Helpful Links

Disclaimer (via Google) The information below is:
  • Not a substitute for professional advice: The information on the website is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
  • Please call for emergencies: If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time.
That being said, here are the aforementioned helpful links with a couple of book recommendations:
“It Will Never Happen To Me” by Claudia Black, one of the first two books I ever read about Adult Children Of Alcoholics/Addictions and really openned my eyes about the trauma that I experienced growing up with two alcoholic parents. It Will Never Happen To Me is one of so many beautiful books you can read to find help. From Claudia Black’s website, “Claudia Black is a Senior Fellow and Addiction and Trauma Program Specialist at The Meadows and the Claudia Black Young Adult Center in Wickenburg Arizona. The Meadows treatment center is the nation’s premier program for treating trauma, alcohol, sex and drug addiction, panic and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, codependency, depression, bipolar disorder and eating disorders.”.
“After The Tears” by Jane Middleton-Moz and Lorie Dwinell. This was the other book I read, and it gave me an immediate glance into why I was not only different but why I was always afraid of authority figures. It also awakened an understanding as to why I was always waiting for the roof to fall in on me and kill me where I stood. After The Tears is one of so many beautiful books you can read to find help. From the Middleton-Moz Institute’s website, “Jane Middelton-Moz, Director of the Middelton-Moz Institute, is an internationally known speaker and author with over thirty-five years of experience in consultation, training and community intervention. Ms. Middelton-Moz has served on the Board of NACOA (National Association of Children of Alcoholics) and the Advisory Board of NANACOA (National Association of Native American Children of Alcoholics) and has been awarded the distinction and title of “Honorary Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Committee of Canada.”
 
 
Helpful Links:
  • Adult Children of Alcoholics – World Service Organization: “Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)/Dysfunctional Families is a Twelve Step, Twelve Tradition program of people who grew up in dysfunctional homes.  We meet to share our experience of growing up in an environment where abuse, neglect and trauma infected us. This affects us today and influences how we deal with all aspects of our lives.  ACA provides a safe, nonjudgmental environment that allows us to grieve our childhoods and conduct an honest inventory of ourselves and our family—so we may (i) identify and heal core trauma, (ii) experience freedom from shame and abandonment, and (iii) become our own loving parents.” (Contact Page)
  • Alcoholics Anonymous : “Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem.  It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.  A.A.’s primary purpose is to help alcoholics to achieve sobriety.”
  • Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): “RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.”
  • Al-Anon: “Al-Anon members are people, just like you, who are worried about someone with a drinking problem.”
  • Helping Survivors: Helping Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Assault “Helping Survivors is an organization on a mission to help heal, educate, and empower people who have been impacted by sexual assault and abuse.  We provide individuals with accurate, trustworthy and up-to-date information regarding their legal, financial, and healthcare options for individuals after experiencing sexual assault and abuse.” (Contact Email)
  • Addiction Center: “Since 2014, Addiction Center has been an informational web guide for those who are struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring behavioral and mental health disorders.”
  • Start Your Recovery: Substance Abuse Resources & Support: “Our goal is to offer people a single source of relatable, reliable information at any stage of their recovery journey.”
  • Other Adult Children of Alcoholic Books on Amazon: Best selling books for Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA).
  • Hope Soldiers: “Serving hope worldwide, and helping people find freedom from addiction and mental health struggles” – Washington State (Contact Page)
  • New Earth Recovery: “New Earth Recovery is a non-profit Christian organization operating a residential recovery program in Skagit Valley, Washington. New Earth Recovery loves, strengthens, and accompanies people in recovery from substance addiction through faith-based healing community” (Contact Page).
  • Esther’s Place (Hoff Foundation): “At Esther’s Place, Developing a meaningful connection to each individual “Esther,” is our most important function to help them connect with critical resources and services on their road to self-sufficiency. Creating a safe, warm, and clean place for women leading difficult lives to find a welcoming community and hot meals during the day – and then helping them to find them safe, permanent, and sustainable housing is our mission.” – Washington State
  • Addiction Help: “AddictionHelp.com is your trusted educational guide to addiction and recovery, founded by recovering addicts and board-certified addiction specialists. Whether you are struggling with addiction or concerned about a loved one’s substance abuse, our mission is to lead you to a healthier, happier life.”
  • Charlotte’s Web Resource Guide For Parents: This link is dedicated to Jon who helped and supported a friend who had an addiction problem.  His mom wrote to me and this quote is from that letter.  “My son really wants to be in some kind of profession where he supports people battling addiction. He loves supporting his cousin and loves educating others on what he’s learned so far.”
  • Addiction Group Resources For Abuse Victims:  a comprehensive guide that provides detailed answers to common questions about living with an alcoholic husband. In addition, it offers a guide to recognizing the warning signs of alcoholism, which is crucial for early intervention and treatment. The page also provides advice on coping with an alcoholic husband, including strategies for communication and setting boundaries. For those living with a functioning alcoholic husband, the guide offers insights into this unique situation and how to manage it. Additionally, the page discusses the risks associated with living with an alcoholic husband, such as potential physical, emotional, and social harm. This resource is designed to support and guide those dealing with this challenging situation.
  • American Addiction Centers: “Begin your recovery at American Addiction Centers (AAC), the leading provider for addiction treatment nationwide, which specializes in evidence-based treatment and mental healthcare services.”
 
Here are some mental health tips (also via Google): 
  • Get closer to nature
  • Learn to understand and manage your feelings
  • Talk to someone you trust for support
  • Be aware of using drugs and/or alcohol to cope with difficult feelings
  • Try to make the most of your money and get help with debt problems
  • Get more from your sleep
  • Get regular exercise
  • Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated
  • Make sleep a priority
  • Try a relaxing activity
  • Set goals and priorities
  • Practice gratitude
  • Focus on positivity
  • Stay connected