I know what you mean it is sad there are so many of us but on the other hand it really helps to know you are not alone. I have learned so much here from being able to talk to people on both sides. I know how I feel as a parent but it helps to also hear from the recovering addicts. They are the ones who have helped me to understand better that as much as I want to fix this, I can't. They have said that as long as we as parents keep rescuing the addict won't stop. It is a hard lesson to learn as a parent but I am trying. Glad you are here.

Michael,,When I first came here I was in such a state. I just thought I would die crying on my patio in my chair everyday. I didn't know what to do, where to to turn and didn't know a darn thing about all this.
Yes, it is sad to know so many are in the same boat or worse. And no we wouldn't wish this on our worst enemy but that isn't why we are here. We all share addiction with someone in out families.
We can talk about it here and not be judged. We can get advice and support from other parents and even addicts themselves who have been there. Not enabling our kids which a lot of us do by helping them. You start to learn to let go of them, they aren't babies. You get the support here to do these things and help you be strong.
I have a feeling your going to find comfort here in time...Hang in there! Were all hurting...

Yep, I'm miserable too. As soon as I try to do something for myself another crisis happens. It's almost like I'm being tortured or punished. I constantly think about what one or the other of my children is going through - right at this minute - and it is so painful. I have a very stressful job & when I'm there I forget for a while just because of the demands.

I have also felt as if I was being punished, but things do get better. Sometimes you don't feel as if they will, but they will.

I do find comfort in reading the profiles and comments of others here who share similar circumstances. I don't know what might be different about us. I know my husband doesn't usually need such commaraderie, but I find it extremely helpful. My husband is very confident in his decisions, and I am always second-guessing myself, so maybe I like to be reminded that others have made similar choices while handling situations. It gives me the little pat on the back I often need. You are right, it is sad, but I usually end up feeling pensive, not sad, when I shut down my computer. And I feel connected. Anyway, I am glad that you came here, and I hope you find whatever it is you may need to cope with your daughter's situation. Hugs.

It is a very sad thing, but you learn not to dwell on it. We all deserve a nice life.
Besides the help I know you'll receive, I hope you keep coming back, because Joe and Johnny would appreciate another Dad I'm sure. : )

Hey, something's happening.
I'm now beginning to feel comfort from everyone's concern.

YEA!!!!!!!( Every one clapping)

I understand too...we all do. Each of us have had our challenges with our children.
It was only through the reassurances of others that I was and am able to cope.

Everything when dealing with our son went so counter to what I wanted to do, but
over the many years of dealing with alcoholism and mental illness, arrests, jail, many pick ups by the police for public drunkedness, continued refusal of medication, etc., etc. I must find time for myself.
And I do and no longer feel guilty about it. I used to. I couldn't even enjoy a vacation when I
thought about my son and what he was doing or where he was.

This site has helped me so much as we have been going through this with our son for many, many years. For you who are new to this group, keep coming back as they say at certain meetings.
It does get better. What a great thought and sentence, IT DOES GET BETTER.

I guess when I came in the beginning it was out of desperation to find answers. Then, it seemed I was in mourning and that lasted so long! I couldn't ever get my sweet innocent daughter back, but was determined to find out all I could about addiction and keep her safe. Knowledge is powerful, sharing with others in the same situations helped me tremendously, and I keep coming back here because of what I went through! We share our thoughts, anger, fears and heartache and that means so much to me! Keep your chin up, and know that it was not your fault. Loving our kids is what we do. Enabling is NOT. Lots of caring and thoughtful people are here to help.

I guess when I came in the beginning it was out of desperation to find answers. Then, it seemed I was in mourning and that lasted so long! I couldn't ever get my sweet innocent daughter back, but was determined to find out all I could about addiction and keep her safe. Knowledge is powerful, sharing with others in the same situations helped me tremendously, and I keep coming back here because of what I went through! We share our thoughts, anger, fears and heartache and that means so much to me! Keep your chin up, and know that it was not your fault. Loving our kids is what we do. Enabling is NOT. Lots of caring and thoughtful people are here to help.