Looking in the Rear View Mirror of My Son’s Addiction
Since your child was born, you have tried to be a “good-enough” parent. This obligation, skill set includes comforting and reducing his “boo-boos” to lessen the hurt. When the child was older, you could somewhat control his behavior, although it became harder, with a carrot. For example, if you mow the lawn, you can stay…
Read MoreLooking Beyond The Peephole of Addiction
There are many books about addiction. Some are written by mothers who give you a glance into their private world of what it’s like having a daughter who is NOT in recovery when the book begins such as if you love me: A mother’s journey through her daughter’s opioid addiction (Henry Holt: 2018) by Maureen…
Read MoreGetting the Best Treatment? Not if your child Feels Stigmatized
Parents want the best treatment for their children who have substance abuse disorders yet only 18% of those who misuse drugs, including alcohol, receive treatment for their addiction, according to psychiatrist Nora Volkow, M.D., Director of National Institute on Drug Abuse. Stigma Why? Stigma is the main reason behind the reluctance to go to doctor, …
Read MoreCDC Provisional Counts of 2021 Addiction Are Released Today, And They ARE Sobering!
The U.S. Covoid pandemic did a number on overdose deaths – 93,000 last year, to be exact, according to CDC figures released today on drug-related deaths occurring within the fifty states and Washington, D.C. during a twelve month period. On a daily basis, that works out to be 256 Americans per day. That statistic is…
Read MoreMusic Not Glamorizing Drugs Now?
Once upon a time, musicians glamorized drugs. Janis Joplin, in the late 60’s, would appear on stage at The Fillmore East in lower Manhattan with a “Southern Comfort” bottle. I witnessed it as well as the audience “sniffing glue.” (the audience was as high as the performers!) Famous electric guitarist Jimmy Hendrix would often appear…
Read MoreSelf-Defeating Behaviors That Parents of Substance Abusers Believe
Self-Defeating Behaviors that Parents of Substance Abusers Believe Guilt: I caused the addiction. I must be a bad parent! If I can’t control my child’s behavior, then I must be a bad parent! Gone are the days when you could send your child to his room for punishment, take away her allowance or deprive him…
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