In this week's episode I sat down Brenda Stewart, founder of The Addict's Parents United and the Mother of two adult sons who have suffered with substance use and addiction. Together we cover the effects on the family members, in particular the parents of a son or daughter afflicted with an addiction or alcohol problem.
Our side of the house can be crazier and become as sick (if not sicker) as the one struggling with chemically fueled behavior. And we are not usually even high. Those in the peripheral get triggered, suffer from PTSD, depression, anxiety, stress induced physical conditions and so on. Addiction effects the health of EVERYONE.
Also - stress led both of us to experience panic attacks. Brenda and I discuss that subject and share coping methods. Because those are the WORST!
We read questions from parents and family members, including how to manage when a son or daughter says vicious things or makes threats for money, how to manage the stress, fear and sadness, and what might someone say to a friend or family member who has an addicted son or daughter.
We both agree on one thing for sure - families DO recover! But it's a group effort.
Listen in for this information and HOPE filled conversation!
Brenda's organization The Addicts Parents United can be found on Facebook and at https://www.tapunited.org/ Check it out!