Surviving the Holidays with an Addicted Loved One: Dre's Journey
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
The holiday season is often a time for joy and togetherness, but for families dealing with addiction, it can be a minefield of emotions. In this episode of 'Moms Letting Go Without Giving Up', host Michelle Weidenbenner sits down with Dre, a 24-year-old woman who has been in recovery for 16 months after battling opioid, heroin, and meth addiction for nine years.
Dre opens up about the raw and often painful reality of spending holidays as an addict and how family dynamics can either help or hinder the recovery process. She shares her candid thoughts on whether to invite an addicted loved one to holiday events and the complex emotions tied to giving gifts during this time. Dre also talks about setting boundaries, which she believes is crucial for both the addict and their family members.
One of her key messages is the importance of breaking harmful cycles by trying new approaches, rather than repeating actions that haven't worked in the past. Michelle and Dre delve into practical advice and emotional strategies to help families find some semblance of peace during the festive season. They emphasize focusing on gratitude and positivity as ways to cope with the heartache and stress that can accompany the holidays.
If you're struggling to navigate this challenging time with an addicted loved one, Dre's insights offer a glimmer of hope and actionable steps to make it through. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding and find solace in shared experiences.