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...
Mike Speakman, the co-author of my journey

Mike Speakman, the co-author of my journey

​​​​     2011 I’m sitting on the front patio of Calvary. It’s 7 a.m. My soon-to-be-ex-girlfriend dropped me off unceremoniously. There’s a bubbling fountain in the middle of the area; birds land on the top, shaking their feathers free from moisture as they...
The importance of readiness

The importance of readiness

          “Most people will not participate in their own rescue, because it will require hard work” – Unknown I want to share a thought about a subject that is controversial. This is just my belief, so please take it as “theory.” It’s...
What does recovery look like?

What does recovery look like?

        Have you ever said, “I think he is sober,” or “he says he is sober.” I hear this often at PAL meetings. I also remember saying those words during the years both of my sons were active in their disease. As parents we desperately want to...