May 17, 2010
Stop worrying death or jail on our loved ones struggling with addiction
I am a recovering alcoholic. I understand all too well the disease of addiction and how when l was actively in the throes of my disease I became a person who was unrecognizable even to myself.
I’m now dealing with a loved one who is struggling with addiction and many nights I lay awake worrying that I am going to get that call that they have been arrested or they have lost their life.
Knowing that recovery from addiction is possible, I had to ask myself why I choose to think the worst about my loved one’s fate. The answer is, fear of the unknown.
Although jail or death is not what we would choose for our loved ones struggling with addiction, they make the unknown known and alleviate some of the worry.
Worry is just a response to the lack of control we have over the situation.
Addiction is a disease just like cancer. We wouldn’t wish death or jail on a loved one struggling with cancer, we would shower them with words of strength and encouragement that they will beat the disease.
The difference with the disease of addiction is choice, one chooses to pick up that drink, pop the pill, inject the substance or smoke the pipe but those of us who have the disease of addiction don’t know we have it until we are overcome by it.
Instead of worrying, try affirming that your loved one is strong and resilient. Affirm that you know when they are ready, your loved one can beat their addiction and fully recover. You can still set boundaries with them and affirm them at the same time.
Look past the addiction and affirm the person they were before the disease took over.
It’s easier said than done and many times I’ve had to stop myself mid worry and change my thinking to affirm and uplift my loved one. When I choose affirm instead of worrying, I sleep better and I truly believe that their recovery is possible. I am living proof.
lisamevansceo 