It is a terrible strain. A physical, emotional and spiritual one. And half the people you work with are probably carrying the same strain for a family member....We don't share, there is still a stigma..
Now that my son is sober, I can't even shout that out from the rooftops, because he has a new life, with that behind him and I don't want to hurt any future employment chances.
I felt like a fraud. I thought I had done a good job, and yet, here was my son...in jail....and on court tv every tuesday and thursday for a month....then? everyone knew, and I felt humiliated, but somehow better...THEN? people started coming to US to talk to US about what was going on with their kids....crazy. this is so prevalent, and just hidden under the surface.
Know that he is safe, fed, sober and probably getting a chance to think clearly. You should sleep better knowing he is locked up than out running around. Really.
And remember..."it isn't happening to me, it is happening to him"
Hugs.empathy, sympathy. wishing you peace

I said one day to my sister...my life is a mess. She answered the truth...your life isn't a mess, theirs is.

When I was a kid and having a horrible life I was ashamed of. Addict and abusive mom. I pretended to have a better one to people. Especially this one family. I hung out with their daughter. I always wished I had a family like them. Well guess what? That wonderful family has a husband/Dad who was raping a child next door.

Everyone has secrets

I want so much to tell someone. To have them understand why it feels like such an attact when they demean and insult addicts and prisoners. It hurts me. My son is an addict and has done bad things. But he's smart and loving and wouldn't physically hurt a fly. I love him! He isn't all those horrible things people say. I want to defend him but I have to sit and take it. It's like being smacked in the face again and again.