LIKE! LIKE ! LIKE! Everything you said.
I also learned to be more trusting in the universe, and more patient. The world does not revolve on my schedule.
I learned to appreciate golden moments, because good times can be gone in a flash.
I learned to say I love you often, proudly and with feeling.
all of these things work for me with everyone in my life...not just the addict.
I learned that I am as proud of his recovery as I am of my daughter's master's degree...both were just as hard, and completely up to them.
Great Post!

what I've learned from this "hell" of a rollarcoaster ride.... that I'm not alone,,, what addiction really means,,, and the percpetion I had of a drug addicit, comes no where close to what my addicit is,,, drugs, are not prejudice, and the addicition hits you out of no where... I've learned the power of prayer,, tough love, and that I was the biggest enabler not just for the addict,, but for everyone in my life,, I've learned who I really am,,, the strength to get through anything,, it amazes me,, I've learned to never judge anyone, and how peace really works,,, simple things in life, are priceless,,, don't sweat the big stuff,, really does not matter,,, can't change what's already happend,, learned that worring over things, does not change the situation,,,, that I am important,,,

most importantly,,,,, this site, has changed my life,,, the people on here are amazing,, the kind words, comfort,, truth,,,and the realization that their is hope,,,,, It truly amazes me,, and you know who you are,, have become my dearest friends,,, I love you all.... I love the fact I reach out to you in your darkest moments,, and I get back the warm hugs,,,

bottom line,,, addicition sucks,,, but it is what it is,,, we can not control, cure,, not am I the cause to what our addicit does,,

detaching from the addict,, and loving my daughter, is truly the gift I've learned from this nightmare,

dmatt,, thanks for the post,,, and always making sure I'm okay,

love you all,
Kim

when you see or hear that cardinal,,, think of me!

It IS true! I was of the same thought prior. "My kid wouldn't do THAT!"...yeah RIGHT...how wrong could I have been? VERY!

I have learned that Through my 'wanting' to do the 'right thing' I was doing the 'way wrong thing'.

I have learned what detachment is all about and how HARD it is.

I have learned that there are SO many families going through the same thing at the same time I am.

I have learned to say NO. Even when I know that I have the time to drive to where he is at to pick him up and bring him where he needs to be, I have learned that he has NO idea of how to 'plan' his schedule and he needs to learn this on HIS OWN.

I have learned when to say YES. When it is absolutley needed and that the end result will be a positive, forward moving thing.

I have learned that my Son is not that cute lil 6 year old that was my best buddy any longer.

I have learned when and when not to take action on anything.

I have learned NOT to give out cash for ANYTHING, to give love, patience, an ear and to shut my mouth...keep it to 15 words or less. (THAT is HARD to do for me! I LOVE the soapbox, but am still learning not to climb up on it!).

SO much I have learned but did NOT want to have to learn.

And everytime I see a Cardinal, I think of a friend online and feel that Cardinal is here giving me a message! LOL..or a kick in the butt...LMAO....

AND the most of all, I have learned I am NEVER alone any longer now that I found all of YOU!

What I learned is no matter how much you love an addict it doesn't mean they will magically quit using drugs or drinking. Its not as simple as that. You can still love them, sometimes from afar and at the same time set boundaries to protect yourself.
Also if the addict is abusive, get out sooner then later, don't wait for them to change because most won't change and you are letting your life pass you by.

I have learned that I have many new friends That mean the world to me. (that would be all of you)

I have learned that I am stronger than I thought

I have learned that loving does not mean giving in... Or being "walked on"

i learned that i am so much stronger and wiser than i thought i was. i learned that each morning is a leap of faith , and that faith just gets stronger! and thank you everyone for this post !!!!!! today i needed it tremendously because my 80 year old mother who is recovering from a broken femur (and has addiction issues to pain meds) is at it again, and although i cannot control or fix, and i am setting my boundaries i needed to be reminded of all that i have learned and NOT TO JUDGE
you are all wonderful i am so grateful.