It’s Not your Addiction

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It’s Not your Addiction

Living with a parent who is an addict can be extremely difficult. If you, yourself don’t have a problem with drugs or alcohol it is nearly impossible to understand the self-destructive compulsion that drives someone to use.

Always remember YOU are the most important! You have to know how to take care of yourself first! In doing so you have to find the right tools to help acknowledge that you can be happy, loved, healthy, and live a satisfying life.

You can start by practicing self-care. By knowing you are present and that your life matters. By asking, “how do I feel, what can I do to make it better?” Those questions allow the brain to check-in emotionally, mentally, and even physically. Remember the Serenity Prayer and think about what the words really mean. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference!”

You are not alone; if you research you will find there are a good amount of books written about living with an addict parent. If you don’t have someone you feel safe confiding in find a local support group. All people who go to support groups want to provide support and share experiences. Always feel safe! If you are not living in a safe environment you might need to leave. This means opening up and making the addiction known to others who can help support you and get you to a safer environment.

The disease addiction has been destroying families for years. You have to make a choice to not let their disease destroy you. It has to start with you because you deserve to live a satisfying life. You can’t control your parent’s addiction, and you can’t cure it…..because it’s not your addiction.