Going Public With Addiction

For most people, addiction tends to be a very private affair. Those who are close to someone suffering prefer to “keep it in the family” and avoid discussing their problems with friends and extended relatives. And while that is perfectly acceptable, there is something admirable about a person who shares their story for the greater good; particularly if they’re a public figure. This month CBS news anchor Angela Kennecke decided to do just that, opening up about her daughter’s overdose with millions of viewers across the country.

There is no doubt that it took a tremendous amount of bravery for Angela to come forward. She openly admitted that she is private person, but felt this was an important story that parents needed to know about. As Kennecke explained, the OD happened this past May. Her 21-year-old daughter Emily had been battling a serious opioid dependency, but kept it hidden from her mom and dad. That happened to be a point that Angela emphasized, as she was regretful that she didn’t notice more warning signs.

“I knew that Emily was casually using marijuana, but never imagined that she would be injecting opioids,” Kennecke explained on CBS This Morning. “It was the most shocking thing to me. Needles? Middle-class kid, privileged, all these opportunities and things like that. It’s hard to explain addiction. It’s hard to understand. My child ran out of the doctor’s office once when she was going to get a shot.”

Obviously the shock drove Angela into a deep depression, leading her to step away from her anchoring duties for several months. When the time came to return to the desk, Kennecke decided that she would open up about the loss and work towards becoming a public recovery advocate.

“I thought I can let this loss, this devastation destroy me, or I can do something about it,” Angela continued. “I thought I have to talk about it. I have an obligation to talk about it. My number one reason to talk about it is to erase the stigma around addiction, especially the use of heroin and opioids.”

And true to her word, Kennecke has taken swift action. Most recently she has set up a fund called Emily’s Hope, which helps others afford treatment. She also has taken to the lecturing circuit, speaking to high schools and colleges about the dangers of addictions.

We certainly admire Angela’s outspokenness and are happy to lend our own support to other parents impacted by addiction.

You can watch Angela’s full CBS interview below…

YouTube video

How To Handle An Addicted Parent

No matter how old we get, there will always be uncomfortable subjects to discuss with mom and dad. Even as we begin to think of them more as peers (or even friends), they are still the ones who raised us and a level of respect is always necessary. That is part of the reason why confronting an addiction with an older parent proves to be so difficult. But if substance abuse is occurring, it needs to be addressed for the safety and welfare of the family. U.S. News and World Reports recently published a helpful article on this topic, pointing out tips when it comes to parental interventions.

One of the trends that happens to be rising among older Americans is alcoholism. In fact, U.S. News is reporting that as many as 15 percent of U.S. seniors qualify as “at-risk drinkers.”

So how do we approach a mother, father or grandparent suffering from this? With care and thoughtfulness, as addressed in the article’s highlights below…

Find The Right Time To Discuss It

U.S. News emphasized the best moments to bring up a sensitive issue like substance abuse. Their recommendation is to do it during moments of sobriety, or even in the midst of a hangover when the parent is experiencing physical pain because of their problem. Trying to approach a parent while inebriated can prove challenging and ultimately doesn’t always lead to a meaningful conversation.

Avoid Labels

Use your words wisely, the article warns. Throwing out terms like “alcoholic” or “addict” can create defensiveness and even humiliate a parent. The point here is not to criticize the loved one, but rather to offer encouragement and support. Let them know that there is no shame in their problem and that is very common for people their age.

Continue To Show Respect For Your Parents

For many seniors, it is difficult to receive lectures from their grown children. They are, after all, the wise people who raised you and certainly deserve respect. U.S. News advises to avoid “talking down” to a loved one battling an addiction. Emphasize that this is coming from a place of love and genuine concern. Stern lectures and ultimatums can actually backfire in these types of situations.

Offer To Do The Heavy Lifting

If your parent does show interest in conquering their addiction, help guide them along the process. If it makes things easier, you can be the one to reach out to the appropriate treatment facility and coordinate their journey into sobriety.