Link: http://www.riseaboveaddiction.com/parentsandfriends.html

For Families and Friends

It probably is impossible to put into words the complexity of aching feelings a parent, family member, or friend feels at the sight of their loved one spiraling out of control. You have most likely felt some if not all of these: profound sadness, confusion, guilt, anger, desperation, helplessness, deep loneliness, fear, and even betrayal. It is a scary thing to face all of these things alone. But that is just it, you don’t have to face it alone! No matter how lonely you feel, there are millions just like you facing the reality of their loved one who is struggling with addiction. There are millions who are dealing with losses like yours. Isn’t it time to be supported? Many think about how hard it is for the person struggling with addiction and forget about the heavy load carried by those who love them. Some may even argue it is harder and more painful at times for the family or friend because they are often more aware of the unfortunate consequences the addict may inherit from their addiction.
Well, it is time for you to know it is okay to cry. It is okay to feel sad. However, you also ought to know it is okay to laugh when you can. It is okay to hope. It is okay to ask for help. It is okay to ask for support. It is okay to pray.
I love to look at pictures of the old Greek architecture. Have you ever noticed the abundance of impressive huge white stone columns? Powerful, aren’t they? Take the Parthenon for instance. Do you think any one pillar alone could hold up the massive roof structure? Not for a second. You should not expect so much of yourself either. Coping with a spouse, family member, or loved one who suffers from an addiction requires the support of others. There are many resources. In fact, we have started compiling some of these resources here on this site. In time, we hope to build the single largest addiction resources guide in the world. It does not matter where you go to find support, just find support. We are also building what we hope will become the largest online addiction support forum in the world. We invite you to join now for free and help us build something special together. Go to a meeting near you, call a friend, join a support group online or in person – you do not need to be alone anymore!
www.riseaboveaddiction.com
James Snow

Have you seen our section on addiction resources?