When addiction first crept into our household 11 years ago, I started keeping a journal. Retreating to clean white paper became my refuge. The blank pages stared back, non-judgmental and welcoming. On their unvarnished surface I poured out my anguish, fear, confusion and shame. It was the only place – until many years later – …
Once lost, it’s difficult to regain. In families facing addiction, trust is among the first of many losses. Parents often ask, “When did you start trusting your son again?” It took time and distance. After his final inpatient stay, Jacob held a job and was living in a halfway house. Slowly, trust returned. We loaned …
There’s an Al-Anon motto that’s especially apt this time of year – and not just for families facing addiction. You can look back. Just don’t stare. As this year rolls into the next, I admit to staring just a bit. It’s been nearly 13 years since Jacob found recovery – and the same for me. …