Never Say "It Can't Happen to Our Family"

United States
December 13, 2015 3:45pm CST
Addictions have played a miserable role in our family for so long. Every time I think things are getting better, the evil hook of addiction digs deep into the flesh of someone I love. I have had people say that they have nothing to worry about, that it would never happen to their family. Well, trust me, addiction happens. For those struggling with addiction, I wish you strength to kick this debilitating habit that holds you hostage. To the haters, don't judge. Addiction is a disease. It is one that even when you kick the habit, will always linger in the darkness and try to draw you back in. I pray for my loved ones to remain strong and for the one that is struggling, I pray for strength. I could not fathom losing any of them.
19 people like this
15 responses
@softbabe44 (5816)
• Vancouver, Washington
14 Dec 15
I think that it's ugly and it costs us a lot it's really terrible.
4 people like this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
15 Dec 15
oh yes there are addictions in my family as well. My family is quite dysfunctional.
3 people like this
• Vancouver, Washington
15 Dec 15
@winterose I hope things get better
3 people like this
• Philippines
13 Dec 15
well, haters doesn't really understand what people are going through or they are just addicted to some one else, like judging others to cover their own addiction. I hope your family gets to see the light of day.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
13 Dec 15
No judgement here. You never know when it will strike your family.
4 people like this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
13 Dec 15
I'm sorry that you are having to cope with this. Addiction can be very hard on the whole family.
3 people like this
• United States
15 Dec 15
We love and support one another and that is also of importance.
2 people like this
@norcal (4889)
• Franklinton, North Carolina
14 Dec 15
It is as hard for the family as it is for the addict, sometimes harder.
3 people like this
• United States
15 Dec 15
I will forever maintain my support for those I love. Somedays it is more difficult to do so, especially when they say this is last time.
1 person likes this
• United States
17 Dec 15
@norcal Very true. I am going through this again. No words I offer can help. They seemingly listen, and promises are made only to have them fall on their face time and again.
2 people like this
@norcal (4889)
• Franklinton, North Carolina
16 Dec 15
@ElusiveButterfly - I had to learn with my son that I couldn't fix it for him. I will always love him, but sometimes help becomes enabling. When your help does not help them, it only hurts you, you have to step back. I am going through the same thing with my brother right now. When he seems in such bad shape, it's hard to step back, but no matter how much I do to help him, he throws it all away.
2 people like this
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
13 Dec 15
I have a friend who has fallen to addiction. I was shocked she was always the strong one when we were young. Sadly her addiction has taken her away from me with unfounded accusations.
3 people like this
• United States
15 Dec 15
They are often quick to point the accusatory finger at the ones that love them the most.
3 people like this
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
15 Dec 15
@ElusiveButterfly It does seem like it.
3 people like this
@AmbiePam (92476)
• United States
30 Dec 15
People seem to think it won't hurt to try someone just once. Or drinking to forget problems this time doesn't mean anything. It's too easy to fall into addiction with everything going on in the world. And I can't imagine how discouraging it is to kick a habit, but then slipping up and having to start all over again. I'll pray for you and your family. My late mother's brother has ruined his life because of his addiction.
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (100249)
• India
14 Dec 15
I have had it tough with paternal uncle who was addicted to drinking, and paternal aunt's husband who was a gambler. Drinking and gambling are very common addictions in our family.
2 people like this
@OreoBrownie (3755)
• Commerce, Georgia
17 Dec 15
I was addicted to smoking for 34 years. I suffer the consequences of my actions way back then through all the years. Most people have an addiction they don't recognize as an addiction such as eating to super obesity or smoking until you die of complications. I'm on hospice now because of my disease or conditions. I can't blame anyone but me. I can't judge others because that makes me a liar unto myself. You are right. Addictive behavior can happen to anyone and any family.
2 people like this
• United States
17 Dec 15
Nicotine addiction is difficult to break. It has been ranked as tough to break as heroin addiction. So many of my family members are also addicted to smoking. My husband smokes, my daughters, and son. My husband says he plans on quitting. He has stated that over and over again from the first day we met 6 years ago.
1 person likes this
@MusesM (584)
14 Dec 15
yes sometimes you just never know what will happen
3 people like this
@jstory07 (139579)
• Roseburg, Oregon
15 Dec 15
And when it does happen in your family be there for that person no matter what.
2 people like this
@amadeo (111938)
• United States
13 Dec 15
so sorry.I know the feeling as we are experiencing this in our family.
3 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
13 Dec 15
many people have addictions of varying levels, sadly some take over peoples lives
2 people like this
• United States
15 Dec 15
Kicking it to the curb is not easy.
2 people like this
• Centralia, Missouri
15 Dec 15
2 people like this
@paigea (36317)
• Canada
30 Dec 15
It seems there are no family that is completely free from addictions. Very sad.
2 people like this
@Auntylou (4264)
• Oxford, England
4 Jan 16
I am sorry that you have this worry. Addiction is indeed a big problem and can ruin families