Hope for families caught in crossfire of heroin epidemic

In 1973 Families Anonymous was launched in Southern California. Today there is a great need for it in Northeast Ohio. The need has to do with parents and other family members who are caught in the web of insanity in the heroin epidemic. Trying to make sense of a senseless disease is impossible. Many mothers and fathers endeavor to help their adult children in a variety of ways, only to experience continued insanity in the midst of their painful efforts.

Does this sound familiar to you? If so, you may be doing your best to help only to discover more pain and deeper misery. There is hope, however, in not trying to face this tough challenge alone. I encourage you to participate in the Families Anonymous group which meets at CrossPointe Community, 1800 Columbia Road, each Sunday at 5:30 p.m. What you will find is a deep connection with others who are dealing seriously with substance abuse issues in their family, whether it be heroin, alcohol or other drugs.

I have seen firsthand over the past five years first-time visitors connecting in their heart with people, hearing the "same story" from someone they've never met. That story is one of misery which includes theft of heirloom jewelry, laptops, guns, money, pills, etc. The story includes giving $20 in an effort to help with gas or food, helping with rent, or paying attorney fees only to discover that the addict (who is a shadow of the real loved one) continues to use and abuse, steal, sell food and do whatever to continue the habit.

How does FA help? FA is about the parents and family members who are suffering in the wake. First of all, it helps just to know that you are not the only one who is experiencing this. Second, the support goes deeper as one continues the journey with other FA members and discovers the genius of the 12 Steps and gives focus on one’s self which feels selfish but in actuality is necessary for having hope. 

We have seen addicts' lives changed as a result of parents who learn to stop enabling, who, in contrast, learn to create boundaries for their addict, and bring an end to the insanity of enabling which comes from our parental nurturing ways. I encourage you to let go of embarrassment or whatever might keep you away and attend a meeting soon. You will begin your journey of hope with friends.