Our network of people have walked in your shoes.

My family and I have been struggling with the painful experiences, circumstances, and trauma that come as a result of living with and trying to support a family member battling alcoholism. We have sought out professional counseling services, attended Al-Anon meetings, and joined support groups. During this time, I was personally struggling with finding ample expertise, guidance, and encouragement that could really speak to our specific situation. As a wife of an alcoholic and mother of young children who were living through the roller coaster of this disease, I felt overwhelmed by a constant mix of emotions, trying to decipher how to best support my husband and his treatment yet preserve my well-being and the well-being of my children. I am forever grateful for the immense support I found through a member of the PEP team. Her deep expertise and ability to educate me on this disease and the impacts to all involved, as well as her strength in conviction and counseling, allowed me to see beyond the cloud I was living within and begin to progress in the healthiest way possible. Words cannot express how much I recommend this group and the support they offer to those experiencing addiction and the rippling effects and damage it creates for everyone involved. My family and I are forever changed for the better as a result, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing the PEP team is there with expertise and support — and is only a phone call away — offers a constant guiding light.

My son is an addict. It is a lonely and helpless situation that plagues my family day and night. I have a good friend whose son was also an addict. This friend is very active in atTAcK addiction and is a member of the PEP team. Her ability and compassion for assisting families who are dealing with this disease in their lives have helped me greatly. I have tried Al-Anon, and though helpful, the meetings just didn’t fit well for me. My son has been to over 25 rehabs in his 15 years of addiction, but relapse is a big part of the disease. My friend, acting in her capacity of a PEP team member, realized that as parents, there are days that we struggle, more so than our son, from the consequences of his addiction. She offered to help in any way that we were comfortable to accept. I knew she had knowledge of how to support families and was able to find different options to help us and my son when we needed it. She never gave me unsolicited advice — only encouraged me to find my higher power wherever I can. I accepted her help and am grateful she gave me an opportunity to open up. She encouraged me to “stay on my side of the street” when issues arise and I feel overwhelmed. She even came to my house when I asked during a few particularly rough times to talk with my son. Occasionally, she has been able to convince him to make the good choice of going with her to a detox. She sends me texts often to be sure I am OK, and I breathe a little easier when she does. I know from her actions that she is here to listen and/or offer support to assist my son and my family. I know I can trust her to talk with me during some of our deepest struggles. She never criticizes my actions or feelings. When my son is on a good path but my fears are not, she reminds me “progress, not perfection.” So very true.

This disease affects families because of the stigma and lack of resources. The PEP team is part of a growing number of passionate support groups that are available anytime, day or night, to aid and assist struggling families. A support person can shoulder some of the heartache of family and friends of addicts and find ways to help them deal with the horrors they face daily. They have lived experiences, so they have walked in our shoes. This PEP team member is there to offer her hand in support, to walk together through finding help, comfort, reassurance, and aid during the worst times in our lives.