My son has been missing for 4 years. I know he is lost in his addiction. He knows we love him. When/if he gets clean, he will contact us. Even though we have moved, he knows that our family will pass on our information if he contacts them and asks.
I haven't searched for him because I know how he is (using) and finding him would just be walking back into his disease, for me. I cannot save him, but I can pray for him each day and give him to God's care.
Like Carol, I never give up hope, I just give up thinking I can change what is not mine to change.
Hugs