For years, I struggled with alcohol. Drinking consumed my life and nearly destroyed my family. I was blacking out in the afternoons, sometimes before my 14-year-old son even got home from school. The shame was overwhelming, but I felt powerless to stop.
My husband tried to help me. He really did. But his attempts to confront me about my drinking usually ended in screaming matches. I could not have an honest conversation about the situation — doing so would have meant admitting my problem.
Our son was caught in the middle. He was riddled with anxiety, constantly worried about what state he would find me in when he came home from school. He felt abandoned and scared, and at times I found it impossible to look him in the eye. It felt like every bit of the low point it was.
Desperate for change, I sought help from Lifeline. Their Addiction Counselling program gave me the tools and support I needed to confront the roots of my alcoholism. My counsellor was compassionate but firm, setting out the path I needed to follow if I wanted to reclaim my life.
Later, my husband joined me in seeking help through Lifeline's Family Counselling program. He needed to give voice to everything he’d been dealing with, all the guilt he felt over a situation that was ultimately out of his control.
It’s been 10 years since I completed my treatment, and I’m proud to say I’ve maintained my sobriety. Realizing we had been blessed with a second chance, my husband and I worked hard to create a stable, loving home.
Recently, our son, now 24 and about to be married, shared something with me that brought tears to my eyes. He told me how proud he was of us for being brave enough to confront our problems. He said that it has given him confidence as he embarks on his own journey of marriage and family life. He says he believes that a marriage can grow stronger, even in the face of challenges.
I am still amazed by the unwavering support that Lifeline gave us without asking anything in return. They made it possible for us to rebuild our lives, and I will never forget that.
*Names and details have been changed to protect the anonymity of those involved, as the story was adapted after being told to a Lifeline staff member with permission to share. Additionally, we would note that the reason we were able to attend to Eliana and her husband immediately is because we are regularly expanding our staff in order to meet the growing demand for our services. As Chabad Lifeline is sustained through private donations, this entails significant fundraising efforts. Making a donation can help ensure that we can continue to provide timely care that can ultimately save a life or set a family on a better course, creating a positive ripple effect on future generations.
Kommentare