I spent all of my energy and resources trying to support my son

None of this would have been possible without the knowledge and resources I was able to pull from the Partnership.

By Christina, Mother and Advocate

I am the mother of four, an educator, and an advocate whose work in reproductive justice spaces has been nationally recognized & awarded. My heart and purpose reside in service, policy, and advocacy. But over the last few years, I spent all of my energy and resources trying to support my son, and, frankly, keep him alive.

After some time in treatment and sober living, he returned home a little over a year ago and has been steadily improving since. He is now a supervisor at a nonprofit organization in the area, which helps build homes, gardens, and make facility repairs for homeowners and businesses in need of free or low-cost services. He completed a semester at our local junior college and finished with a 4.0. I am convinced that none of this would have been possible without the knowledge and resources I was able to pull from the Partnership and other organizations like it.

As the daughter of a parent who misused substances, I grew up in the era of Al-Anon and leaned heavily into the “tough love” model of family support prior to witnessing my son struggle with pills. Thankfully, early on in his addiction, I began to learn more about co-occurring disorders (my son has also been diagnosed with ADHD), compassionate responses, harm reduction, and the CRAFT approach. I believe this marked the beginning of a shift in the way I approached my son during this time, the empathy and compassion I extended to him, and the care and support I sought for myself.

The Problem

The widespread issue of substance misuse and its associated challenges, which are often exacerbated by co-occurring disorders such as ADHD. This complex problem not only affects the individuals struggling with addiction but also their families who are trying to support them. The traditional “tough love” model of family support can sometimes be ineffective and even detrimental. Furthermore, the lack of awareness and understanding about compassionate responses and harm reduction can make it difficult for families to provide the right kind of support.

The Solution

A shift in our approach towards substance misuse and addiction. This includes gaining a better understanding of co-occurring disorders and adopting compassionate responses and harm reduction strategies. Approaches like CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) can be particularly effective. We can create an environment where both the individuals struggling with addiction and their families feel supported and understood.

Take Action

Parenting toward recovery

Realizing that your teen or young adult child needs help for their substance use can be frightening and overwhelming. At the Partnership, we can help you navigate the steps along the way with resources and information designed specifically for parents and family members looking for guidance on treatment and recovery for their loved ones.

Visit treatment and recovery resources