and read our story in the lives of others. Having an addicted child is horrid. Reading stories of recovery helps me to stay hopeful.