Hope Never Lost: A Collection of Five Mothers' Journeys Through Their Children?s Addiction

Substance abuse in young adults has a profound impact on parents and the family structure. For mothers of children with addictions, the journey to recovery can be frequently confusing and persistently heart breaking, yet can also be graced with the abiding hope that only a mother can harbor for their child. Now, five mothers share their deeply personal accounts of their children's addictions in "Hope Never Lost: A Collection of Five Mothers' Journeys thru Their Child's Addiction." Parents who may be concerned about their young adult's behavior; those wishing to learn more on how to cope with addiction; and, most importantly, those living in the midst of it will find a rich resource and source of comfort. "Hope Never Lost" is certain to provide insight, empathy, and vital perspective to any parent facing this extremely trying circumstance. The first five chapters were written by mothers who met through their support group, SOS, with two subsequent chapters by therapists Jill Fine and Chris Wolf. Through each chapter, the book sheds new light on the impact of this disease on the child, the mother's life, and the rest of the family. In each story, the mother shares how she changed and how her child showed signs of change. This more than anything offered these mothers a renewed sense of hope. Compelling, informative, and, above all, rich in hope, this compassionate, clear-eyed perspective on this difficult experience is required reading for any parent struggling with a son's or daughter's addiction.

The authors in Hope Never Lost are suburban mothers who met in a support group for family members living with addiction. They wish to identify themselves by their first name only to protect the identity of their child. Their expertise on substance abuse among young adults lies within the many years they experienced their childrens' struggle with addiction and the knowledge they gained through this most difficult journey. Three of the mothers attended the Family Education Programs at Hazelden and Caron Treatment Centers. Karen Lindsay, the mother who compiled Hope Never Lost, has had a career in the field of nonprofit healthcare administration for the past 35 years where she served as the Executive Director for two different organizations. Chris Wolf received her Master of Science Degree from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Addictions Counselor and certified as a Sex Addiction Specialist. During the past 25 years she has worked in the field of addiction with both the addict and the family at Gateway Rehabilitation Center and maintains a private practice. Jill Fine received her Master of Science in Counseling Education Degree from Duquesne University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addictions Counselor. During the past 14 years she has worked in various settings with both the addict and the family and maintains a private practice.