To the Mother of the Drug-Addicted Child,
If you’re reading this today, it’s probably not you. Your kids are young, full of spirit and passion. You may know someone who has dealt with their child turning to drugs, you may be a sibling of a drug addict, or you may have seen friends fall fast into the downward spiral. Sadly, it is all too common in the world we live in. Yet, as common as it might be, I can guarantee you believe it won’t happen to you; it won’t be your child.
I have three young children. Both my and my husband’s families have histories of addiction and mental illnesses. For the last 20 years, I watched my mother get mentally, emotionally, and physically destroyed by her son. My brother lied, cheated, and stole his way into a life of drugs, street living, manipulation, and disappointment. Even with all those factors, I, too, believe that it can’t happen to my kids.
The truth is that we’re all wrong. It can happen to any one of our babies. We can do everything for them, monitor screen time, read their text messages, limit their sugar, hold their hands, homeschool them. But the reality of the world is inevitable. They will make choices that enrich their lives, but they will also make ones that can ruin them.
So, when I address the mother of the drug-addicted child, I am talking to you. I am talking to myself. I am speaking to all of us as a collective of mothers who have no idea what the future holds.
Be strong. Be there. Get them help. Do all of the things your nurturing instincts tell you to do to save them. Find support. But do not allow them to leave you lifeless.
Sincerely,
The Sister of a Drug-Addicted Brother (AND a Hopeful Mother)
