LF Asks: When your addict is doing well, how do you manage the feelings of impending doom when you predict, like many times before, that it will go off the rails again? Hi LF, In the beginning, when families or other loved ones have the experience of an addict starting to do things differently and getting healthy and things are going well, sometimes the addict is in what we call a pink cloud. Everything is wonderful, they think they will always be in the same place, and everything is going to … [Read more...] about How do you manage the feelings of impending doom?
Helping vs. Enabling
How can I support my loved one’s recovery without enabling their addiction?
J. asks: How can I support my loved one's recovery without enabling their addiction? And how can I communicate effectively with my loved one about their addiction? Hi J, Those are two great questions that overlap. Let me talk a bit about enabling and the difference between enabling and helping, because they're so important. When we enable someone, especially an addict, we're doing things for them that they need to do for themselves, things that they should be doing for themselves. When we do … [Read more...] about How can I support my loved one’s recovery without enabling their addiction?
Should We Move to Avoid a Trigger?
LL Asks: As my adult child gets off crack, should we move to another apartment so the room where he took drugs is not familiar or a trigger? Hi LL, I’m glad you wrote to me. What I’m hearing from your question is about how you can be most supportive of your son as he tries to get off crack, and I think that it’s terrific that you want to support him. There is nothing wrong with wanting to do that. As for moving to another apartment, if this is something you can afford and you have thought … [Read more...] about Should We Move to Avoid a Trigger?
The Importance of Loved Ones of Addicts Being United
Sheila asks: My husband and I have very different approaches to helping our son with his alcoholism, and it's causing arguments and problems in our relationship. How do we come together and agree on a plan? Hi Sheila, I see this happen so many times. We rarely see a family come to us where everybody is in agreement. We usually see families where one parent is enabling an adult child—meaning that they're giving them money, doing things for them, driving them places because the child had a DUI … [Read more...] about The Importance of Loved Ones of Addicts Being United
Encouraging Family Participation in the Journey Toward Recovery: A Reflection on World Drug Day
Today, June 26th, is designated as World Drug Day, also known as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It's a moment for us to reflect on the profound impact of addiction not only on individuals but on their families and loved ones as well. This day serves as a global observance to highlight the critical fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, reminding us of the collective action required to address these challenges. However, beyond the global call to … [Read more...] about Encouraging Family Participation in the Journey Toward Recovery: A Reflection on World Drug Day
