Our family has experienced the agony of a prodigal son.  In early 2000s we hit a season of great despair when our son, Evan—who was in his late teens—was addicted to drugs and alcohol. Each year, it is estimated that 95,000 people die from alcohol-related causes, making alcohol the third-leading preventable cause of death in the United States. (Source: NIAAA, 2020) 

This month, as we celebrate National Alcohol Awareness Month, I want others to know that they are not alone.  I hope this encourages others, who are struggling with addiction themselves or have a family member who is suffering, by sharing some of the lessons we have learned.

It’s Not Your Fault

During this unimaginable season of our son’s addiction, my wife, Kelly, and I didn’t know if we should fall on our face before God for help or shake an angry fist at him.  Both of which we did.  And we often wondered, “What did we do wrong? 

 How could we have been better parents?  Did we not spend enough time with him?” 

But ultimately sin and the seduction of the world is very cunning.  And our son’s addiction—while we felt like it reflected on us—was not about us. 

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