Watching a loved one struggle with an addiction can be frightening. It is common to hear the parent say they are afraid their loved one will die. But unfortunately in their efforts to help, the parent inadvertently enables the addict to stay in their disease and prolong them getting help. The family gets sicker-physically and emotionally – as the addict gets worse.
For hearing people, access to meetings is not a problem. As things get more stressful, more meetings
help the family member deal with the stress of the situation. Groups like Alanon, Naranon, SMART
Family group and Sage’s Army family group can provide education, support and guidance to family
members. But if you are Deaf, due to budget constraints, these meetings are not able to absorb the cost of an interpreter. And as loved ones struggle more and more the need for more meetings becomes
crucial for the family members so they can get out of the way and focus on their own recovery.
“Dealing with all my family members and their addictions throughout my life and now finding out about
my youngest son, having no tools, I lost myself trying to desperately save him.
I now attend 3 meetings a week plus therapy. I am now understanding how to let go of my loved ones
and stay focused on myself. I’m learning that I can still love my loved ones, learn how set healthy
boundaries and have healthy relationships with my loved ones no matter what choices they make in
their own lives. “ – mom- who is Deaf -of 2
If anyone has found a solution to this problem or has ideas to help, please let us know! We have sought
out volunteers from a local college interpreting program with minimal success and currently interpreting ourselves so Heather can benefit from the support she so desperately needs.
Jennifer Macioce
Jenn.macioce@gmail.com
Other Resources
Al-Anon/Alateen
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/
Sage’s Army – Sage’s Army – A Recovery Community Organization (sagesarmy.com)