Building a legacy of sobriety with Fathers. Recovery from a substance use disorder is a family journey and offers an opportunity to create a legacy of hope and health. Fathers in recovery can offer valuable insights into personal growth and self-care. The emotional impact of the disease on every family member must be recognized and respected. Since their loved ones are the people who have seen the best and worst, family healing best occurs when there is open sharing of the recovery journey. Family loyalty and dedication can be an integral part of the process. Recovery can become a family legacy when loved ones come together to offer support and focus on positive outcomes.
Countless families across Berks County have navigated this journey. Fathers in recovery have poignant stories to share as they learn to balance their parental responsibilities with their own recovery challenges. Jose Lugo, an individual in long-term recovery, offers invaluable insights into his journey that has shaped the future of his family. “Children always put their parents on a pedestal,” Jose shared, but there is oftentimes the stigma of shame that impacts the parent/child relationship. Jose acknowledged that in his active addiction, he was not able to be fully parent but was always aware of his responsibility to his children. As he acquired the tools of recovery, he was able to explain his addiction to his children. His parents were aware of his addiction and never abandoned him. This network of family support served as vital touchpoints in his journey to wellness. Jose’s legacy of family and recovery is portrayed in “Mi Recuperación, Mi Familia”, a mural installation at 9th and Oley, Reading, PA (SOS Berks Mural Project – SOS Berks – Opioid Coalition ). Sharing family stories of recovery is an important gift and is the beginning of building a legacy of sobriety.
By Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz
Council on Chemical Abuse
