Quote From: clrem03I am on the otherside of the story. My mother is an addict of exactly what I can't say for sure. I do know that she drinks and smokes both cigs and marijuana and on occassion have seen other stuff still not sure of what. When I was 11 my father, the love of her life committed suicide. She couldn't cope and raise the 6 of us so she went on drinking binges sometimes for weeks on end. I would stay home and raise the other 5 kids in my home, untill one day she didnt come home and the state took us away. She still on her path of distruction and I am now 21, married with 3 children that she barely sees. It hurts to know that she choose that path, I loved my father too, and have hit rock bottom quite a few times since she left, and I now only drink on occassion, dont smoke anything and take great care of my kids. I guess I can say I learned from her mistakes, even if shes not ready to.
First, I am so sorry about your father. I'm certain he's proud of you and your choices.
I just wanted to let you know that I had a very similar past. My mother was also an alcoholic and addict while I was growing up. I eventually chose to leave her in my early teens because she was too permissive. I chose your path as well, I did everything almost exactly oppositve of her - I worked hard at not being just like my mother. I drank while I was in college, but never to point of concern. I also had quite a few incidents in my life that caused me to require pain medication for treatment, yet the medication was never a problem. This disease only manifested itself in my early 30's while being treated for a chronic pain condition.
I only wanted to share this with you so that you would know to continue to be careful. Because your mother has the genetic predisposition to this disease - you most likely do as well. It is not your destiny, but it is your choice. You're doing great! You've overcome amazing obstacles and I wish you the best in the future!
-Cara
