Parents of Addicted Loved Ones Facilitator Training

“One of the promises of PAL is — if we get better, it gives hope to our loved ones and that may in turn help them. At weekly meetings many parents show up for the first time looking like the ‘deer in the headlights.’ Lost, desperate and hopeless. Like us, they carry massive guilt, shame, certain they are not only the cause of their loved ones addiction — they are the worst parents on the planet. Sadly, their children’s addiction has taken its toll on them, from heart attacks, depression, and a myriad of other health issues. Parents are so devastated some have said they don’t want to go on in life. They feel they cannot handle the pressures and their desire to ‘help,’ their addicted loved one has continually backfired to the point they give up hope. It is not uncommon for a parent to say they would give up their own life for their loved one if they knew it would save them. They are willing to die for their children, at which point the question is asked, ‘Are you willing to live for them?’”