Recovery Connections Network

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Everything My Parents Did to Get Me Addiction Treatment and Into Recovery

We are thrilled to have Keegan, a young man in recovery, share the stage with his mom, Partnership Parent Coach Laurie Wicks, at our upcoming Winter Wish Gala on December 12 in New York City. Read his story below.

“I’m addicted to heroin and I need help.”

Those are the words that rang through my family’s ears as my two older brothers and my mom and dad sat with me that memorable Christmas Day in 2009. I couldn’t believe it. Did those words just come out of my mouth? Yup, they sure did. Did I just share that with my parents? I vaguely remember thinking to myself: so much for everyone having a Merry Christmas.

The room was consumed with devastation and urgency. Staring back at their then seventeen-year-old adolescent son, just months away from graduating high school, my parents took immediate action to find me care and treatment. It was as if my family had been replaced by a SWAT team as they rushed to help me breach the door of willingness into the rooms of recovery.

I didn’t know the first thing about treatment for addiction. What I did know was that I was not capable of making any type of crucial decision regarding my personal health and well-being. Back then, I had little comprehension of how healthcare worked. That’s where they came in. I couldn’t tell you who they called or how it happened, but somehow an opportunity became available for me to be admitted to inpatient treatment, and I took it.

Almost daily, while I was in inpatient treatment, I received letters from my family. From “you got this” Hallmark cards to hand-written letters and inspirational quotes. Lots of inspirational quotes. Each letter was a representation of what encouragement and love looks like. In my family, addiction was treated with the same love and affection as if I had suffered from any other potentially fatal illness. On days when my recovery from addiction seemed unbearable, receiving words of encouragement from my family gave me hope and strength to continue moving forward.

When I was away in treatment, my parents learned all they could about the disease of addiction and the recovery process. Somehow they instinctively knew that family was a key role in recovery support. Help your son get to recovery groups and counseling. Take care of yourself. Get involved in your local community. These are some of the fantastic instructions my family received while I was in treatment — and that is exactly what they did.

Continue Reading Keegan's Story

Learn more about the Winter Wish Gala here >>

Parent Toll-Free Helpline: 1-855-DRUGFREE
drugfree.org

November is almost over! It’s time to celebrate Thanksgiving! We are reminded what a tremendous privilege it is to serve all of you and how thankful we are for your faithfulness to your calling to reach those lost in addiction. We hope you’re able to enjoy some special family time this holiday. Please know you are in our prayers, and we ask that you continue to pray for us as well. Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

As Different as the Changing Leaves

Adult and Teen Challenge Students

Adult and Teen Challenge students come from all genres of life. Young and old, male and female, those who can afford to pay for their care and those who are homeless all can find hope and healing at Adult and Teen Challenge. The common denominator is Jesus. He is the Healer and Heart-Changer. If you know anyone who is struggling with addiction and ready for help please share the Adult and Teen Challenge message with them. Contact us at 1-855-END-ADDICTION.

Learn More

What a Thanksgiving!

Thankful for a New Life

My name is Gage and I am so thankful that God changed my life at Adult and Teen Challenge. Before I got saved, I was a selfish liar who only did what I wanted. I was a spoiled brat who didn’t want to be around anyone unless I could get something from them. I was miserable and always trying to figure out what drug could make me happy and fill the void in my heart. I didn't understand why they didn't fill the emptiness.

Then one day on a Sunday, I went to church and the message touched my heart. God began to tear the caullous off on my heart. I am so thankful that I found Adult and Teen Challenge. Since I’ve surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, I’ve learned it’s no longer my life, but Christ who lives in me and guides my paths.

I've given my personal rights over to Him, so it won’t be controlling my life anymore. I am building my relationship with Father. Everyday I work to draw closer to Him.

I thank everyone who gives to Adult and Teen Challenge. You have given me my chance at this new life in Christ.

There is always hope. That hope is found in Jesus Christ. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

ADULT AND TEEN CHALLENGE USA | PO BOX 249, OZARK, MO 65721

417-581-2181 | TEENCHALLENGEUSA.COM | PATTYB@TEENCHALLENGEUSA.COM

This email was sent to recoveryfriends@gmail.com

Teen Challenge USA · 5250 North Towne Centre · Ozark · Missouri · 65721
https://www.teenchallengeusa.com/

Click here to view the online version.

Secrets for Surviving Thanksgiving with an Addicted Son

by Ron Grover, Parent & Advocate

What’s Thanksgiving to the parent of an addict? What a question! What does the parent of an addict have to be thankful about?

I remember the horrors of holidays. It seems no matter the occasion — Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays or anything that was special to our family — our son, while he was using drugs, found a way to bring heartache and sorrow to the occasion.

Why couldn’t he just be okay for one day? Why must we have every holiday and special occasion ruined? These were constants in our life.

Looking back, it is easy to remember these drama-filled events. Our son showing up on Christmas Eve while we were walking out the door. Drug dealers bringing heroin to our home on Christmas Eve as casual as a pizza delivery. Thanksgiving Day, not being able to rouse him awake to join us for lunch. Going to a prison 125 miles away on Thanksgiving eve to pick him up when he was being released. Seems like every holiday there was an event that spoiled our joy.

The perspective of time and distance allows me to understand that most all of our anguish and hurt was self-imposed. We expected what was impossible to be delivered. My son was an addict. My son was addicted to drugs and I didn’t understand addiction and what it meant for him or for us.

Read more of my story

Parent Toll-Free Helpline: 1-855-DRUGFREE
drugfree.org

WFS AUCTION on #GivingTuesday

November 28, 2017

Dear Friends and Supporters of WFS,

We want to thank those who encouraged and supported the eBay sale in October for WFS! It was exciting and a huge success. Money has been rolling in from PayPal as a result of your efforts. We had buyers from as far away as India and Spain! We had buyers from our network of supporters outside of the membership … and we had buyers from the public eBay community. Most heartwarmingly … our own community actively engaged and had a bit of fun!

For those of you who listed items .. Or bought items … Or perused items … Or inspired another to take a look … our most sincere gratitude.

What’s next? The holidays are coming! Many of us celebrate with gratitude, joy and gift giving.

We invite you to take a look at eBay For Charity on the global day of giving, #GivingTuesday, November 28, which kicks off the charitable season.

For more information on Giving Tuesday click HERE.

WFS Team eBay will be listing items for sale. Again, some items will be listed at fixed prices for Buy It Now purchasing. Some items will be listed in a 5 day auction, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, November 28, and closing Sunday, December 3rd. Friends and members are invited to come take a look!

If you have any questions, please send an email tocontact@womenforsobriety.org

Happy Holidays,

WFS Team eBay

HIGHLIGHTS:

Invite our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, group members, online friends... everyone can get involved and bid! This is a fundraiser for Women for Sobriety and your contributions are greatly needed and appreciated!