Mother’s Struggle with Addiction Too
While in the midst of addiction, addicts tend to think only of themselves. They aren’t thinking about their families, loved ones, society, or children. As a result, they aren’t fully grasping how detrimental their actions are and how deeply they are affecting the lives of others, especially their children. One of our graduates tells her story of being a drug addict, how it damaged her relationship with her children, and what it took to get it back.
“I’ve been addicted to drugs for over seventeen years. During this time, I wasted so many years disappointing my children and being absent from their lives. When I got married in 2005, my addiction began to increase rapidly. I began spending less and less time with my children. Not only was I not around to take care of them, but I had put that responsibility on my mom and sisters. Eventually, I sold drugs to support my habit, which endangered the lives of myself and other drug addicts, and my family.
“Throughout this time, I would rarely see my children and family. They didn’t know if I was alive or dead and were constantly worried about my well-being. Day by day, I began to lose who I was and became a different person, a person no one could recognize. I was irresponsible and cared for no one except for myself and my addiction. I did whatever I needed to do to keep using drugs. As a result, I missed countless years in my children’s lives that I can’t get back, and they missed out on having a mother.
“Not only did I begin to feel like my old self again, but I was able to take responsibility for my actions toward my children and family. It felt amazing to have them all in my life again…”
“When I first arrived at Narconon, I was skeptical and didn’t want to give the program a chance. But as I began, I quickly realized this program was different from any other program I’ve been to. Not only did I begin to feel like my old self again, but I was able to take responsibility for my actions toward my children and family. It felt amazing to have them all in my life again. Today I talk to them daily and have a close relationship with them again. This program saved my life and the lives of my family. All the staff were caring, positive, and supportive, and I will forever be grateful to them for their patience and understanding.”
—M.N. Narconon Graduate
When struggling with addiction, addicts tend to have a one-track mind. The hardest thing when getting sober is realizing all the harm and damage you have caused to your life and those around you. Guilt can set it, and it is extremely hard to face all the destruction.
No one is perfect, and there is no such thing as a perfect parent. Admitting your faults and taking responsibility is the first step in the right direction to getting your life back on track. Struggling with addiction and having a family to care for is impossible to do successfully. One typically takes over, and that is addiction.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Even if you feel shame or guilt for the damage you have caused to your family and children, we are here to help. Narconon not only helps you figure out the underlying root of your addiction, but we also help you repair the damage you have done to your loved ones.
Narconon staff will work one-on-one with you to help you mend your relationships, including the relationships with your children, and will help give you the tools to go out into the world ready to face life and anything it throws at you. Everyone makes mistakes, but you don’t have to keep making the same mistake over and over again. Being absent or a disappointment in your child’s life will only continue if you allow it. Reach out for help before it’s too late.
