Photo Credit: Mikele Roselli-Cecconi
A mom, who is also a recovering addict, wrote to me: I was that teenage girl who did horrible things and stole from my parents. I got sober, finally, and my life got much, much better. I married and have two wonderful girls. Life was awesome. Then I had surgery, and guess what??? I got back on that roller coaster of lies, addiction, and betrayals simply from taking pain pills post-op. It is a life thing, this recovery. I was fortunate; I made it back before I lost everything.
My reflection: Fear drove me as a parent. When my son was in active addiction, I feared he would die, and when he was in recovery, I feared he would relapse. Addiction does crazy things to us.
Today’s Promise to consider: Recovery is life’s work for the addict. My son once told me that addiction is like a lion in a cage just waiting to get out. Our recovering loved ones must choose everyday to live in abstinence and to do the things recovery requires of them. I pray that all recovering addicts choose well, today.
I would suggest it is also a life time commitment for the family of the addicted child. The constant fear we have for our children ruins our ability to live life as we were meant to live it. And that fear drives us to insane actions! Change is possible through working the Twelve Steps of Families Anonymous with a sponsor. If a face to face meeting isn’t available in your area then there is an online forum available to parents. In addition, you can arrange for an experienced and professionally trained parent coach by calling 1-855-378-4373 (free program). The point I’m trying to make is there are numerous recovery options available to families.
Pat, You are the BEST!! Thanks for this resource. I never knew it existed. Yes, fear drives us to insane actions. I’ve been there :). Thanks for continuing to share your wisdom.
I am blessed to have found a support group of people who have family members who are addicts. Naranon has given me hope and strength . My own journey with my now in recovery 20 year old son is a life of waiting for the shoe to fall. That is tough because you are conditioned to expect the trauma. However, you can train yourself to relish the positives. How my son has blossomed and dealt with life’s issues in his own way, what an adult needs to do. He is awesome and I am so proud of him. I could have lost him a year ago when his best friend died of an overdose. He made the choice to fight. There is hope. We share Libby’s readings and thoughts in our meetings.
Dearest Penelope,
Your words inspire me: You can train yourself to relish the positives. This is so important. You are proud of your son and all he has achieved. He made the choice to fight, and you made the choice to take care of yourself and to join a support group. God bless you both. Thanks for sharing. My love to you.