I am the Mother of an Addict–A Poem

Today is Mother’s Day and many mothers may spend today worried about their child, who are (or they suspect to be) struggling with alcoholism or substance abuse. Being a mother to an addicted son or daughter requires a whole new level of strength, patience, sacrifice, and love.

Not many can understand this, unless you have been in their shoes. The poem below may give mothers some hope and empowerment for their children, as well as open people’s eyes–and hearts–about what it feels to be a mother to an addicted child.

I am the Mother of an Addict

This is not like being the mother of a child with cancer, diabetes or aids
This is not like being the mother of a child who is serving with honor in a foreign land
This is not like being the mother of a child who lives no more and is mourned by all

I am the Mother of an Addict
There are no marathons or fund raisers for this disease, no sweet girls selling cookies
There are no flags flying, or bumper stickers to proudly acknowledge my child’s deeds
There are only tears and silent screams, dread of what the next knock or phone call brings

I am the Mother of an Addict
I see my child and I am not glad, for though I ache to save my child, with relief I let them go
I see my child with fear and suspicion, as I hear all they say and I can but endlessly hope
I see my child and wonder will I ever know them again, hold them again, see them again

I am the Mother of an Addict
They say it is not my fault, that I did nothing wrong, there’s little I can do
They say it is not my child’s fault, just a disease of disgrace, with no pity, no cure
They say be strong, but my life stands still and my friends and relatives move on

I am the Mother of an Addict
I watch the rest of my family suffer with sorrow and pain through the addiction
I watch the evening news and cringe as another mothers addict child is arrested and called scum
I watch a young man beg for change, for food and know he could be my own

I am the Mother of an Addict
I remember the smiles and look at pictures of my sweet little child
I remember the hugs, and kisses, the scrapped knees, the soccer games
I remember their plans, their goals, their hopes and dreams

I am the Mother of an Addict
I look for my child to come home, to call, and so I do not sleep
I look for my child to find the strength to battle this terrible disease
I look for solace, for help, for a cure and I grasp at what straws of promise I can

I am the Mother of an Addict
And I hope, in endless hope for a future free from drugs
And I hope in restless sleep of a way out of this nightmare
And I hope, and I pray, and I cry, and I plead, but forever I love my child.

by DFDWilkins (author of Styrofoam Cup) from The Addict’s Mom Facebook Page

Please feel free to share with us in the comments section your stories and how you are able to cope  with (or overcome) your child’s addiction. This will serve as inspiration to many others who are struggling with the same thing. Any thoughts and questions will also be welcome.

If you feel like you need help with your son or daughter, or if you have any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to call or text us: 

+63 915 645 2703 / +63 917 509 8826