Never Say "It Can't Happen to Our Family" / myLot

United States

December 13, 2015 3:45pm CST

Addictions have played a miserable role in our family for so long. Every time I think things are getting better, the evil hook of addiction digs deep into the flesh of someone I love. I have had people say that they have nothing to worry about, that it would never happen to their family. Well, trust me, addiction happens. For those struggling with addiction, I wish you strength to kick this debilitating habit that holds you hostage. To the haters, don't judge. Addiction is a disease. It is one that even when you kick the habit, will always linger in the darkness and try to draw you back in. I pray for my loved ones to remain strong and for the one that is struggling, I pray for strength. I could not fathom losing any of them.

19 people like this

15 responses

peggy baker

@softbabe44 (5816)

• Vancouver, Washington

14 Dec 15

I think that it's ugly and it costs us a lot it's really terrible.

4 people like this

winterose

@winterose (39887)

• Canada

15 Dec 15

oh yes there are addictions in my family as well. My family is quite dysfunctional.

3 people like this

peggy baker

@softbabe44 (5816)

• Vancouver, Washington

15 Dec 15

@winterose I hope things get better

3 people like this

LK2018

@Letranknight2015 (51537)

• Philippines

13 Dec 15

well, haters doesn't really understand what people are going through or they are just addicted to some one else, like judging others to cover their own addiction. I hope your family gets to see the light of day.

4 people like this

Heather Echola

@GardenGerty (157674)

• United States

13 Dec 15

No judgement here. You never know when it will strike your family.

4 people like this

Jabo

@jaboUK (64361)

• United Kingdom

13 Dec 15

I'm sorry that you are having to cope with this. Addiction can be very hard on the whole family.

3 people like this

ElusiveButterfly

@ElusiveButterfly (45939)

• United States

15 Dec 15

We love and support one another and that is also of importance.

2 people like this

Sherry

@norcal (4890)

• Franklinton, North Carolina

14 Dec 15

It is as hard for the family as it is for the addict, sometimes harder.

3 people like this

ElusiveButterfly

@ElusiveButterfly (45939)

• United States

15 Dec 15

I will forever maintain my support for those I love. Somedays it is more difficult to do so, especially when they say this is last time.

1 person likes this

ElusiveButterfly

@ElusiveButterfly (45939)

• United States

17 Dec 15

@norcal Very true. I am going through this again. No words I offer can help. They seemingly listen, and promises are made only to have them fall on their face time and again.

2 people like this

Sherry

@norcal (4890)

• Franklinton, North Carolina

16 Dec 15

@ElusiveButterfly - I had to learn with my son that I couldn't fix it for him. I will always love him, but sometimes help becomes enabling. When your help does not help them, it only hurts you, you have to step back. I am going through the same thing with my brother right now. When he seems in such bad shape, it's hard to step back, but no matter how much I do to help him, he throws it all away.

2 people like this

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fishtiger58

@fishtiger58 (29823)

• Momence, Illinois

13 Dec 15

I have a friend who has fallen to addiction. I was shocked she was always the strong one when we were young. Sadly her addiction has taken her away from me with unfounded accusations.

3 people like this

ElusiveButterfly

@ElusiveButterfly (45939)

• United States

15 Dec 15

They are often quick to point the accusatory finger at the ones that love them the most.

3 people like this

fishtiger58

@fishtiger58 (29823)

• Momence, Illinois

15 Dec 15

@ElusiveButterfly It does seem like it.

3 people like this

Amber

@AmbiePam (85687)

• United States

30 Dec 15

People seem to think it won't hurt to try someone just once. Or drinking to forget problems this time doesn't mean anything. It's too easy to fall into addiction with everything going on in the world. And I can't imagine how discouraging it is to kick a habit, but then slipping up and having to start all over again. I'll pray for you and your family. My late mother's brother has ruined his life because of his addiction.

1 person likes this

vanny

@vandana7 (98982)

• India

14 Dec 15

I have had it tough with paternal uncle who was addicted to drinking, and paternal aunt's husband who was a gambler. Drinking and gambling are very common addictions in our family.

2 people like this

Charlene Sally Collins

@OreoBrownie (3755)

• Commerce, Georgia

17 Dec 15

I was addicted to smoking for 34 years. I suffer the consequences of my actions way back then through all the years. Most people have an addiction they don't recognize as an addiction such as eating to super obesity or smoking until you die of complications. I'm on hospice now because of my disease or conditions. I can't blame anyone but me. I can't judge others because that makes me a liar unto myself. You are right. Addictive behavior can happen to anyone and any family.

2 people like this

ElusiveButterfly

@ElusiveButterfly (45939)

• United States

17 Dec 15

Nicotine addiction is difficult to break. It has been ranked as tough to break as heroin addiction. So many of my family members are also addicted to smoking. My husband smokes, my daughters, and son. My husband says he plans on quitting. He has stated that over and over again from the first day we met 6 years ago.

1 person likes this