Tag Archives: stigma

HONESTY IS IMPERATIVE

Posted on June 27, 2017 by libbycataldi

This is part of a series of monthly posts that reference many conversations with Dr. MacAfee. Thanks, Doc. A client and friend of Dr. MacAfee, the mother of a recovering addict wrote to me: One of the most important lessons … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged addict, addiction, drug abuse, Heroin, hope, opiate, opioids, parent of an addict, recovery, stigma, substance abuse, substance use disorder | Leave a comment

From Darkness Into Light

Posted on April 16, 2017 by annali2002

A mother wrote me recently: “Your memoir has released me from my shame.. Reading your recovery story has shown me how, in spite of everything bad that’s happening now, I can get on with my life and learn to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged addiction, grief, Heroin, hope, overdose, recovery, rehabs, stigma, substance abuse | Leave a 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

My Glass Is Half Full

Posted on March 6, 2017 by annali2002

From Hope For Today, January 23: “One of the gifts I have received from Al-Anon is learning how to maintain an attitude of gratitude. Before the program I didn’t really understand the true nature of gratitude. I thought it … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged addict, addiction, battling addiction, Heroin, Heroin Epidemic, hope, opiate, opioids, recovery, stigma, substance abuse | 1 Comment

Denial and Addiction- Libby Cataldi

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Magnolia Beginnings

DENIAL AND ADDICTION by Libby Cataldi A mother writes: Our daughter, both strikingly beautiful and musically gifted, signed a recording contract with an International music company at the age of fifteen. I traveled with her extensively and never had an … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged addiction, grief, Grieving mother, Heroin, hope, Libby Cataldi, loss, opioids, overdose, stigma, substance abuse | Leave a comment

☼ 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

Resistance Training

Posted on February 14, 2017 by annali2002

From In All Our Affairs, Making Crises Work For You, Surrender: “’Let go and Let God.’ It sounds so simple. But when our circumstances or the circumstances of those we love weigh heavily on our minds, we may have no idea … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged addiction, grief, Heroin, heroin epidenic, hope, opioids, parent of an addict, recovery, stigma | 3 Comments

Double Edge Sword.

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Marybeth Cichocki

Addiction is a disease like none other. A double edge sword. It tears families apart. It bonds strangers forever. I never wanted to play this role in life. I was happy being a NICU nurse. Helping families cope with … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged addiction, battling addiction, Big Pharma, drug abuse, grief, Grieving mother, Heroin, hope, Mother and son, mother of an addict, opiate, opioids, parent of an addict, recovery, stigma, substance abuse, SUD | 1 Comment

SOMETIMES EVEN DEATH ISN’T A DETERRENT

Posted on February 10, 2017 by libbycataldi

A recovering addict told me: Dying didn’t matter. I couldn’t have been any worse off than I was, but I definitely didn’t fear death. If you die, that’s sort of a blessing. I was raised Catholic, but suicide didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged addiction, battling addiction, drug abuse, Grieving mother, Heroin, Heroin Epidemic, Libby Cataldi, Mother and son, overdose, parent of an addict, stigma | 1 Comment

I CAN REMEMBER

Posted on February 9, 2017 by ad1313

An excerpt from S.O.B.E.R.* written by a mother and son An acronym for Son Of a Bitch Everything’s Real Anita When we arrived at the family treatment program, I finally started to understand and believe that addiction is … Continue reading →