Most of all, I think Recovery Month is about hope. That no matter what your mental or substance use problem is, help is there for the asking. If you or a loved one needs help, don't be embarrassed or ashamed. You are not alone. Please gather up the courage to reach out and ask for assistance. And never give up hope.
People who work in the recovery field seldom get the credit they deserve. Their jobs are often thankless and go unrecognized. So in honor of Recovery Month, I would like to thank all of the professionals who have helped my son. From Michigan to California, I appreciate everything all of you have done to help my son in his recovery, which is still very much in progress.
I would also like to take some time to celebrate my son's recovery. Sixty-one days clean may not seem like a long time. But it is for my son. And I'm confident that that number will grow, because I sense that my son truly wants it to.
So take some time this month to acknowledge National Recovery Month. Check out their website. Check out the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website. Reach out to someone you know who's in recovery and tell them that you're pulling for them. Or help someone you know who needs help find the help they need. Don't be afraid to try and make a difference.
People with mental health and substance abuse problems are not freaks. They are not contagious. They are just human beings who are "wired" differently. And contrary to what some people might think, the parents of these people are not bad parents who don't care about their children. They just happen to be the parents of some uniquely wired kids. So don't judge or be afraid of a parent of an addict. They are not contagious, either. If you have children who are wired normally, be grateful for that. But don't think negatively about those of us who weren't so fortunate.
Do I wish that my son wasn't an addict in recovery? Absolutely. I'd be lying if I said otherwise. But I've come to the conclusion that everything happens for a reason, and maybe I was put in this situation so that I can make some kind of difference in the world. If dealing with my situation helps just one other person deal with theirs, then I'm good with that.
National Recovery Month: Celebrate it. Hopefully by doing so we can all help...
you are a great advocate for the cause..keep fighting
ReplyDeletecool pic too !
You're making a difference by sharing your hope and faith. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThis blog really inspired me:) Thanks and best of luck for you and your son!
ReplyDeleteYou have a very lucid way of telling your story and your advice not to judge is really helpful. Probably everyone knows someone with abuse problems and I think a lot of people are judgemental because they have never heard the inside story. Thank you for yours.
ReplyDeleteBless you and thank you. It really does help the rest of us to hear the truth.
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder - thanks for sharing. September is a month to remember those that have been affected by addiction and to celebrate those that have recovered! Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I first learned my son was an addict. I was knocked to my knees with an almost unbearable feeling that I had somehow failed him and "caused" his addiction. I'm getting past that now, but I can't help but wonder how many parents who are new to this journey will find comfort and strength in your message. Thank you for your post, and the reminder that we are not alone.
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