28th Wedding Anniversary, and a miracle on my driveway.

[elehhhhna]

Our daughter (14 ta the time) entered rehab March 8, 2011. Since then she's (we've) been very active in an APG (Alt Peer Group)/ Parent driven recovery program, the concept of which THANK GOD was invented in Houston in the 70's and as a result we have several. People MOVE HERE in order to have their kids/family participate. Anyway, they keep the kids very busy, and their counselors are with them for all events, meetings, etc. My daughter's counselor is loved by us - he's amazing - an addict at 14, a Martine at 19, a lifesaving counselor for addict teens at 30.

They all stopped by here between the meeting this a.m. and the function tonight - had a few hours to kill and our house is always open. SO they ate the Anniversary spaghetti my hubs made for us and drank a lot of coffee.

One of our newcomers is a 15 year old Natalie Wood look alike who's older sis was in the program. Long story short the family had a horrific history for generations, and the Mom made it STOP with her. Not easy but she did it. So, baby girl is wired like a lot of addict kids. Weirdly. Her depression is apparent and deepening. It is now dangerous. Today our counselor got her to open up (a few hours talking on our driveway) and now baby's on her way to a good hospital for an eval. Voluntarily. Mom is totally on board and THEN counselor called the child's Dad (acrimonious post-divorce relationship) and he's on board too. Important as he is the payee...

I feel so much gratitude that the universe lets me witness miracles.






One political aside : The pent up demand for mental health and rehab/recovery assistance is HUGE in this country and the ACA will give people access to services they desperately want and need. If you are insured now and need recovery/rehab, go now. There will be waiting lists come January.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. K&R for the wonderful miracle in your driveway!

That is just the most amazing story.




On edit: Congrats on your anniversary! May there be many, many more!

[elehhhhna]

3. Miracles everywhere Peggy.

I, for example, lost a LOT of my selfishness as well as a general ambivalence about parenting ability thanks to the program. Still working that and much more but what a privilege to love and often stunt-mother so many children. Children much like myself at that age.

[riderinthestorm]

2. You're so right. It takes a village to parent addicts

Especially young ones.

Good luck with your troubles. I am 120% with you

[elehhhhna]

4. they are amazing kids and honstly we are losing the brightest and the best to BOREDOM

I blame NCLB for some of it. Bored kids who are not challenged in school get into trouble. I see it every day.

Media bullshit pressure is another issue...





If anyone is struggling with a teen like this, feel free to contact me. I'm far from an expert but I know quite a few.

[Freddie]

5. My son is a recovering drug addict

Age 23. Almost 9 months clean now and doing very well. Keeping busy and making new friends have been the difference for him. His first time at rehab 3 years ago didn't stick very long but, fingers crossed, this time is different so far. My heart is with you.

[elehhhhna]

8. 9months is a milestone!

We have been lucky (so far) that she hasn't relapsed (Taurus. STUBBORN. Very helpful trait in this instance) but relapse is part of recovery for many (most). Recovery is tough.

My heart is with you, too , Freddie.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

6. Congratulations are in order all around, elehhhna!

More rehab centers would help empty out the jails IMHO. Glad your family is getting help and wish you all the best of everything.

[TxDemChem]

7. Absolutely wonderful.

I agree with you that there is a dire need for mental/addiction help services. We have for too long (as a nation) been pretending these problems don't exist. Congrats to you, your family, the counselor and the program.

[elehhhhna]

9. the more open we are about it the less stigma is carries

it's an epidemic, and people who want help often can't access it.

[TxDemChem]

10. Yep. It's that damn stigma that gets me.

I despise the fact that people choose to suffer in silence because others may look at them differently. I truly believe we all have our problems, but those who seek help are the brave ones. I commend your daughter and family for stepping forward and finding it.

I hope you all will have a wonderful future. And thanks for sharing this with us on DU. You likely have inspired at least one person to take action either for themselves or for a loved one.

[niyad]

11. k and r--thank you for sharing your anniversary, and the miracles, with us. may there be many more

of both for you and your loved ones.

[Wounded Bear]

12. Great story! And best wishes moving forward...

I have struggled with addiction myself. I know. Most of the public doesn't really understand. That's how they come up with "just say no" and other BS strategies that save money but few lives.

The need is deep and while it's a step in the right direction, I feel that the new legislation is still inadequate. We can only hope that more help is on the way.