Three Lessons Learned: A Mother's Reflections on Supporting Her Daughter's Sobriety
I wish I had gotten her out of that environment when she started expressing how upset she was about what was happening there. And she was planning to come back in a few weeks for Christmas to be in her cousin's wedding. She shouldn't have been alone, and he was right.
Heather Ross has walked the challenging path of supporting a child through addiction. In this heartfelt episode, she opens up about three things she wishes she had done differently last year while helping her daughter, Helanna, on her sobriety journey. Heather discusses her past reliance on outdated tough love methods and the constant fear of enabling rather than helping. She also shares insights from Helanna’s journal, providing a deeply personal perspective on what worked and what didn’t.
This episode isn't about placing blame; it’s about learning and growing from past experiences. Heather emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, acknowledging that even with different actions, outcomes might not have changed. Her goal is to offer you a perspective that could make your decisions a bit easier when facing similar challenges. Heather also touches on practical issues like finding a sober living place that accommodates pets and how environmental factors play a role in recovery.
If you're navigating the rough waters of a child's addiction, Heather's reflections provide both comfort and guidance, encouraging a compassionate and collaborative approach.