[arial]

Thank you for sharing this as I found it very inspiring to know that you can make it through a loved ones addiction, although I know you are still going through it. My daughter is 20 and denies using anything, although all the signs are there. She has been living in and out of hostels over the last 2 years and has had a succession of boyfriends. Her latest one is a lot older but she has moved in and its ‘working out’. As a family we have tried to be supportive but it is only really me, as her mum, that has any patience left, although I think it’s also guilt as I feel I must have done something wrong. I can only be there for her when she has moments of needing ‘mum’ but reading your story made me feel better as it is ‘ok’ to try and support them, even though she seems to have ‘chosen’ this way of life for the moment….x

[4everhoping]

Thank you for your comments.I know the feeling of thinking you may have done something wrong. I often questioned myself but not any more. I know deep down it isn’t my fault that my son made the choices he did. He has told us he doesn’t blame us that he only has himself to blame. I think guilt must be a mum thing! I know there are people who feel we should walk away and leave them to it. It’s their “choice” to ruin their lives but it shouldn’t ruin everyone else’s etc, etc. I often think the people who say these things don’t really have a clue what it’s like to have a child…even if adult…who is addicted.They don’t understand the grief you go through. At the end of the day we have to live with ourselves and the choices WE make. We choose to not walk away and we too have to live with whatever consequences arise from that and that’s not always easy either. I wish you and your family well and hope you can stay strong in supporting your daughter and not let all the stress come between you. x

[Author]

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