Username
DeanD
Date Joined
05 / 12 / 15
Last Active
11 / 01 / 19
Roles
Administrator, Moderator, Expert Contributor
The father of a son in long-term recovery from addiction, I also quit drinking in September of 2008 when a family therapist at my son's treatment facility told me to "be the change you want to see in your son." I am passionate about helping others and constantly work to help break the stigma associated with addiction and mental health issues. In addition to a personal blog that chronicles my experiences with my son, I also write for other websites, including The Huffington Post and The Fix.

Activity

  • YellowRose
    I thought I was doing really well. I was with friends last night and thought I could have a drink and stop at that. I didn't. I'm ashamed and feel hopeless. If it were a friend, I would be able to forgive and be supportive of getting him or her back on track. Why can't I do that for myself? How do we move past the guilt and self-loathing?
    August 2018
  • Goodtr8s
    DeanD, Is it okay to respond in kind to a new member, even though I'm a new member as well?
    May 2017
  • Cate
    hey there DeanD, sounds like your a great dad, doing all you can to make and be the difference in your sons life as well as your own!!!! Your dedication & passion definitely helps my life!!!! It has been very comforting to know I am not walking alone with this heavy heart load!!!! And to be able to share my thoughts , it is
    quite extraordinary. Having lost my brother to overdose , this feels like a dejavu, only many many many years later. I wish my brother could have had support like this available to him back in the seventies. I know you must be helping countless people that just want someone to hear them like myself!!!! Thanks for the wonderful listening and responding!!!! Hope your weekend was a good one, and that all is well for you and yours!!!
    February 2017
  • Oneeye
    Please contact me for a private message, thanks.
    August 2016
  • trappedincycle
    Hi Dean,

    First, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to respond substantially to my posts. You mentioned in one reply if I have ever thought of writing about my struggles. I wanted to address that, if you don't mind. I've alluded to this, but not explicitly. First, though, is this comment box appropriate for addressing this? I don't want to go into it if not. Thanks and peace, D
    August 2016
  • katbelieves
    Thank you so very much DeanD for your encouraging and sincere comments to my questions about my 2 daughters. It really means a lot to talk to someone who actually cares and understands. I have had one of my daughters seeing a pychiatrist as well as a pychologist, but finding "the right fit" has been difficult. We finally found the right fit, and after 3 months her husband was transfered to Texas in his job, so now we are starting over.

    I am a fighter, and I will not stop until we find the right person. I did have a friend mention Al-anon and I am checking into this for a start.

    Thank you once again for your insight and advice, as I believe that we are put on this earth to help one another and I appreciate your openness and advice.

    Sincerely,
    Kat
    February 2016