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Finding Healing in the Midst of Family Addiction: A Journey Beyond Recovery

Embracing the Power of Connection, Hope, and Purpose in the Face of Addiction

Timothy Harrington
3 min readSep 30, 2023
Connection
Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash

Understanding Moral Injury in Family Addiction

Have you ever felt a deep sense of betrayal or guilt, especially when dealing with a loved one’s addiction? This is often referred to as “moral injury.” It’s a wound that goes beyond physical or emotional pain, striking at the very core of our values and beliefs. But what if I told you that understanding and addressing this moral injury is the key to true healing and connection?

Evidence suggests that families dealing with addiction often grapple with moral injury. For instance, a mother might feel she has failed her child, or a sibling might feel guilty for not seeing the signs earlier. These feelings can be overwhelming, but they’re also a testament to the deep love and commitment families have for each other.

Story: I once worked with a father named Mark. He constantly blamed himself for his daughter’s addiction, believing he should have been a “better” parent. Through our meetings, Mark learned to recognize his moral injury and began the journey of healing, not just for himself but for his entire family.

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Timothy Harrington
Timothy Harrington

Written by Timothy Harrington

Champion of Family and Community Powered Change Related to Addiction, Mental and Emotional Health Challenges

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