Empowering families affected by substance use

At first I used to feel super guilty going to the gym or out with a friend knowing that my son was in bad shape and close to rock bottom. It felt bad to do something for myself when he was in such bad circumstances. But there was only so much that was within my control, and so many things I could do nothing about. I slowly started doing one thing at a time just for me, and it gave me a bit of comfort and also some energy to deal with his situation. I deserve to have an outlet, and I eventually stopped feeling guilty for taking care of me.

—Gina, 50 years old, who has a 24-year-old son with severe substance use problems.