What do I know about blogging?  That question occurred to me when I was asked by my colleagues to host this blog.  I quickly realized that I don’t need to know anything about blogging — only about this topic, which is near and dear to my heart.  Frankly, I consider myself an expert on drug and alcohol abuse, having used almost every drug on the planet prior to entering recovery over 21 years ago. 

If only there had been such helpful resources in the ’70s, perhaps my parents could have done some things differently.  But then I wouldn’t be here today, with my dream job and this wonderful opportunity to help others.  This chance to share my thoughts, insights and experiences with parents and other caregivers, is tremendously exciting and rewarding.

I began using alcohol and drugs at age 13.  My parents never talked to me about the dangers and were heavy drinkers themselves.  My father traveled frequently so raising me was left pretty much to my mom.  In my recovery journey, I have come to accept that she did the best that she could, but the truth is that her desire to be my friend more than my mother really backfired.  She was one of those mothers who thought drug use was a rite of passage and believed that sharing that experience with me would minimize the risks.  Her intentions were good but the outcome was not.  By the time I entered college, I was a full-blown alcoholic and addict.

The roots of addiction run deep throughout my family.  In addition to being an alcoholic, my mother was addicted to prescription drugs, as were her two brothers and her parents.  My older sister is, thank God, a recovering alcoholic, with almost 18 years of sobriety.  However, I watched her son, my only nephew, struggle with addiction for over 20 years.  Just like me, he began using as a teen, and just like my mother, I used drugs with him, wanting to be a “cool” aunt instead of a responsible adult.  Tragically, he died from a drug overdose almost three years ago, at the age of 36.  I often wonder what else could have been done to prevent his death.  Sometimes I feel that I failed as an aunt by not setting a good example, but I was in the midst of my own addiction, and made terrible choices.  I have made amends. 

Today, God has given me another opportunity, blessing me with two grandchildren, ages 9 and 19.  I am proud to say that they have never seen “Nana” high or drunk, and they know, because we talk about it, the dangers of drugs and alcohol.   My granddaughter, the oldest, is extremely anti-drug, and I cherish a framed, award-winning essay she wrote in the sixth grade about why she chose a drug-free life.  My grandson, whose Marine father died a hero in Iraq three years ago, has very strong feelings about not using drugs.  I am so grateful for the Partnership’s newest offering, Free Talk Kit for Military Families because it provides our family with valuable tools to help him remain drug-free.  

I am honored to be a part of this blog and look forward to sharing my experience, strength and hope with you.  If you, your child, or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, please don’t give up.  You are not alone and we are here to help.  Together, we can make a difference!