It was impossible to ignore him stumbling down street, leaning awkwardly, fighting gravity like a child learning to ride a bike. His incoherent rambling dampened the sunshine and cut through the mystique of our hummingbird-filled community. I closed the shades and locked the doors just like you.
Kathleen Speaks at The Council for Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Allyson talks about her experiences with rehabs
I Love You, Keep Going
I love to hear Molly laugh. It’s a deep guttural roll. I watch her closely. Not wanting to miss a single part of her happiness. Wanting to be a part of it. Rolling in her desperate desire to be a part of this magical thing we call life. Loving every moment of it. I watch her. I soak her into every pore of my being.
Fugitive Felon
Rehab Treadmill
If you saw my son in Prescott, Arizona– or Orange County, California, or somewhere in south Florida– he looked like an ordinary twenty-something riding in a nondescript, however telltale, white cargo van. His mainstream appearance must have provoked speculation about the path that led another addict to take up temporary residence in the community.
Harm Less Addiction
In the final seconds of our video visitation my son commented, “Thank you for talking to me, Mom. So many parents cut their kids off. They think addiction is a moral issue.” I glanced at the countdown clock in the corner of the screen and quickly called out, “I LOVE you!” As I stared at his face frozen on the screen, I reflected on the journey that had brought us here.
I am an Addict's Mom
While I was waiting for the elevator, I read a five-word text that tore apart my heart and left my stomach in knots. The elevator ride provided under a minute of privacy to process my 20 year old son’s message. As I re-embraced the professional environment, the words, “I will be dead soon” reverberated. My usual mantra, “Please keep him safe” was futile.