I TRIED EVERYTHING, AND THEN I SURRENDERED

A mom wrote to me: I tried everything humanly possible to save my son. And then I let go. I have so much love and gratitude for the peace I am now experiencing. I have no illusions for tomorrow. I went to three funerals of young people in ten days.

My reflection: I, too, tried countless ways to stop my son’s addiction. I dragged him to therapists, forced him into treatment centers, paid his bills, and tracked him down whenever he couldn’t be found. After fourteen years of attempting to control my son’s disease, I was forced to surrender.

Today’s Promise to consider: When I finally acknowledged that the power to stop my son’s addiction was outside my control, I was able to let go with love. As sobering as it was to admit my powerlessness, it was crucial for me to realize that no matter how much of myself I poured into his illness, the choice to stop was his alone.

 

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Pat Nichols
4 years ago

That is certainly the truth and the power of addiction. I think the saddest part of this journey for me, in looking back, is regardless of all the great advice and suggestions from counselors, experienced parents, books I would read or support groups I attended — I had to do it “MY” way. It’s the only way I learned what Libby is saying in her post! It is the pain of this disease that creates the needed change in us and in our children.

Sue Hasychak
Sue Hasychak
4 years ago

Oh, this is so exactly me. I am leaving things up to a much higher power, the only power that there really is.

Sue Hasychak
Sue Hasychak
4 years ago

Oh, this is so exactly me. I have decided to leave things up to a much higher power, the only power that there really is.

Deb
Deb
4 years ago

I understand everyone’s frustration. First, I went through the up and downs with my husband and now my son. I thank God everyday for the wisdom and courage to keep going on.

Deb
Deb
4 years ago

I thank God everyday for the wisdom and courage to keep going. My husband and son have addictions and it can spin my anxiety out of control.

Jill Gresley-jones
Jill Gresley-jones
4 years ago

Thank you for saying what I knew in my heart to be true. I can’t fix him , I can’t heal him, and I can’t lessen the pain he is in.

Kathy Megara
Kathy Megara
4 years ago

It took me a long time too 15 years but I have let go as well. I still have bad days but at least I have a sense of freedom that I can choose what to do with my own life without worrying about my son every step of the way. I love him but he has his own life to make his own choices.