Impact on Family/Dad May Die

This week, I think I’ve gone through the most impactful and emotional occurrence of my recovery journey.

I have watched death several times as people start, and then leave the journey to a better life. Addictions are a terrible disease. They kill. So does the impact of poor mental hygiene; bad life balance.

This week, I had a call from an eleven year old, with a simple question, “Can you help my Daddy stop drinking”. Man, the little voice and the question floored me.

Those who have the same disease I have have a very good likelihood of dying from it, directly or indirectly. About 10% of the population suffers from an addiction. Even more suffer from an unbalanced life and its effects. Many of these people have family and loved ones. The person in active addiction can make choices for their own life. Unfortunately, others, like the little voice on the phone, can’t make the choice. Neither can I for anyone but me. Scary. I can’t stop Daddy from drinking and god knows I’ve tried.

So what can you tell a broken 11 year old? It really set me back. All I could say was that I, the same as he, could only support Dad and hope Dad decided to stop. I also suggested that he tell Dad (who was sober at the time) exactly how he felt. Who knows what reality it takes to have a person go as low as they need to go? What brings on that moment of clarity? Dad loves his son dearly and has kidded himself for years that for the most part he is a good Dad and his drinking isn’t really impact his family.

That’s not what the little voice on the phone told me. The son loves Dad, yet I know Dad doesn’t love Dad!
Dad will get help, and MAYBE this time he’ll walk the walk, not just talk the talk. I’ve heard his tale of remorse many times, and I really pray this time he’ll get it. He has good support IF he chooses to do what needs to be done.

There are many I have met who unfortunately are “chronic”. Dad may well be one of them. The true impact for me was the voice on the phone, an outwardly happy and athletic kid who has so much going for him! He does remind me of me, and unfortunately, so does his Dad. Powerless is an awful feeling!

And I was once that little boy.
I hope a few read this, and that at least one gets a wake up call. We all know the “Dad” character somewhere in our lives, and Dad can be either male or female. Please share the story with those where you think it might make an impact. For those who want it, there is help and hope.

The Journey of Recovery for me is full of twists and turns. I know what I had to do to become “recovered”. I have to keep on “recovering”. And no one thing or group turned it for me. I’ve had the benefit of traditional recovery, wise people and people trained to help me help myself! It truly has been a co-creative and spiritual journey.

Please take a look at www.creativeliferecovery.com. You may help someone start a journey! And pray for the little boys and the thousands of other “innocents” just like him. If Dad wants to make it, he will OR he will die. I wonder how this young fellow will turn out?