families of those in recovery
As many of us recover from whatever addiction that holds us down, sometimes we forget that we are not the only ones that need to recover. For how ever long our loved ones have watched us go through and do what we did. It was not just ourselves that we have hurt but all those around us. So it is to them that I dedicate this page to. It is to the family and friends that have stood by us. The ones who have been helpless as we destroyed our lives from within. It is the very people we have hurt the most when we needed them the most. For many of us that are early in recovery we want what we want now! We want our families forgive this instant. We forget all that we have put them through. They have heard it all before, the promises, the plans for a better life, all to have them wilted before their eyes. Wounds and mistrust run deep and it will not be healed over night. What we can do as the ones recovering is give them this time, show them by actions and not promises that we are on the road to change. It is often stated in the big book that this is a program of action not words. Now to the families: Remember that change will come slowly. It is normal for you to have resentments over past deeds and actions towards you. Like the person in recovery you too are in a mode of recovery. Seek out people to talk to. You are not alone in this. Many have gone through what you are. The big book states that the family will be just as impatient as the addict. They want things to go back to a normal life style. But for many of us, normal is unknown. Learning a new way to live is sometimes scary. It’s a new way of dealing with problems, communicating and being healthy. My biggest advice to you is this, get a big book and read the chapter to the family. It can only help