Families & Friends Of Addicts Support Group
Addiction affects more than just the individual. This community is dedicated to the families and friends of individuals suffering from any form of addiction. Mental health professionals are increasingly considering alcoholism and addiction as diseases that flourish in and are enabled by family systems. Family members react to the addicted person with particular behavioral...
Hello,
My name is Kara. Im a member on the widow support group. In July I lost my husband and best friend. Part of the reason that he died was due to a relapse. He was clean almost 4 years and through the process we grew even closer, which I didn't think was possible. He was and is my best friend. After we married he told me about his addiction because he was facing legal issues. he was a great man and I loved being his wife. When we moved out of state this last summer we let our guard down and he relapsed. we had an almost 2 year old and I was 8 months pregnant. he also had three boys from a previous marriage. I was 25 when he passed and he was just 42. he didn't tell me of his relapse and I am afraid he thought I would be disappointed or threaten to leave. yes I am sure I would have been angry but we would have dealt with it. I am just writing to beg those of yall who have a spouse or child who struggle with addiction, to let them know that relapse is part of it. it can happen and just because it happens it doesn't erase all of the other times they didn't use. and to please let them know that if they relapse you will be there with open arms to help them get clean again. let them know that your love doesn't end because of a relapse and that you understand its a life long disease. Also, in my husbands case after he was clean he was put on a lot of medication for health issues. when he relapsed the medications he was taking, along with the narcotic, caused his heart to have a sudden and fatal heart attack. Please let your loved ones know the danger prescription drugs and other body changes, such as weight gain or weight loss, that can cause a relapse to be fatal. my husband and I didn't realize the devastating effects that they could cause.
My name is Kara. Im a member on the widow support group. In July I lost my husband and best friend. Part of the reason that he died was due to a relapse. He was clean almost 4 years and through the process we grew even closer, which I didn't think was possible. He was and is my best friend. After we married he told me about his addiction because he was facing legal issues. he was a great man and I loved being his wife. When we moved out of state this last summer we let our guard down and he relapsed. we had an almost 2 year old and I was 8 months pregnant. he also had three boys from a previous marriage. I was 25 when he passed and he was just 42. he didn't tell me of his relapse and I am afraid he thought I would be disappointed or threaten to leave. yes I am sure I would have been angry but we would have dealt with it. I am just writing to beg those of yall who have a spouse or child who struggle with addiction, to let them know that relapse is part of it. it can happen and just because it happens it doesn't erase all of the other times they didn't use. and to please let them know that if they relapse you will be there with open arms to help them get clean again. let them know that your love doesn't end because of a relapse and that you understand its a life long disease. Also, in my husbands case after he was clean he was put on a lot of medication for health issues. when he relapsed the medications he was taking, along with the narcotic, caused his heart to have a sudden and fatal heart attack. Please let your loved ones know the danger prescription drugs and other body changes, such as weight gain or weight loss, that can cause a relapse to be fatal. my husband and I didn't realize the devastating effects that they could cause.
unfortunately we have many members that have lost husbands and children. Cardinal's daughter just a week ago....
We join you in mourning the loss of someone you love.
From what I have read, the stopping (trying to get sober) and going back to using can be one of the more dangerous parts...just like when an anorexic starts eating, and their body gets even more out of wack.
But I must say, that I don't believe relapse has to be a part of addiction and recovery.
Some do, some don't. I don't accept it as part of recovery, but as a failing forward towards success. At least they are trying.
I hope you and your children and step children are all getting the support and help you need. My sympathies.
Celebrate his life,,