As a parent of an adult child in recovery it sometimes makes family time difficult. You want to be sure that you do everything you possibly can to support their sobriety without enabling them in any way. This isn’t easy. In the beginning we were walking on thin ice. We have been disappointed so many times. But this time I truly feel as though he’s got it. He is an amazing father and has started his own business. Having the skills to work for yourself is amazing since it’s so hard for a recovering addict and convicted felon to get a decent job. He is pulling it all together and his inspiration has been his children. He wants them to be able to look up to him, to be a good role model. We are proud of what he is doing. Of course this doesn’t mean everything is perfect. Far from it. When someone has been an addict for an extended amount of time they develop new personality traits. There of course is the “all about me” lifestyle, the lies, the exaggerations, we all know all about these. But they don’t go away just because someone isn’t using, in fact I’ve been told it’s a possibility they never will. They’ve relied on these traits for so long that it takes counseling, desire and time to change them.


So you might need a few of these around the house for those times that you’re at the end of your rope. Yes there are going to be many times like this! But there is also going to be fun. You’re also going to have moments of great joy. Cautious joy. I’m afraid to be too happy and if I am reality sets in. No matter how long you’ve been in recovery there is always a possibility of everything falling apart. I’ve seen it happen so many times that I can’t shake that feeling that I can lose it all. So when I can, I live in the moment and enjoy what blessings have been given to me right now.
So here are some ideas of what you can do when your loved one is sober. Ways to make memories and build your relationship. Thing that can help you relax and be open to all that has been given to you. The gift of recovery should be cherished, it is something that many don’t get the chance to experience.