Author Archives: Sandy Swenson

About Sandy Swenson

Sandy Swenson is the mother of two sons—one of whom struggles with addiction. Author of ‘The Joey Song: A Mother’s Story of Her Son’s Addiction,’ Sandy lives in the place where love and addiction meet—a place where help enables and hope hurts. Sandy is a voice for parents of children suffering with the disease of addiction, putting their thoughts and feeling into words. Sandy lives in suburban Austin, Texas, where she has just finished writing her second book—to be published by Hazelden in the fall of 2017—and an accompanying app to be published in the spring of 2018. When she isn’t writing or traveling to speak with other parents coping with the disease of addiction in their family, Sandy volunteers at a local maternity home teaching the girls to cook healthy family meals. Sandy also loves to garden, read and travel.

Crying is Okay Here

Posted on April 13, 2017 by Sandy Swenson

A child has died. Not my child, but the child of a friend. Technically, he was no longer a child. But still, he was her child. She was supposed to have her child forever. Except forever didn’t last. I didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged addiction, addiction, substance abuse, recovery, heroin, drug abuse, opioids, opiate, hope, grief, mother of an addict | 1 Comment

No More Shame, No More Silence

Posted on March 21, 2017 by Sandy Swenson

Misconceptions about addiction are so pervasive it’s no wonder that those struggling with addiction — and their families — suffer in silence, solitude, and shame. Even though our society encourages substance abuse at every turn, when someone becomes … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged addiction, Heroin, opioids, recovery, sandy swenson, shame, stigma, substance use disorder | Leave a comment

Silence Isn’t Always Golden

Posted on March 13, 2017 by Sandy Swenson

It is the addict, not my child, I help by keeping silent. So I will speak out. I will try to open eyes and hearts and minds–I will try to help people understand the disease of addiction–before it’s too late. … Continue reading →

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I’m The Mom of an Addict…

Posted on March 10, 2017 by Sandy Swenson

“I’m the mom of an addict, and I’m not ashamed to say that anymore. There’s a time when I was…..” My interview with the ASK documentary team about love, learning, and letting go: Please watch and share this … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged addiction, grief, hope, Mother and son, opiate, recovery, rehabs, sandy swenson | 9 Comments

Let Recovery Begin With Me

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Sandy Swenson

I will accept what is. I will accept the things I cannot change. I will find peace. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged addict, addiction, battling addiction, Mother and son, parent of an addict, recovery, sandy swenson, substance use disorder | 2 Comments

☼ Dear Joey: A Love Letter To My Son The Addict

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Sandy Swenson

Dear Joey, I miss you. I ache for you to fill your place in my life. Will I ever again feel your hug? Hear your laugh? See you proud? I don’t want you to be an addict. I don’t want … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged addiction, battling addiction, grief, Grieving mother, Heroin, heroin epidenic, Mother and son, sandy swenson, stigma, substance abuse | 13 Comments

To Be The Mom Of An Addict

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Sandy Swenson

Addiction is a disease, but not even the professionals have it all figured out yet — and they aren’t trying to figure it out while in a blind panic, running through the fires of hell with fears and dreams and maternal instincts tripping them up. Continue reading →