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When substance use disorder disrupts your field of dreams


By Stephen C. Schultz

Over the years I have had too many conversations with families about substance abuse. I have sat with parents brought to tears because addiction has ruined relationships and tarnished trust. I have discussed substance use disorder with teens that maintain a center of the universe attitude and are convinced they can use drugs now, only to recover later in life and be fine. I have witnessed the slow death that comes about because of a cirrhotic liver and the spur of the moment death brought about by substance induced suicide.  I have compassionately changed the bed sheets of a middle aged man in the throes of a medical detox who was trying desperately to maintain some semblance of dignity.

In each of these cases, families and parents never once thought to themselves;

“I sure hope that someone in our family struggles with addiction!”

Substance Abuse


In fact, most families romanticize the Field of Dreams scenario. Unfortunately, addiction is no respecter of persons, social status or financial achievements. For those families that find themselves struggling with the demons of addiction, I have created a list of posts from my blog that can be used as a resource. I hope you find this helpful. Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or share with others. It’s only through open and honest dialogue that healing can begin and the pain of addiction can be soothed.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Teens and Alcohol – A Relationship on the Rocks

Alcohol and Teens...it's all about cells!

Teen Party At The Beach 

Touching Thank You From a Grateful Father

What's the best way to deal with "Failure To Launch"?

Adversity - Can We Avoid It?

The definition of insanity…

Truth or Consequences - A story of heroin addiction

 


 

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