Originally posted by Sigh -
"Addiction often strikes in the teen years and slides fast forward and past the time the addicts should mature into adults. Addiction often stalls this emotional growth and as parents we end up with adult/children. I think this continues, extends our protective cycle past the normal point it should have shifted into our understanding that as adults they are quite capable to care for themselves."
As Sigh so eloquently put it, I have come to this same realization myself recently. Yes, my sons are stunted emotionally, but now I see my part in keeping them there. I tend to treat them as teenagers even though they are 25 and 27. I know this is because of their past choices and my lack of confidence in them making good choices. Our relationship has never grown to the adult stage. So recognizing the problem is a start ... breaking the cycle is much harder.
hugs,
deedee