Parents of Addicts Community Group
A safe group for Mothers and Fathers of addicts, where we can share feelings, and ask for feedback.
When I joined DS back in '06 - I had no idea as to what was to be the biggest struggle and hardest thing I would face in my life - my son's drug addiction - who was 15 at the time. The initial reason I joined Daily Strength was because of my middle child who was struggling with depression. Little did I know that he would eventually fall prey to drug use as well.
Anyway - needless to say, I was a mess. I couldn't think straight, I was obsessed with my youngest drug use, scared and angry over his behavior - at home, school, and his trouble with the law. It took some time but I worked at making things better in our lives. My husband and I religiously attended a family support group, joined a faith sharing group, and I attended Al Anon - meeting like-people - who've become my dear friends. We still attend these groups faithfully. Because of the nature of this disease - we know we need to continue to hear the messages over and over to stay strong.
Last July - our middle son informed us that he had a heroin problem that started with his prescription pain medication. Two years prior - he had his tonsils removed that started this journey. Because we were "better" he was able to share everything. I believe, in part, our recovery has helped him stop using.
Today - we are all in a good place. Youngest son just graduated (his last semester he got a 3.7) and has a life plan. He is doing very well and had a long conversation with my husband about his drug use and that he's moving on. He also thanked us for supporting and encouraging him - even when at that point he failed over and over again with his promises. Our middle son just got a promotion. Although he admits he's cut down his drinking to a minimum - he is no longer using anything else and has a nice nest egg of money in the bank. He attends AA too. He also has been paying us his car insurance and school loans he owes us.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think that we would be in the place so "soon". I thought that if they were able to overcome their problems - it would be many years down the line. That said - I know that it's one day at a time but we are really enjoying this ride right now.
What also has helped us - is giving back. I joined a foundation that helps families of young people with the cost of drug treatment that their insurance doesn't cover. My husband and I've also been dedicated in presenting parent drug education talks since '09 - sharing information we wish we would have had.
There really is something to be said about "taking care of yourself". I used to resent it when people would tell me that. Although it took some time - it wasn't until my youngest turned 18 that I was able to do that more. I actually dreaded the thought of him turning 18 - thinking I wouldn't have any more "control" over him but now I know that illusion it wasn't real - that I didn't have any control - the law also gave me freedom to let go!
Letting Go and Letting God has been my motto - and I thank God for THAT everyday!
PEACE AND HOPE FOR ALL OF YOU!
Anyway - needless to say, I was a mess. I couldn't think straight, I was obsessed with my youngest drug use, scared and angry over his behavior - at home, school, and his trouble with the law. It took some time but I worked at making things better in our lives. My husband and I religiously attended a family support group, joined a faith sharing group, and I attended Al Anon - meeting like-people - who've become my dear friends. We still attend these groups faithfully. Because of the nature of this disease - we know we need to continue to hear the messages over and over to stay strong.
Last July - our middle son informed us that he had a heroin problem that started with his prescription pain medication. Two years prior - he had his tonsils removed that started this journey. Because we were "better" he was able to share everything. I believe, in part, our recovery has helped him stop using.
Today - we are all in a good place. Youngest son just graduated (his last semester he got a 3.7) and has a life plan. He is doing very well and had a long conversation with my husband about his drug use and that he's moving on. He also thanked us for supporting and encouraging him - even when at that point he failed over and over again with his promises. Our middle son just got a promotion. Although he admits he's cut down his drinking to a minimum - he is no longer using anything else and has a nice nest egg of money in the bank. He attends AA too. He also has been paying us his car insurance and school loans he owes us.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think that we would be in the place so "soon". I thought that if they were able to overcome their problems - it would be many years down the line. That said - I know that it's one day at a time but we are really enjoying this ride right now.
What also has helped us - is giving back. I joined a foundation that helps families of young people with the cost of drug treatment that their insurance doesn't cover. My husband and I've also been dedicated in presenting parent drug education talks since '09 - sharing information we wish we would have had.
There really is something to be said about "taking care of yourself". I used to resent it when people would tell me that. Although it took some time - it wasn't until my youngest turned 18 that I was able to do that more. I actually dreaded the thought of him turning 18 - thinking I wouldn't have any more "control" over him but now I know that illusion it wasn't real - that I didn't have any control - the law also gave me freedom to let go!
Letting Go and Letting God has been my motto - and I thank God for THAT everyday!
PEACE AND HOPE FOR ALL OF YOU!
God bless you and your family.