When addiction first crept into our household 11 years ago, I started keeping a journal. Retreating to clean white paper became my refuge. The blank pages stared back, non-judgmental and welcoming. On their unvarnished surface I poured out my anguish, fear, confusion and shame. It was the only place – until many years later – …
Thirteen years ago when Jacob was home from Florida for a visit, our local treatment center invited him to address the patients. I was invited to join him. Today, this center, Pathways, offers a Family Program for those affected by a loved one’s addiction. It’s a Saturday session to learn more about disease and what …
Anonymity (Try saying that three times) “Your anonymity is protected at all times.” That’s part of the opening lines of many Twelve-Step programs. It’s a promise to anyone who is there. We introduce ourselves with first names only. What’s said here, stays here. When I first heard that my “anonymity was protected” I was both …