Tag Archives: substance abuse

“IT NEVER STOPS HURTING” 

My reflection: My prayer is simple: may this entry bring comfort to another mom or dad, brother or sister. Today’s Promise to consider: We must join our voices into the resounding chorus that clamors for help for our addicted loved … Continue reading

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HONESTY IS IMPERATIVE

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

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“I COULDN’T HELP HIM BEFORE IT WAS TOO LATE”

A mother wrote to me: My son died of a heroin overdose. I need to start to forgive myself for all the mistakes I made. I try to understand why he couldn’t just stop what he was doing to himself. … Continue reading

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From Darkness Into Light

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

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The Journey

How much have we lost in this madness of helping our loved ones? Distant memories of old friendships, good jobs we enjoyed, family members who didn’t understand how we could keep loving, and relationships broken beyond repair. Most of all many of us … Continue reading

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CUNNING, BAFFLING AND POWERFUL

Terry Gorski writes, Addiction comes into our lives posing as a friend and then slowly grows into a monster that can destroy us. (Terry Gorski, Straight Talk About Addiction) My reflection: I was deluded by addiction. It entered our home … Continue reading

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Baby Steps Lead To Bigger Ones

“First Step Prayer: Dear Lord, I admit that I am powerless over my addict. I admit that my life is unmanageable When I try to control him/her. Help me this day to understand the true meaning of powerlessness. Remove from … Continue reading

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Where do I go for help?

Trying to locate appropriate treatment for a loved one, especially finding a program tailored to an individual’s particular needs, can be a difficult process. However, there are some resources to help with this process. For example, NIDA’s handbook Seeking Drug … Continue reading

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My Glass Is Half Full

  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

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Denial and Addiction- Libby Cataldi

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

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