PAL Blog
A Parent’s Story
Articles by Parents Like You
The Hardest Lesson in Parenting How I Found Peace in Loving My Adult Child Exactly Where He Is
We are a family of four. My husband and I have two children, a daughter (22) and a son (23). We are a close family, and I had so much fun raising both of our children. I always wanted a son and a daughter (I actually wanted twins) and I am thankful that...
The wisdom is in the group
For this child, we have prayed. Our son Ben was what people refer to as our "rainbow" baby, he was born after the loss of a child due to a miscarriage. He represented hope and renewal, and the entire family was excited. He came into our family, and I loved seeing...
Hope Restored: How PAL Helped Us Rebuild Trust, Love, and a Future Together
My husband and I have been married for 43 years and have two sons. Our oldest son is married and has a baby. When our sons were growing up, our home was filled with neighborhood kids and school friends. Our youngest son began with marijuana in middle school and...
The View from Recovery
Articles by People in Recovery
Finding Purpose in the Pain: A Journey from Despair to Empathy
As I sit here reflecting on the days of my past, I find myself transported back to a time when my life was consumed by addiction. It was a time when heroin dictated my every decision, and I felt like a spectator in my own life—watching from a distance as I spiraled...
Finding Hope Through Community
Someday the pain will end. Someday the frustration, the agony, the struggle to make sense of it all will meet at the intersection of our limited human understanding and reality and hopefully give us peace. It’s getting through day to day that is the true...
Starting the New Year with Renewed Hope: Letting Go of Reservations
“What could possibly be different this time? How long have you been sober? When is it going to stick?” If you’ve walked alongside someone battling addiction, or if you’ve fought the battle yourself, you’ve probably heard these questions—maybe even asked...
From Counselors
Articles by PAL and Partner Counselors
Breaking the Silence: Why Your Loved One May Be Holding Back the Truth About Their Problem
Part 1 Have you ever heard people say that an addicted person is really in denial about their problem? Well, I’m here to tell you that I don’t really believe that is usually the case. Sure, they may be denying that fact to you. This much I know to be true. I believe...
Holiday Harmony: Crafting a Plan to Handle Holiday Triggers
With December upon us and the holidays closing in, it is very important to recognize all the various emotions and thoughts that take place during these last months of the year. The holiday season tends to be commercialized as a time of joy, celebration, and family...
Accepting Help is Still Very Possible
Feeling helpless and hopeless in trying to save loved ones who believe they do not need help is one of the most disheartening aspects of the disease that families endure in dealing with mental health/addiction. As the growing number of individuals struggling with...
