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 – …
After months of trying to hide that their child is abusing drugs, parents often ask me, “Where did you send your son to ‘get well’?” I know what they really mean. They know Jacob is healthy now. So they must be asking about the treatment center I “sent” him to, because it “cured” him, right? …
When Jacob was actively using, I shunned not only my family, but also my friends. They sensed something was wrong. But I didn’t want them to. I blocked their every attempt to draw me out. Shame engulfed me. I wasn’t ready to share the horror permeating my household. I worked hard to hide my anxiety, …