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...
This past weekend was rather difficult. My Son almost died (third time) and it's been a rollercoaster since then. It's traumatic to go thru this yet try to take comfort in the moments you have in-between the chaos, even if it is in the Cardiac Care Unit.
When did watching movies as a family become so surreal? Heart monitors in the background, drips of "medicine" on a metal tree stand as if it was giving him life. The scent of illness surrounds us, the smell of urine is palpable, the tv sets are announcing, this is our new reality.
Do I allow this moment of appreciation detour me from taking a stance against his disease?? NO and this is my contribution to his sobriety which doesn't only mean stopping the use right now but following thru with the commitments made to no longer allow the use and symptoms (manipulation, lies, violence, theft, etc) control YOUR life.
It's important to take these moments of allowance for connection, affection and normalcy. Perhaps it is the "Family" component that helps them detour from falling further into their disease. Perhaps it is the strength and determination he sees in his family that will make him realize the doors have closed on the disease, not you. You continue to support him as long as it's a path towards sobriety. One can only pray.
When did watching movies as a family become so surreal? Heart monitors in the background, drips of "medicine" on a metal tree stand as if it was giving him life. The scent of illness surrounds us, the smell of urine is palpable, the tv sets are announcing, this is our new reality.
Do I allow this moment of appreciation detour me from taking a stance against his disease?? NO and this is my contribution to his sobriety which doesn't only mean stopping the use right now but following thru with the commitments made to no longer allow the use and symptoms (manipulation, lies, violence, theft, etc) control YOUR life.
It's important to take these moments of allowance for connection, affection and normalcy. Perhaps it is the "Family" component that helps them detour from falling further into their disease. Perhaps it is the strength and determination he sees in his family that will make him realize the doors have closed on the disease, not you. You continue to support him as long as it's a path towards sobriety. One can only pray.
The place he's going is a dual diagnostic facility with a very strong emphasis on the medical. They also offer alternative therapy like working with dogs, horses, etc. The take a holistic approach towards recovery, not just medical and 12 step. He loves animals especially dogs, I continue to pray that something, anything will help him.
I'm not sure where you're from JoeNick but here in Florida we have the Marchman Act Law. Is there something similar in your State if you're not from Florida? I've filed before and Judge sent him straight to rehab for the time I requested. Filed the paper work myself at the courthouse and he was served, had to show up or be in contempt of court. "The Marchman Act, passed in 1993, provides for the involuntary or voluntary assessment and stabilization of a person abusing drugs or alcohol. The person must have become impaired due to substance abuse, be a threat to themselves or others, and lack the ability to appreciate the need for assessment and stabilization. This means their life must be out of control: a job lost, an education abandoned, a child forgotten. In addition, the person with the addiction must not care. "
Thanks and Good Luck to you as well. I've spoken with several addiction psychologists and based on their opinion you are doing the right thing, even if your heart tells you different. We have to draw boundaries in order to survive, their is nothing wrong with fighting for our survival, it is our birth right and other people count on us not just the addict.