Hello Friends,
Her are the headlines:
First, thanks to all of you who have commented via e-mail or call. Sarah is now on many prayer-lists. Second, re: my comment about Sarah's cell phone. Because of the broken rules, her "no contact period" was extended 7 more days. Third, the "bf", the phone, etc. are all part of an interlocked addiction.
Now the droning
In various family group education sessions over the last year we've learned the gross facts of addiction and recovery. This is a dangerous stage for us because we know a little about a lot, just like the student who takes Psych 101 and starts diagnosing everyones' problems. We're just getting initiated into the "system".
This disease, this addiction is complex and tenuous and it will be a life-time battle. Addiction has a parallel with organ transplant recipients who face a daily regimen of "anti-rejection" medication. The recovering addict lives day to day, hour by hour, and sometimes, minute by minute needing a fix of "stay clean". No blame, no excuses. Addiction is a terrible disease that is not solved by a "V-8 moment!" IF ONLY THE ADDICT WOULD .... (fill in the blank) .... is too simple a prescription. We all have a long way to go to know how best to support Sarah.
What are we doing? Treatment plans have been commited to - that's why Sarah's at the Ranch. We're trying to learn more about post-Ranch support options, whether at home in Indy or not. These are the elementary steps. What we've really done is put our trust in the professionals, appreciating their opinions and options. Yes, we're putting a lot of this in God's hands. And we're taking one day at a time.
It may sound like a contradiction to say we haven't let go completely ... we're still butting in. Why? Sarah's almost 19 and legally an adult responsible for herself and all decisions that affect her. The rub is that her addiction results in arrested and distorted brain functions, edgy behaviors and thought processes, and bad outcomes. It might take a guardianship or other legal manuever to protect her. One day at a time.
For now, we're reaching out to support groups and Al Anon and will reach out more to friends and family. Special thanks to all who are in touch in any way. Your kind words are appreciated.
Many people have the same struggles with no one helping. Pray for those people, too.
- oldyeller
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1 comment:
"Many people have the same struggles with no one helping. Pray for those people, too."
This is unbelievably true - even in this 30,000 person, 2 horse town (there may be up to 5 horses, but that counts ponies). Can't help but wonder what changes could have been made in their respective pasts to help them avoid their current liabilities (e.g. - time in jail). It's easy to give up on them. The consequences are devastating. That's going to be incredibly important for people to remember when they are frustrated with Sarah and her behaviors post-ranch.
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