Personal Stories

Get advice and perspective from families who have also been impacted by substance use or addiction.

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How I became the parent my son needed

3 Ways to Address Teenage Drinking without Using Scare Tactics

When someone – including a teenager – gets treatment for alcohol and substance abuse, it is standard practice to identify some of the reasons why they started using and the benefits they feel they get from these substances.

To My Fellow Parent Coaches: You Carried Me When I Couldn’t Carry Myself

Through the parent coach program, I had learned how to care for me and how to live life again. Missing that call didn’t change anything, and it certainly didn’t make it any less devastating.

Finding a Middle Ground: My Parents and Recovery

I attribute the gift of starting my recovery journey almost entirely to my family.

Reflecting on My Addiction and Recovery, Then and Now

I am but one of tens of millions of incredible recovery stories. Let’s find yours.

Coping with Addiction & Recovery During the Holidays

Our daughter’s addiction, and newly found recovery, added to the family tension during the holidays. Here's how we learned to cope.

What You Shouldn’t Expect When Your Child Is in Recovery

After treatment, the main question is usually, “What now?” As a young person in recovery myself, I might not be able to tell you what to expect — but I feel I can at least tell you what not to expect.

Can You Grieve Someone While They’re Still Alive?

There is no other word but grief when your child is lost in the haze of drug addiction. But your child is still there. There are paths to hope.

If Love Alone Could Have Saved Me, It Would Have

Just because someone you love is struggling does not mean you did something wrong or you didn’t love them enough.

Everything My Parents Did to Get Me Addiction Treatment

In my family, addiction was treated with the same love and affection as if I had suffered from any other potentially fatal illness.

I Thought Addiction Was My Son’s Problem. But Addiction Is a Family Disease.

When my son became addicted, I embarked on a journey to learn about preventing and treating this disease. I wish I knew then what I know now.

An Open Letter to My Son With Addiction

The path to recovery is difficult. But please know you are not walking alone in addiction– hands of help are reaching out to you with your every step.