There are a zillion recovery issues for parents of a child in treatment for chemical dependency. One surprise is the feelings of loss. It feels like you're not in Kansas anymore, yet there is no yellow brick road to follow.
Most parents say they no longer have much confidence in themselves as parents.
They feel unsure and shaky about their guidelines and boundaries. Besides the diminished confidence in self, parents feel loss of trust, loss of the prior relationship with their child, loss of perception, loss of an expectation or dream, and loss of their own privacy when the child begins to talk with the counselor. Most kids will spill the family beans. The feelings involved can be a roller coaster ride. Eventually there is pride and much gratitude.