family support

According to a survey in the state of Virginia, fear is one of the top reactions to the addiction of a family member.  Our minds become plagued with questions: 

• What if they can't pay their bills?
• Will they get in a car accident?
• Will they lose their job?
• Will they flunk out of school?
• Will they be homeless?
• What if they die?]

What if, what if, what if ... the list goes on and on of the consequences of addictions.

Anger is the other major reaction besides fear in our survey of families of alcoholics.  We become very angry and frustrated over the losses we experience.

We have found that there are 3 ways of detaching from the person whose addiction is affecting you.  Initially we detach out of anger and frustration to shield ourselves from the pain. In a second phase after we have learned more about the disease, we detach out of indifference. Then finally, through compassion and great personal strength, we learn to detach with love. 

Running a holiday sale or weekly special? Definitely promote it here to get customers excited about getting a sweet deal.

What if?  Are you haunted by that question and its many forms?  Has the addict lost a job, wrecked their car, or lost their apartment? Are they always asking you for money?  Tired of being the bank but feel you must help them? 

 There is a lot about Alcoholism and other addictions that is very hard to accept.   Why can't they just snap out of it?  Has talking to them done any good?  Were you met with a flood of denial and rage?