Hi Michael. I gave this as many claps as I could because this is the best story I've read about addiction in weeks.

You laid your heart open here and made me feel good. I have thought and felt all the things you wrote about.

My daughter had a 10-year stint of being clean 2003-20013. She got married, had 2 beautiful children (not in that order!), and was living an admirable clean life. She ran her AA group, sat on several AA committees, sponsored 4 girls, and even stopped smoking. She was such a good mother.

She started working at a place that served liquor (against her sponsor's advice), met an idiot, decided she loved him, and left her husband and family. The kids were only 12 and 6. Every time she's gone overboard it has involved a guy. She's always searching for some elusive love that doesn't exist. I think it's her father's love she wanted and never got.

Anyway, 3 years is great for your son, but with my experience, they are one pill away from addiction again. My daughters been in jail so many times I can't remember. She's OD'd so many times I can't remember. She is now in a nursing home, unable to walk due to MRSA in her spine, and swearing she's getting clean. I keep in contact with her but will not go to see her. It's not a good move for me. Your son was very fortunate he had you. I love my daughter but my anger is in what she did to her children.

I look forward to reading more of your content and thank you for taking the time to write such a deep and well thought out reply.