A funny thing happens when the kids don’t have any immediate troubles… I am forced to face my own. Dan has been home for nine days and attended nine meetings. His friends are going with him. There have been no signs of any substances or substance use in my house. Cathy is settling in; her emotions are steadier and she’s regaining her focus. Allen is covering some ground with his therapist, learning to communicate emotions, and taking responsibility for his own health in a more active way.
So now, I have no one to look at but me, my house, my finances. They are all pretty messy (um…it’s not a pretty mess though). I don’t really want to do this. It’s so much easier to ignore my bills because of my children’s crises!
Also, I have not gone to an al-anon meeting yet. What’s with that? What am I avoiding? After all that’s happened, it seemed like an easy thing. My denial — an old friend — still tends to kick in. I recognize her. That’s why I’ve been avoiding this page. But here I am. One Mom Talking.
A random thought: Do I need to get a flu shot? For the kids too?
One Mom Talking: The ongoing story of one mom, three teens, and heroin. 
Yes, get a flu shot. And, have your “kids” (under age 18 yo), get one. Set aside a week or two when you go to a different AlAnon meeting every day. You will find your “home” group, that will feel right. The wisdom, hope and strength you will find in AlAnon is endless, and applies to all relationships in your life. For me, it’s a time to actually “schedule” reflective time and exchange with other parents dealing with children’s addictions. There are always a few pearls I take away with me and record in a journal. Although I have difficulty with parts of the 12 step program, I have come to realize that AlAnon is a constant resource for support and information.
I am with you. I was going to go to a Naranon meeting first week my daughter came out. We are almost at 90 days and I still have not gone. Thank God for the blogs which I am using as my support but I need to get there. I have however, gone to church even more than before and started doing a new exercise class 5-6 days a week that I even have gotten my daughter( recovering addict) to go also. It is good for both of us. I need to get to a meeting so do all of us parents. Take care and God Bless!