A good update - second year anniversary !

[Ephchap]

With so many struggling, it's sometimes difficult to think there might be light at the end of the tunnel. I have lived through it (twice actually, as my son overcame his drugging and then with alcohol) and know how it tears us up inside watching our gfg's self-destruct. We just want to be able to kiss away their hurt and pain and shake them until they listen and start doing the right thing. Been there.

Today is my son's second year sober anniversary! I left a card out on the counter this morning, knowing he'd read it before he left for work. I just wrote how proud I am of him and how I am truly grateful that for these past two years, I've gotten my loving son back.

I just wanted to share a happy update. Some of you have "known" my gfg since he was much younger. Some of you don't know him at all (as he's now 27 and so for a very long while, I haven't updated much about him on this forum). I thought hearing about an addict/alcoholic who has overcome so much might help some get through even one more awful moment with their gfg. Through it all, I never gave up on him and was always hopeful, though to be sure there were times when we had to turn our back on him, ask him to leave, sign him into a psych hospital against his will, and even call the police on him to have him arrested. It's been a long, long road to be sure and, of course, it's never truly over for an addict/alcoholic.

One day at a time. But for today, I'm just elated and so very proud of my son.

Deb

[Sarmandak]

This is wonderful to read. With so many people struggling it is nice to read a positive post. I am so happy for you and your son!

[trinityroyal]

Deb, thank you for such a wonderful update. I'm so glad to hear that your son continues to do well.
As you say, one day at a time.

[PatriotsGirl]

Thank you for that!!! Congratulations to your son!

[AlabamaGirl]

Deb,

I am so very happy for all of you!!

Thanks for posting. It's good to see a happy outcome.

[Nancy]

Deb,

That is wonderful news and I am so proud of him also. It does give us hope because I remember those early days with your gfg and what you went through, what your whole family went through. You make an excellent point, you never gave up on him but there were times you had to turn your back on him. That is so relevant to so many of us right now. It's important for us to remember that turning our backs on our gfgs when they are actively using and not in recovery is not the same as giving up on them.

The other good point you make is that an addict is an addict and it doesn't matter what your first drug of choice is, if that is not available you will go to something else. The substance abuse center gfg was in was very clear that if you are a drug addict you must also give up alcohol, and vise versa of course. Most drug addicts were very surprised to hear that. Our druggie neighbor who was responsible for giving gfg her first pot cigarette at the age of 14 is now a heroin addict and currently in court ordered treatment. He is about to graduate from drug court so he goes home on weekends and guess what? He drinks every weekend until he gets wasted. He may graduate from drug court but he will soon be back in jail for DUI.

Thank you for sharing your happy news with us weary souls and reminding us that there is hope out there.

I hope your gfg is as proud of himself as we all are of him.

Nancy

[Signorina]

Thank you for sharing that lovely story. It was just what I needed to read. Not only that your gfg is now a pc ... but that you are coherent and happy. Sometimes I think that even "if" GFG is OK someday that I will never be lighthearted again. I am so glad you are proud of your son - I think that's what I miss the most. Being able to be proud instead of ashamed.

Thank you thank you thank you - I too hope the light at the end of the tunnel is the light of hope instead of a freight train someday soon.

[DDD]

It's been a long long road, my friend, but with family support he has gotten on the right road. I'm thrilled for him and your whole family. DDD

[Kathy813]

Deb, thank you for sharing that. It gives me hope for my GFG.

~Kathy

[Dammit Janet]

Gosh...I cant believe he is 27! Our boys really are grown up arent they? It doesnt seem its been all that long does it. Congrats to him. I do remember the really bad days well and am so proud of him.