In my church – and in many churches – we teach the idea that the way to conquer an evil is to remove it from the darkness and shine the light of Christ in its eyes.
I am saddened by the continued reports saying: “There’s a heroin epidemic in [you name the city, state or metro area].” And yet, I am encouraged that more and more people are sharing this news out loud. We are pulling the curtain aside and shedding light on the evil of heroin and drug addiction.
In my coaching business, I teach about the importance of facing our fears, naming them, and taking back the control that our self-imposed silence had given those fears. We are doing this now. We are speaking up.
I’m feeling prompted to take this further. Every once in awhile I get this intense feeling of wanting to speak out, but I’ve held back – in part because I just wasn’t ready emotionally – in part because I have concern about protecting the privacy of my children. But here I am again, wanting to actively help.
If you were to speak out about your experience as the parent of an addict. Where would you start?
One Mom Talking: The ongoing story of one mom, three teens, and heroin. 
Connie, I just want you to know that I applaud your desire to make a difference, and Wayne and I are praying for your ministry!
God bless,
Cheri
Thank you, Cheri! I sure appreciate you both and your prayers!
I would start with letting families know that they are not alone and there is no shame in this for them. We all do the best we know how to do. ALL kinds of families experience this. Stay at home mom’s kids become addicts and so do mom’s who had big bursting careers, breastfed and non-breastfed babies grow up to be drug addicts, homeschooled, public schooled…its not about what we did or didn’t do. It just is.
Well said, Annette. Thanks for this reply! xoxox