This season of Peace on Earth can feel like one big, fat contradiction.
A Joy to the World outlook doesn’t easily flow when we
are all rowing fast and furiously to stay afloat in the rough waters of some very real challenges.
And for families struggling with the consuming disease of addiction, perhaps the greatest challenge is the one raging within the family system itself.
I have had the great privilege of speaking to many mothers who are dealing with the addiction-driven choices of their adult children. I don’t use that word privilege lightly. When someone opens her heart beyond the picture perfect Instagram image of her life into the core of her pain and struggle, you are being given the gifts of vulnerability and trust.
December is a double-edged sword. With the holidays there is so much jingle, jingle, jingle and fa la la la la it can exacerbate the loneliness, fear and (yes, I will say it) even despair that mothers understandably feel as they witness their adult children free fall in the grip of addiction.
No one can take away that pain. But mother’s heart- to- mother’s heart those of us who know from lived experience what that pain is can make this promise: you are not alone.
This is no empty promise.
There is an army of mothers who have walked through this fire and they share your heart’s pain and your desire to save your family.
They can be found at Ala-non and other family support groups, through recovery professionals, web pages dedicated to family addiction issues, faith-based groups, counselors and encouragement from your circle of trusted friends. Their lived example of holding fast to their faith and to prayer is powerful.
Especially right now, lean into these resources- and any others you know of – for support and guidance.
One of the biggest lessons I learned during the years my son struggled with addiction to alcohol and opioids was that our family could not manage that challenge alone. We all needed all the support and guidance we could get. An ultimately, that support and guidance made the difference in our lives.
Please give yourself the gift of some help today. The gift of knowing others stand for you and with you.
You are not alone.
Who can you reach out to for help today?
Is there someone who is struggling that you can help?
Please share here. We can all be inspired by our collective experience, strength and hope.
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