One of my kids (son #2, Grayson) is an addict. He's been spiraling down further and further into his addiction and there's not a blessed thing I can do about it, and believe me I've tried. Shortly before Thanksgiving he hit his latest bottom, and now I don't know where he is, if he's homeless, cold, hungry....it just really hurts. The holiday season isn't very merry for me at the moment, and it's been all I can do to put one foot in front of the other as I try and recover some kind of balance from this latest. I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers, not just for Grayson, but for his siblings too who have been emotionally devastated by their brother's addiction. It's taken a huge toll on the whole family. Sorry to be such a downer during what should be a happy, merry and joyful time. I'm trying to recover some of my own joy in the season and I need all the help I can get! Thanks folks.
Ronni, You and your family are in my prayers. I pray Grayson comes to his senses and gets the help he needs.
Good thoughts and prayers coming your way. There is a big mis-conception about the happiness of this season and when something happens to mar that happiness people feel a great sense of failure. Other than the eve and day of the religious holiday, December is just like any other month of the year....good things and bad things happen. I am NOT dis-respecting what you are feeling right now and what your family is going through I just hope that you don't let the idea of total happiness of this season affect how you make your way through this. You are strong, which you have proven many times in the last few months. You have other kids and grandkids, focus on them, make this holiday about them and don't give the addict power over you to ruin even one day of your life. Are you going to a support group for Moms with addicted kids? You really should.
Well said Toni. Ronni I can't imagine what you're going through but I do know that you need to have some support for yourself. Grayson has chosen this way of life and I sincerely pray that he gets help to overcome his addiction but you must look after yourself. Do try to join a group where parents in the same situation will be there to listen and help you through this.
Prayers are being said for him. you and your family. Everyone needs them even though we are aggravated with them. everyone needs a little help. Please don't enable him but give him strength.
Thanks so much for this Toni. Wise words. Typically the Christmas season for us as a family has always been a lovely time. We are a very close knit family, no issues or dysfunction that keep the family unit in foment other than Grayson's addiction, which has drawn the rest of the family even closer even while it's caused Grayson to withdraw more and more. I'm most definitely focusing on the rest of the family, and especially my precious grandkids. I am trying SO hard to not allow this issue to mar the season, though I haven't been terribly successful so far...at least as far as my own personal enjoyment is concerned. I've done a better job of making sure it doesn't impact the rest of the kinfolk. I am focusing very strongly on my own recovery, after coming to the very painful conclusion that there is NOTHING I can do to help my son. He's been to numerous rehabs, he's been jailed, he's been helped by every member of his family. He's lost jobs, girlfriends, possessions, homes as a result of his addiction. He's had numerous opportunities to turn his life around with an enormous amount of support and has wasted every bit of help he's been given. There is nothing more I can do for him until and unless he chooses recovery. I've started attending Nar-Anon meetings, which is a support group for families of addicts. It's been hugely helpful in making me feel less alone in this struggle. I appreciate more than I can say all the support, thoughts, prayers. I'm taking this one day at a time, continuing to just put one foot in front of the other, and in time and with persistence I'll get through this, whether or not my son chooses recovery.
Ronni, I am sad for you and your family. This is just not something you can do for him, but help if he allows it. You and your family will be in my prayers.
That's a horrible situation Ronni. Sending positive thoughts to all. Hope you are able to find happiness these holidays.
I wish for the strength to get through this terrible misfortune. Of course I am hoping that there will be some way that your son can see the right path to take and ...to take it. There is no question that the support will be there for him. What a sad and unfortunate drama for you you and your family, not to mention for the young man himself. Oh, how I wish that I could wave a magic wand and help you and yours out. As your GS pal, it is a bit painful to read about this dramatic and draining situation. My heart goes out to you all there. One does not hear about miracles much these days...but that is exactly what I am hoping for you and your young man. It is not too late for one.
Glad that you are receiving some back up help from Nar-Anon Ronni, this must be a very stressful time for you and your family. I hope things turn around soon for your son and he can get his life back together.
