Shared Personal Stories Helps Parents Identify Drug Addiction

There are a number of forums for the personal stories of those who have lived through cocaine addiction, heroin addiction, alcoholism, prescription drug addiction and other issues. There are even forums for loved ones to share the stories of family members who did not live through their addiction but died as a result of overdose, disease related to drug addiction, or accident while under the influence. What is the purpose of shared stories? Who benefits? And where can you get involved and/ or share your story?

The Purpose of Shared Stories of Drug Addiction

There are a number of reasons why sharing stories of drug addiction are helpful. Parents, for example, can benefit from hearing the stories that other parents share about their children’s drug addiction. By hearing the details, parents can learn how to identify the signs of drug abuse and addiction in their own children and help them before the situation becomes serious.

For those who share the stories of loved ones who have passed due to an untreated drug and/ or alcohol addiction, the purpose is to make sure that the person did not die in vain. Sharing their story of tragedy may inspire others to get the help they need before it’s too late or help other family members recognize when it’s time to help addicted loved ones get the treatment they need.

When addicts share stories in group therapy sessions or at 12-step meetings,  it serves a purpose for both the teller and the listener. Listeners are reassured that they are not alone in their struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. Those who share their stories have the opportunity to work through some of the issues that developed during addiction and let those issues go.

The benefits in each of these scenarios go to those who have the opportunity to be heard and have their experience validated as well as to those who can learn from the stories of others.

Where You Can Share Your Story of Addiction

If you are a recovering addict or if you are the parent of a child who has struggled with drug addiction, you have a valuable story to share with the community. You can create your own venue by writing a blog or a book or you can attend conferences for family members, 12-step meetings, and/ or therapy sessions to share your experiences.

How did you share your personal story about addiction? How did it help you? How did it help others?