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Jul 30, 2008
 Being a grown up...
by: Darlene Barriere - Webmaster

P, in any relationship, marriage or otherwise, we can only be responsible and accountable for our own actions and inactions, despite what our past has dealt us. As children, we had no power or control over what was happening in our lives; as adults, we have choices. It is not only what we choose, but how we use the ability to choose, that is the measuring stick for whether or not we have really "grown up."

Part of being a grown up is accepting that we have accountability in the failure of any relationship. Tough pill to swallow for most, especially when it is so clear to us that our partner has so many problems of his/her own. It's so easy to get wrapped up in "their" troubles, and still believe we are dealing with ours. If only we could readily see in ourselves the shortcomings we so readily see in another.

No one person is ever solely to blame. Relationships are NOT 50/50; they are 100/100, because each of us has to take ownership in our own failings. We cannot point at the failings of the other person.

When we find ourselves in a floundering relationship, we must ask ourselves:
  1. What is my ownership in the problems we are facing?
  2. What role do I play in the drama that's being acted out?
  3. What can I do to address my part?
When you point your wife toward her role in the struggles that have become your marriage, you take away from yours. Your wife will be far more likely and willing (but no guarantees) to address her own problems if she sees that, rather than passing blame, you are working on your role and what you can do to remedy the situation. Yes, it's a two-way street, but you cannot force her to do or see anything. You can only work on yourself. I would hope that your marriage counsellor would be helping you both to deal with these issues, individually as well as jointly. I offer this advice as a supplement to your counselling, not as a replacement. I suggest you share with your counsellor what I've written here.

Part 2: Rehab... follows below.

Darlene Barriere
Violence & Abuse Prevention Educator
Author: On My Own Terms, A Memoir
Jul 30, 2008
 Part 2: Rehab...
by: Darlene Barriere - Webmaster

As for what to expect in rehab, that all depends on the program, as well as the nature of your addiction. Not all rehab is created equally. Not all addictions respond in kind. You will experience withdrawal, of that you can be certain. There will be structure. Expect "rules" that may not make sense. These rules are geared toward getting you—and keeping you—clean, as well as providing a "safe" environment for all participants/clients. They are also there to help you eventually get back on your own two feet and more able to cope with your life, sober and/or clean, AFTER rehab; although that may not seem to be the case at the time. Expect to be monitored beyond what is comfortable—ACCEPT this. Expect one-on-one counselling, as well as group counselling. Group sessions will be regularly scheduled, but it may also be organized on the fly, as situations and opportunities arise. But again, this also depends on the program and the size of the facility, group, availability of staff, etc. Expect to have to face demons that you would rather not face, as you get to the bottom of and nature of your addiction. Excuses and self-pity will not be tolerated.

But the program is only part of the equation.

Participants must truly be ready to rehabilitate, and then be open to the process—regardless of the difficulty of that process—if there is to be any hope of success. Based on what you've stated above, you certainly sound ready to make changes; and that is truly the first step in any recovery program. I applaud that you are so willing to take this necessary first step.

Perhaps visitors to this site who have been through rehab personally can offer a more first-hand nitty-gritty depiction of what to expect.

I sincerely wish you all the best, P, in your marriage, your rehab, and along your path toward healing and recovery. You've certainly earned it.

Darlene Barriere
Violence & Abuse Prevention Educator
Author: On My Own Terms, A Memoir
Jul 30, 2008
 my response
by: p

dear darlene, your time and honesty are greatly appreciated. my marriage is very important to me and i like your reference for us to take total responsibility, not just half. we are both committed to stay together so that in itself is a great relief. helps too. when its good its great and when its bad its awful. i hope to clear my mind of the demons you refer to, and certainly that will help me to be a better husband and a better man. thanks for your uplifting words, you have been (and will be)a great reference for me. god bless you, p
May 14, 2009
 Abuse
by: melissa

Yes I can very well relate...you could write a book of my whole life..Im a mother of three and loved every minute of it..and that part of my life I wouldnt take back.I sacrficed alot for my kids..but in the mean time I battered myself in process..but before I got married I was abused to got married to run away thinking it would go away.But for some reason it found me and the abuse started again with someone I trusted again..When I was a baby the abuse started I can remember eating my own vomit and being beat with the belt till I fainted..and tied up in the closet while my parents went out and had fun with my other siblings...my father died a few years ago.my mom still lives..but for some odd reason I still love them..anyway my moms father molested me several times then my uncle same house ..the son of my grandfathers..the brother of my mother..My hips were broke now I suffer pain from that..since i am older..but from all that I too cant trust who loves me..I think they lie cheat and will eventually hurt me..except my kids If my daughter wants to write a book about my life It will be scarey to read..And yet im still here and love my husband(new)..and he is 20 years older..I have a low self esteem..I did try and run away and even kill myself and that is a whole nother story..I believe god and faith kept me sane..and still holding me together..I have nightmares of this sometimes..but i handle it better...

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