May 17th Walk a Mile In The Addict’s Mom’s Shoes

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Mom; she is the one who gave us life, and in turn gave us everything. Those of us blessed enough to have a mom sometimes forget the sacrifice and the strength it can take to be a mother, and we don’t always realize the things a mother goes through for her children.

Maybe one thing we should do more is talk about how alcohol abuse and drug addiction affect a mother. I’m a momma’s boy, and I was nowhere near aware of the suffering and heartache I created for my mother in my addiction until I got clean, and far too many mothers lose the children the love desperately but don’t know how to help because of the disease of addiction, so The Addict’s Mom (TAM) program is stepping up in honor of Mother’s Day to spread the message of how addiction impacts a family.

With almost 25 million Americans abusing illegal drugs and even more trapped by prescription drug addiction, The Addict’s Mom hopes to inspire change and help mothers unite against the disease.

The Addict’s Mom Mission

The Addict’s Mom is a group that is dedicated to supporting the mothers and families of children suffering from substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. The group has created a sanctuary where mothers can share their stories and struggles without shame, and works hard to provide information about addiction and getting help for families in need.

Barbara Theodosiou is the founder of The Addict’s Mom, which she established after the tragic death of her son Daniel Montalbano, who died on April 2, 2015 from horrible circumstances directly related to the disease of addiction as well as complications brought on by mental illness.

As part of this program the ability to share with this support structure is a courageous effort to get through the pain of seeing a child in the grips of a progressive and lethal disease, while also trying to combat the societal stigma plaguing their families as a result of drug abuse.

Walking A Mile In Our Shoes

The event on Sunday May 17 was put together to raise awareness of what it’s like to “Walk A Mile In Our Shoes”, thus the name of the event. In all 50 states across America TAM mothers will be walking a mile collectively with their families, friends, and participant organizations while they share without shame. This event is even being observed and attended in other countries all over the world to make an effort to inform and raise awareness to communities everywhere that face this very prominent issue.

Another new cause The Addict’s Mom is trying to take on is the task of treating dual diagnosis patients and the lack of treatment options for such patients. Dual diagnosis is when an individual is suffering from two separate disorders like the disease of addiction and a mental health problem that are co-occurring. Sometimes this can make treatment even more difficult because people will be misunderstood or misdiagnosed without the proper care, and then their recovery program won’t be nearly as effective.

Dual diagnosis is becoming more common than ever, and TAM has set a goal to fight for and safeguard the opportunity for everyone to have adequate access to capable and informed treatment opportunities.

Events in the Area

This isn’t the only event going on this weekend. The same day May 17th from 10am to 1pm in Davie, Florida the Steps of Hope is being held at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds. Along with the mile walk included in the original event, there will be a special guest speaker- American songwriter and guitarist, Richie Supa who is best known for his collaborations with Aerosmith and Richie Sambora. With entertainment and food TAM hopes to attract more to the event and in turn spike more awareness in the community.

The more people know about the dangers of addiction and the devastation it does to families, the more demand for treatment options. And one of the biggest contributions this makes is fighting the stigma. By bringing together families from all different backgrounds this event unites them in one common purpose, and allows them to see how closely they can relate to one another.

A mothers suffering is unique because the connection between a child and a mom is something that is often indescribable. That love is beyond words, and when the child is hurting that pain can be unbearable, but a moms strength can also be the most incredible. Every day should be Mother’s Day, but this week let us take extra care to honor the women who gave us life. Let us have the mothers who have a child struggling in our hearts, and those who have already lost children in our prayers.

“The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.”

-Honore de Balzac

Addicts aren’t the only ones who suffer when they are in the grips of addiction. Too many mothers will go home tonight without their children, and more mothers every day lose the lives they helped create and nurture to a disease they don’t understand, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free 1-800-951-6135