The Adult in the Room

This is Peter Rozenberger and this is a minute for caregivers. A caller named Bill once shared on our radio program that his father was an abusive alcoholic for years.

His father has now suffered a stroke and requires extensive care but sadly, still drinks. Even though Bill is over 50 with a wife and kids, he shared that he still feels like a terrified 9-year-old when he's around his father. I shared with Bill that he can only do his best but his family needs the 50-year-old version of Bill, not the 9-year-old one. Bill's well-being remains paramount to his family. To be blunt, while desirable, his father's well-being does not. Although it sounds harsh, the reality is Bill's dad may not make it but Bill must. I commended Bill for ensuring his father's safety and care despite the trauma the man caused but I also cautioned Bill on the importance of securing his own care and well-being by attending a recovery program for family members of alcoholics and even getting counseling. Honoring your mother and father does not mean honoring alcoholism, addiction or even abuse. There's a quote I heard once, it's anonymous. It's ironic how we can still get hurt by something we've seen coming. This is Peter Rosenberger and this is a minute for caregivers and if you're caring for someone who is an addict or an alcoholic, there are recovery programs out there for you. They may not make it but you have to. Healthy caregivers make better caregivers.