A family member was visiting this week. Her adult daughter remains in active addicted substance abuse--alcohol, marijuana, meth (shooting up.) Our relative is raising this daughter's son and has been most of his young life.
We were discussing favorite television shows and I mentioned one of our favorites is the comedy "Mom." In "Mom" the older "Mom" (maybe in her mid-50's) and the younger "Mom" (maybe in her early-30's) were both substance abusers but are now "mostly"in recovery. The show focuses on their relationship with each, other children, jobs etc. Another strong focus is on their individual recoveries, their attendance at recovery meetings (well done), recovering friends, their strong triggers and sometimes their relapse. The show seems accurate and funny. It does not laugh at the consequences but the characters are able to laugh at themselves and some of their past struggles.
When I recommended it to our relative she honestly said, "I just can't laugh at jokes about substance abuse...I don't find any part of it funny...Maybe it would be healthier if I could." Her comments are a very accurate representation of addiction. When we find ourselves or someone we love in the middle of addiction, there is absolutely nothing funny about it. But, as she said, it is healthier when we can begin to laugh--not about the consequences of our behavior--but laugh at ourselves. That's one of the healthiest thing about self help groups--lots of laughter...a real sign of recovery.
Are you laughing? Is it a sign of your recovery?
My prayer for all of us is peace and laughter.
Blessings-Penny
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