Sharing the Gifts of Recovery
Feeling like “the odd guy out” as a teenager led Wes H. to begin experimenting with alcohol. Soon his life centered around drinking, and he began to experience dangerous black-outs and growing disagreements with his family. But with the help of Twelve Step meetings, Wes has now been sober for 26 years and is an active participant in his local recovery community.
Many parents would be reluctant to share their experience with alcohol or other drugs with their children, but Wes has been open and honest with his teenage daughter, Julia, about his addiction since she was young—a choice she greatly appreciates.
“I tell her my story because I want her to know that what she’s going through as a teenager, I’ve been there,” Wes says.
“I’m glad my dad is honest with me. It makes me want to avoid drinking,” Julia adds.
Not only has Julia learned from her father’s past, she also draws on the stories of countless others in recovery when she chooses not to use alcohol or other drugs. A regular at Twelve Step meetings with Wes as an infant and an occasional visitor today, Julia has felt the fellowship of the recovery community firsthand.
“I’ve learned that people get messed up by abusing drugs, but recovery can bring them together,” she says.
Both Wes and Julia feel this open approach has benefited their relationship on many levels. Wes has the support of an understanding daughter in his ongoing recovery, and Julia feels the security of having an established line of communication with her father.
“It helps me have a better relationship with my dad. It makes me feel comfortable telling him stuff,” Julia says.