In the world of recovery from Substance Use Disorder the terms abstinence and sobriety are often used interchangeably. They are meant to discern if someone is not using substances that are mind altering. Traditionally recovery programs consider someone as “not in recovery” and “not sober” if they continue to use such substances. These programs promote… Continue reading Abstinence Vs. M.A.T.
When I speak in public about my family’s experience with addiction, mental illness, and my son, Timothy’s death by overdose, there are some who say I’m brave to speak so openly. Some are also concerned others will judge me as a bad parent or believe Timothy was “just a junkie who got what he deserved.”… Continue reading Courage in the Face of Stigma
We often hear the label “Enabler” used to describe a person whose behavior perpetuates or denies another’s addictive behaviors. This situation can allow the negative consequences of the other’s unhealthy behavior to continue. It is often said that this enabling softens the negative sequela of addiction and reduces the chances that the person in addiction… Continue reading I; The ENABLER
The family is our basic primal connection to others. It is a naturally occurring interpersonal system. Unfortunately, the family does not always provide the healthiest support system. Inter-familial dynamics may be unhealthy from the start (often called dysfunctional). This situation, which may or may not include traumatic experiences, can increase the risk for someone developing… Continue reading Addiction is a Family Disease
“Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Many of us remember that saying repeated often throughout our childhood. As we matured we began to realize that though no bones were fractured by the spoken word, we have all known instances of words being used to defame, denigrate and label… Continue reading Hurtful Words
Grief is many things to many people. There is no singular experience that defines the process. My own experience since the loss of my son to heroin, three years ago, is different from my wife’s, which again differs from many other bereaved parents that we have come to know. There does, however, seem to be… Continue reading Grief; The Elephant in the Room
Last summer, Today I Matter, Inc. (T.I.M.) held our second annual vigil on August 31st at the Connecticut State Capital building front lawn to remember those lost to addiction and to offer support to grieving loved ones. Nine years ago, August 31st was designated as International Overdose Awareness Day. We exhibited 165 posters proudly displaying… Continue reading Shame
