"My Dad Loves Me, My Dad Has a Disease" A Child's View: Living with Addiction
Many years ago when Dr. Black was a counselor in an alcohol and drug treatment program, she asked a six-year-old daughter of a man in treatment for his addiction if she knew why her father was in this program. The girl paused and then with confidence said, "My Dad loves me, but my Dad has a disease." In spite of her father's addiction she knew her father loved her.This is a message all young people need to be able to believe. Unfortunately when people are addicted they often lose the ability to act in loving ways toward those they love.Growing up in an addicted family usually means living by the rule: It is not all right to talk about the drinking or using in your family. Working through the loneliness, fear, and frustration by expressing feelings is what this book is all about. This workbook gives children the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings and to better understand addiction.