Talking to your kids about your addiction is hard and it’s scary, but it’s also necessary. When you’re a parent and you’re working through addiction and recovery, it’s a challenge to know how much to share, and how to share it, with your children. In this groundbreaking episode, we have a conversation with Matt and Rachael about how we’ve approached talking to our own kids – of all ages – about our recovery. This is also a very personal episode, because Julie’s teenage daughter Cora joins us, to share with our listeners what it’s like from her perspective.
If you’ve got kids, this episode is a MUST listen.
In this episode:
- Preparing for the hard questions your kids WILL eventually ask you
- Allowing our kids to share what they experienced, without getting defensive or upset
- The value of letting your kids see your flaws
- Making your kids feel safe enough to ask for help
- Creating a space where families can talk about addiction and recovery without shame or fear
- How sharing our experiences with alcohol can affect the decisions they make when they’re confronted with it
- Co-parenting with different viewpoints
- Resources are available to support your kids, if you don’t feel capable right now
Matt, a 39 year old father of two from Burnt Hills, New York is14 and a half months sober. He always believed he would get sober but at the same time feared it may never come. The past five and half years have been a battle with alcohol that he wishes upon no one. Along the way he has had the constant support of his family, friends and so many he has met along the way to help him achieve sobriety. He wants to thank you all for sticking with him through all this.
He’d like people to know that substance abuse and mental health issues do not discriminate and that if you are struggling there are people out there who want to and who will help you. Matthew Perry always said to people who are struggling “It’s not your fault”, but this Matthew believes it’s your responsibility. It’s your responsibility to acknowledge, accept and treat it every day, just like you would any other disease.
Be kind to those who are still struggling. Sobriety is hard, but it’s worth it.
shamman780 – instagram
Ben Meyer Recovery Foundation Youtube Video
My name is Rachael and I’m a proud to say I’m in long term recovery from both drugs and alcohol. My recovery date is 7/30/2017. I have chosen not to be anonymous and to use my voice and passion to help others like me find a solution. I am a harm reductionist and a certified peer support specialist in 2 states as well as recovery advocate. I am passionate about helping and inspiring others to better themselves which is why I created my page Addict with Purpose. https://www.facebook.com/addictwithpurpose/
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