It wasn’t long ago that my life was ruled by pain and shame. At 17, I had become dependent on alcohol and speed to cope with anger and depression. My family, my future – everything was falling apart.
My parents were constantly on edge, my grades were horrible, and it seemed like I burned a new bridge with friends every week. I felt like everyone was trying to make me miserable by cutting me off from what I thought was freedom. Freedom from the pain I carried inside. After a particularly nasty outburst in front of my family, I couldn’t take the feelings of shame anymore. I began searching for free addiction help online and I came across Lifeline.
When I called them the next day, I had no idea what to expect. I just knew I needed a way out of this nightmare. The conversation started with the basics, but then I was asked something I hadn’t anticipated: “Do you have any siblings?”
I told her I had a 15-year-old sister. The response worker told me that there was help available for her too if she needed to talk about her experience with what was happening in our home. All she needed to do was give them a call.
I was so wrapped up in my own issues that I hadn’t really considered how my sister might be affected by my addiction. While telling my parents I was seeking help, I told them about the youth counselling available for my sister (as well as Lifeline’s parent support resources for them). After being encouraged by our parents, my sister decided to reach out to Lifeline.
The counsellors at Lifeline didn’t just focus on me; they saw the bigger picture and understood how everyone in a family is affected by one member’s addiction, and that addressing the larger family dynamics was vital to finding a path forward. My sister’s sessions helped her process her emotions, and it also gave my parents some peace of mind knowing that she had support.
In fact, when they saw how much it helped her, they decided to sign up for one of Lifeline’s parent support workshops, which is something I never thought they would do. My parents are very reserved people -- they have a hard time sharing how they feel --, so it was especially meaningful for me and my sister to see them take this step.
As for my own care, the staff was incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. They didn’t just treat the symptoms; they helped me address the underlying issues and taught me healthier coping skills. The treatment wasn’t just about the speed and alcohol — it was about rebuilding myself and my ability to connect with others and the world in general. As I write this with the help of a Lifeline staff member, I’m struck by how clearly I can see the situation, and I have my counsellor to thank for that. He really gave me the tools and the language to understand the bigger picture.
Over time, I was able to reconnect with my sister on a more honest and open level, and my parents felt less like they were walking on eggshells around me. Lifeline didn’t just save me from my addiction; they gave my sister and my family a chance to heal together. Lifeline made that possible for us.
*Names and details have been changed to protect the anonymity of those involved, as the story was adapted after being told to a Lifeline staff member with permission to share. Additionally, we would note that the reason we were able to attend to Jonah and his family immediately is because we are regularly expanding our staff in order to meet the growing demand for our services. As Chabad Lifeline is sustained through private donations, this entails significant fundraising efforts. Making a donation can help ensure that we can continue to provide timely care that can ultimately save a life or set a family on a better course, creating a positive ripple effect on future generations.
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