An Open Letter To My Family

(Adapted by Families Anonymous from material by Joseph L. Kellerman)

I am a chemical abuser. I need help.

Don't solve my problems for me. This only makes me lose respect for you - and for myself.

Don't lecture, moralize, scold, blame, or argue whether I'm stoned or sober. It may make you feel better, but it only makes the situation worse.

Don't accept my promises. The nature of my illness prevents my keeping them, even though I mean them at the time. Promises are only my way of postponing pain. And don't keep switching agreements; if an agreement is made, stick to it.

Don't lose your temper with me. It will destroy you and any possibility of helping me.

Don't let your anxiety for me make you do what I should do for myself.

Don't cover up or try to spare me the consequences of my using. It may reduce the crisis, but it will make my illness worse.

Above all, don't run away from reality as I do. Chemical dependency, my illness, gets worse as my using continues.

Start now to learn, to understand, to plan for recovery. Find Al Anon, Nar Anon, or Families Anonymous, whose groups exist to help families in just your situation.

I need help - from a chemical dependency treatment program, from some people in a self-help program who've recovered from a chemical problem themselves - and from a Power greater than myself.

Your "User"