Northwoods Recovery

Recovery, being a process of life transformation, calls on us to face up to the ugly consequences our former substance abuse created for everyone touched by our insanity. Taking responsibility and sincerely attempting to make amends for all the wrongdoing your typical addict engages in daily is an indispensable step in every recovery. Not simply to ease a guilty conscience, but to acknowledge the trauma addiction causes every addict’s family; a necessity in beginning the healing process. 

Addiction does not exist in a vacuum. Since addicts traumatize their families as well as themselves with the reckless behavior arising from their drug abuse, everyone involved will find it beneficial to pursue some form of trauma treatment. This can be as simple as venting anger and frustration to an empathetic listener; I got a lot of that while recovery coaching. Severe trauma — which left untreated can lead to PTSD — calls for more intensive counseling and therapy. 

Unfortunately, a close friend is learning first-hand the kind of trauma divorcing a drug addict can bring. 

My friend is well known and respected throughout the Northwoods. A working grandmother, last January she was court-ordered from her home of nearly 30 years, and with no end in sight now must live with relatives as her spouse obstructs and delays any resolution of their divorce case. 

On an emotional level, this situation is comparable to imprisonment with no release date.  

My friend and an entire extended family living here in the Northwoods have been forced into traumatic circumstances due to a single drug addict’s refusal to seek the treatment he so desperately needs. Maintaining his addiction is set far above the well-being of children and grandchildren. He’s unconcerned with the collateral damage being done, so long as his drug use can be sustained. With addiction, it’s always the innocent who suffer most.  

Watching this tragedy painfully play out reminds me of the damage I inflicted on my own children. Both of us have years of addiction to make amends for, with not nearly enough time to address all the harm done. I can only pray to see the day my friend can begin reconstructing the life shattered by a drug addiction not her own. 

When life is derailed, trauma comes calling; most of us will suffer through it sooner or later. Learning to cope with the trauma addiction inflicts is one more way we do recover.

Do you think you may have a problem with alcohol? Alcoholics Anonymous can help. Call our Hotline at (715)360-4637 or visit www.northwoodsaa.org for answers to questions or to find a meeting in your area.