allthatsgood

Why is it so hard to stop thinking about the addicts in our lives or about addiction? I feel like I'm always thinking about my son or addiction. Not necessarily worrying but just thinking. Anyone else feel that way?

lizwig

Oh my word....totally. I think I spend a lot of time trying to make sense of it all....even though I completely understand I am powerless over my son's addiction. I think for us....with the fortunate added years of maturity.... we can see things from various perspectives. And because of that it gives us a lot to chew on. What seems to us so obvious ....to them is a monumental feat. I used to be lost in my own thoughts a lot. Thinking if I could just manifest the perfect thing to say he'd have an "aha" moment and decide to lay it all down. um no. Because clearly he hasn't been ready. I've been testing something lately. When I catch myself in a circular pattern of thinking....I pray for him. I ask God to hold him in the light and heal him. In doing this it helps me redirect my thoughts to positive action....even if I do it 100 times a day. We all need prayers....more than extra stress. It also reminds me my higher power is there to help me as well. Don't know if this will help you at all but wanted to acknowledge that yes, I suffer from swirling toilet syndrome as well. Big hug to you.

allthatsgood

Lizwig- I do the same thing. I start thinking of my son and then without even thinking about it, take it to the next level and pray to my higher power. It just bothers me that so many thoughts during the course of a day are about him or addiction. I feel like I need to stop this constant thinking g and redirect it to other things. Easier said than done. Hugs to you too!

Kindeyes

Why? I think it's just habit. It's a part of our own addiction. I do the same thing as Lizwig. I pray. My work keeps me very busy so I don't think about him during the day. But during idle time, my thoughts stray and I catch myself thinking about him or how he's going to handle something. I have to stop and consciously tell myself " that doesn't belong to you ke" and let it go.

The difference between now and "before" is that it isn't constant. I can concentrate at work, I can sleep, and I have tools to help me let it go....again. That in itself is great improvement.

gentle hugs
ke

Lexy1

I agree. I think about my sister most of the day. I pray that she stays strong in her recovery and can beat this addiction and get her life back. I want to help her so bad but I have come to realize that only she can do this. I can only pray and support her when needed. I'll be here for her as long as she stays clean.