To Parents of Addicts:
Dear Parent:
I know what it is like to be the parent of an addict. My daughter’s addiction is to alcohol. Your child may be addicted to drugs or drugs and alcohol. Any addiction is unpleasant for the parent to observe.
Addiction is a bondage that holds our children in prison chains. Some may see this and want to be set free while others embrace the drug of choice as their lifestyle.
Addiction may run in families. Parents may not realize that they too are addicts bound to their drug of choice to relax and have fun. Some may say I can quit at any time. Can you? When was the last time you tried?
Some may have grown up in families where alcohol was served at every special event. Others may imbibe occasionally at social functions. I know one person who was running a keg at the age of five. Parties always included alcohol. I grew up in a family that served wine at holidays. My husband’s father had a drink every night to unwind.
My husband started drinking in high school. He became an alcoholic and my life was miserable for several years. One day he realized that if he did not stop drinking it would kill him. At that moment he decided to go into rehab and has been clean for over thirty-five years. I am very grateful for this.
Alcohol and drugs affect the health of our children. Overdoses kill thousands annually.
As a Christian I believe in Satan and his determination to own and hurt people. 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Satan’s goal is always bondage, never freedom.
If your child is in bondage, I would suggest trying to get them into a rehabilitation program. There are many good programs across this nation. If you are a Christian pray for your child as well.
As a parent are you in bondage to a spirit of unforgiveness? Are you hurting and crying inside? Are you afraid to show your hurt to others? Even if you hide it from the world God sees it and wants to free you from it.
Will you not talk to your child because of the pain he/she has caused you?
Many children that break free from addiction seek your love and approval. Are you unwilling to give it because of your pain? Satan is holding you in bondage, gleeful that he has control of you.
Freedom from your pain is a wonderful thing. There is a cost. You must surrender your hurt, and unforgiveness. You must give up your pride. The healing that comes is worth it. Reconciliation with your child is worth it.
If you are not a Christian and not willing to become one. Try forgiveness anyway.
If you are not a Christian and want to become one It is simple. Christ gave his life for all. 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
1 Peter 2:24 New American Standard Bible 1995 “24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds, you were healed.”
Today Christ can set you free from sins control on your life and heal you. He loves you and shed his blood for you. Simply say Father please forgive my sins, I accept Jesus as my savior who died on the cross for all people. I will allow his shed blood to cover my sins. Heal by broken spirit.