PAL Blog

Read stories and insights from parents and experts in addiction recovery. Everyone has a story, and by sharing, we can empower each other, and find paths forward – together.

A Parent’s Story

Articles by Parents Like You
PAL made all the difference

PAL made all the difference

                I am married to a wonderful husband of 18 years, and we have one girl, two boys, two granddaughters and one grandson. My son, Cooper, was always active as a child. There was never a dull moment. He would make you...

Not our life to control

Not our life to control

            For many years I was a single mom. From the time my son, Drew, was young, he was a handful.  I kept thinking “he’ll grow out of it”.  His behavior and choices as young as age 12 were atypical for someone that age…stealing,...

Growing through the pain

Growing through the pain

            My wife and I have been married for 31 years and have two children. Our daughter is 23 years old and our son, David, is 21 years old.  Growing up, David was always a very sensitive child. He was very well behaved, didn’t get...

The View from Recovery

Articles by People in Recovery
Journey to Sobriety…and Hope for Her Future

Journey to Sobriety…and Hope for Her Future

​​​​   IN HER OWN WORDS… As I sit on my bed alone, broken to the point of thinking I may not live, I still am not sure I can ever get sober, to be honest, I’m not even sure I want to. I start thinking that I have to do this, I have to do something, as I know the...

Vignettes – Part 5

Vignettes – Part 5

​​​​   December 2013. Downtown Phoenix. Lost. Broken. Emaciated. Sick. Gray December skies punctuate the morning as I climb the stairs to the emergency room doors. Banner Good Samaritan. Twenty-six years ago, I was born here. I snub my cigarette out with my shoe...

Practicing Gratitude

Practicing Gratitude

​​​​   This time of year always instills in me a deep sense of gratitude. As the leaves change color and the weather cools down, I often find myself reflecting. The dark days behind me strike such a brilliant contrast to the light that permeates my now daily...

From Counselors

Articles by PAL and Partner Counselors
“Why Me?”

“Why Me?”

                Dr. Don Middleton (excerpt from Chapter 2 of The Dunamis Effect: When Your Higher Power is Jesus) Whenever we are faced with difficulty, whether it is the end of an important relationship, an unexpected or...

It’s not your fault

It’s not your fault

          As a therapist working with those struggling with addiction, it is hard to watch family members not knowing what to do. Always wondering, “Where did I go wrong?” Although I do not have a loved one who’s battled the beast, I have...

Hopelessness — A Common Condition for Parents

Hopelessness — A Common Condition for Parents

            For an addicted loved one’s parents, the shock of the situation and then the often-frustrating continued drug or alcohol use (“Why won’t he or she stop using these drugs?” “How can he or she not know what the risk is?”) can...

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