An Open Letter From An Addict

Dear Mom, Dad, Husband, Wife, Son, Daughter, Sister. I am an addict. I need your help.

Don’t lecture, blame or scold me. You wouldn’t be angry at me for having cancer or diabetes. Alcoholism is a disease, too. Don’t pour out my liquor; it’s just a waste because I can always find ways of getting more.

Don’t let me provoke your anger. If you attack me verbally or physically, you will only confirm my bad opinion of myself. I hate myself enough already. Don’t let your love and anxiety for me lead you into doing what I ought to do for myself.

If you assume my responsibilities, you make my failure to assume them permanent. My sense of guilt will be increased, and you will feel resentful.

Don’t accept my promises. I’ll promise anything to get off the hook. But the nature of my illness prevents me from keeping my promises, even though I mean them at the time. Don’t make empty threats. Once you have made a decision, stick to it. Don’t believe everything I tell you; it may be a lie. Denial of reality is a symptom of my illness. Moreover, I’m likely to lose respect for those I can fool too easily. Don’t let me take advantage of you or exploit you in any way. Love cannot exist for long without the dimension of justice.

Don’t cover up for me or try in any way to spare me the consequences of my drinking. Don’t lie for me, pay my bills, or meet my obligations. It may avert or reduce the very crisis that would prompt me to seek help. I can continue to deny that I have a drinking problem as long as you provide an automatic escape from the consequences of my drinking.

Above all, do learn all you can about alcoholism and your role in relation to me. Go to open addiction support meetings when you can. Attend support meetings regularly, read the literature and keep in touch with Hathaway Staff. They’re the people who can help you see the whole situation clearly.

If you need rehabilitation or recovery support, it is the time to contact Hathaway Recovery. Over the coming months, more information and data will reveal the huge harm of Covid-19 lockdown and self-isolation. It is not the time to second guess, if you need treatment or counseling, reach out and access it now.

Our facility is open and we’re available to answer questions, provide resources, and be a support for those who are struggling. Hathaway Recovery is continuing to provide help while following all CDC guidelines in regards to the COVID-19. Call us today.