Jacqueline is a more than a person in long-term recovery. She is a daughter, sister, girlfriend and mom. Jacqueline started off by telling us her story by reading an apology letter to her Mom... Needless to say, it was an eye opener. Growing up with a family disease, her dependence problems really spiraled at her alcoholic father's funeral. Someone introduced her to pills to "relax" her and help her "cope" with her father's death.
There is a stigma on addiction. People don't talk about it. She lived with a diseased family. Her mom was her enabler, her fixer of all things. Dad was her mascot and used humor to deal with the present situation and also a substance abuser. The hero in the family was her sister who took on roles she shouldn't of had to i.e. paying bills/taking on the mom role. There was also the escape goat and of course the actual substance abuser (actually 2, her and her dad)
Jacqueline got sober when she was married and pregnant. Her demons struck again and she hit rock bottom when her daughter was 18 months old. Divorced and homeless, she was in a fragile state of spiritual malady. She entered a detox center for a 28-day program. Treatment centers ship you off after your detox and are done. But constant daily reminder is needed to keep you on the right path. You need to find that healthy outlet. Her family had a difficult time dealing with her recovery. They didn't know how to treat her anymore. They also went for therapy to teach them how to change for the better.
Important Functional Family Conditions:
1) Acceptance towards issue
2) Perfect imperfections/accept you are human
3) Honesty with each other/talk about feelings
4) Reality Check
Words matter! Break the Stigma on Addiction. Be Aware and Talk about it. Take the pledge to help make a difference because at the end of the day, that addict that you have an image of is somebody's daughter, somebody's son, somebody's mother, somebody's father.
Jacqueline is thriving and continues to work on her long-term recovery everyday. She is now working at Enlightened Solutions as Treatment Solutions Advocacy.
Enlightened Solution's Mission
To provide a full continuum of care in a soothing environment that includes integrated holistic treatment services for individuals and their families who struggle with substance abuse. This is accomplished by engaging clients in a unique, healthy compassionate recovery community that is life-changing. Recover successfully.
Enlightened Solution's Vision
To be enlightened by transforming the body, mind and spirit for sustainable recovery and wellness.
