Grief and Family Recovery

Grief holds a profound and often overlooked place in the context of family addiction recovery. Addiction (Substance Use Disorder), with its myriad of losses—from the erosion of trust to the potential physical loss of a loved one—can plunge families into deep grief.

​This grief isn't just about death; it's about the loss of what once was, the dreams that now seem distant, and the shared memories tainted by the shadow of addiction. Recognizing and addressing this grief is essential for holistic healing. By confronting and processing these emotions, families can find closure, rebuild fractured bonds, and pave the way for a future where memories of the past serve as reminders of resilience and hope, rather than pain.

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WEB SITES:
Compassion Books
The American Association of Suicidology
Center for Loss and Life Transitions
Compassionate Friends: Supporting a Family after a Child Dies
Crisis, Grief & Healing
Griefnet
Hospice Net

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ON LINE ARTICLES:
“Denial to Acceptance: The Stages of Grief in Addiction and Recovery” 

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​BOOKS:
Rudman, M.K., Gagne K. D., Bernstein, J.E., Books to Help a Child Cope with Separation and Loss: An Annotated Bibliography 4th ed., 1994.
Fitzgerald, Helen, The Grieving Child, 1992.
Jarratt, C.J., Helping Children Cope with Separation and Loss, Revised Edition, 1994.
J. William Worden, Grief Counseling & Grief Therapy, 2008.
Judith Viorst, Necessary Losses, 2002.
Lynn, J. and Harrold, J. (1999). Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness, p.41.
Abbot, A., Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs. NASW, 2010.

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