My name is Grace and I am a mother of three in Ntinda. For four years I watched my eldest son disappear into alcohol and pills, and I did not know what to do except shout, cry and hide it from the neighbours.
A friend told me about the Family Bridges workshops. I went alone the first time, expecting to be told that I had failed as a parent. Instead I sat in a room with other mothers and fathers who understood exactly what I was carrying.
You do not need to have the answers to take the first step.
I learnt that addiction is not a weakness of character, and that my anger, although understandable, was pushing him further away. I learnt how to set boundaries without closing the door. Most of all, I learnt to look after myself too.
My son entered residential treatment eight months ago. He still has hard days, and so do I. But we talk now, really talk, every Sunday. If you are a parent carrying this alone, please come. You do not need to have the answers to take the first step.
