"For parents in recovery (PIRs), the process of recovery is so much more than just stopping drug and alcohol abuse.... Parents facing these challenges will feel understood and supported." -Booklist
"I am just like other parents, except..."
Parents in Recovery is not a book about "how" to parent. It is also not a book about "how" to get sober. Instead, it is meant to be a guide for parents in recovery (PIRs) from substance use disorders that provides insights and strategies for coping with the many unique and not so unique, challenges they may face. It is also intended to give the loved ones and families of PIRs an inside look at this world and explain why certain changes and behaviors are necessary to maintain long-term recovery. Each chapter is an integration of research, the voices of parents in recovery, input from addiction treatment experts, parent recovery wisdom suggestions and the author's past journal accounts. This guidebook can support mothers and fathers in navigating their way through parenting with a sober lifestyle-which includes physical, emotional, social, spiritual, behavioral, environmental, and vocational wellness. It is written for those who have embraced sobriety before, during or after becoming a parent and can serve as a "job-aid" on this journey. Key topics include love and marriage, family systems, work and life balance, self-care, parenting types, sober socializing, coping with hard times, mental health and recovery pride. This book also addresses modern-day challenges, including the use of electronics, social media, career identity, social trends, non-traditional parental roles and living in a post-COVID-19 pandemic world. While many parents feel shame associated with aspects of their addiction, this book emphasizes the gifts and accomplishments of being in recovery and how they positively impact the entire family system.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
'Parenting is hard. Recovery is hard,' says Benton. When you combine the two, the challenges multiply. For parents in recovery (PIRs), the process of recovery is so much more than just stopping drug and alcohol abuse. There are physical, psychological, social, and spiritual issues that carry over for years. Benton, who had seven years of recovery before she became a mother, knows the struggles firsthand. Addiction, by nature, drives the user inward; parenting, by nature, requires an outward focus. Benton interviews parents in various stages of recovery, sharing their personal stories.... She offers helpful suggestions from PIRs on the front line for social living while sober. Each chapter ends with excerpts from Benton's personal journals citing her personal journey. Parents facing these challenges will feel understood and supported. * Booklist * Sarah Benton's newest book Parents in Recovery adds to the field by writing lessons garnered through lived experience and facts supported by research and data. Demystifying a field shrouded in mystery and misconception, Benton writes clearly about the nature of Substance Use Disorders, the recovery process, and the blessing of going deeply. Often seen as synonymous with giving up a substance or other behavior, Sarah Benton clarifies the nature of living in recovery. More than just a recovery book, it provides gentle guidance for parents that can benefit those in recovery...or not. -- Diana Clark, president of O'Connor Professional Group, author of Addiction Recovery: A Family's Journey Addiction is passed down (in part) from generation to generation, but so too is recovery. In Parents in Recovery Sarah Benton presents a roadmap for both reflection and practice for parents in recovery as well as those who love or work with them. In equal parts inspiring and instructional, Benton blends her own clinical expertise and personal recovery story with the voices of other recovering parents and experts. The result is a highly readable and encouraging guidebook that reminds us that while recovery isn't always easy, it is always worth it when families are at the center. -- Dawn Nickel, Dawn Nickel, co-founder of SHE RECOVERS (R) Foundation, author of She Recovers Every Day: Meditations for Women Recovery has been the gift that has allowed me to be present in my three children's lives, but navigating parenting as a person in recovery is complex and stressful. Sarah Allen Benton's book provides a beautiful and helpful guide to this very often experienced but rarely discussed segment of parents. -- Greg Williams, filmmaker of The Anonymous People, Generation Found, and Tipping The Pain Scale Sarah Allen Benton has written an excellent book to help fill a surprising gap in recovery literature: parents in recovery. As a man in long-term recovery and father of a teenager, it is refreshing to see so many wonderful nuggets of guidance for parents in recovery to help us navigate the interwoven journeys of recovery and being a loving and present parent. Incorporating extensive research, excerpts of interviews, and suggested skills for readers to incorporate into their lives, Benton has written a powerful book to help all parents in recovery enhance their journey doing 'the toughest job you'll ever love.' -- Dan Griffin, author of A Man's Way through the Twelve Steps, A Man's Way through Relationships, and Amazing Dads! The greatest achievement of my life has been the honor and responsibility of being a sober father. Sobriety has allowed me to be fully present, accountable and vulnerable to the people that I love and treasure the most; my children, Chris Jr., Samantha and Drew. Heather and I are incredibly blessed to walk this journey together.
Sarah's book addresses every aspect of being a parent in recovery (PIR). Regardless of your recovery or parenting stage, Sarah offers a "first of its kind" navigation and motivational tool from the personal lens of Clinician, Educator and Parent. This is a book that you will keep and refer to again and again. -- Chris Herren, founder of Herren Project, Herren Talks and Herren Wellness, author of Baskteball Junkie Parents in Recovery: Navigating a Sober Family Lifestyle by Sarah Allen Benton is a beacon of hope and guidance for parents on the challenging yet rewarding path of recovery. Benton's insightful approach, enriched with real-life narratives and practical strategies, offers a roadmap for parents striving to maintain sobriety while nurturing their families. This book is a valuable resource that sheds light on parents' unique challenges in recovery and empowers them with the wisdom and tools needed to navigate these obstacles with resilience and grace. Benton's heartfelt storytelling and inclusive perspective make this book a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and practical advice on the journey to sobriety and creating a fulfilling family life. -- Teo-Carlo Straun, CEO of Straun Health and Wellness; faculty, Yale School of Medicine
Sarah Allen Benton is a licensed mental health counselor and advanced alcohol and drug counselor. She is co-owner of Benton Behavioral Health Consulting, LLC specializing in clinical and business support services. Sarah is a co-founder and chief clinical officer for Waterview Behavioral Health in Wallingford, CT and was also the former director of Clinical Services for Aware Recovery Care in North Haven, CT. Sarah has worked as a therapist and clinical consultant for various addiction treatment programs, practices, and start-ups. She also worked at McLean Hospital in their dual diagnosis transitional treatment program, Klarman Center for eating disorder treatment and the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Institute in Belmont, MA.
Introduction
Chapter 1: Recovery as a Lifestyle
Chapter 2: The Intrinsic and Extrinsic Parenting Continuum
Chapter 3: Family, Marriage and Partnership
Chapter 4: Get a Life: Finding a Personal and Professional Identity
Chapter 5: Self-Care Is Not Optional
Chapter 6: Coping with Hard Times
Chapter 7: Staying Sane: Recovery from Mental Health Conditions
Chapter 8: The Dog Years: Coping with the Most Challenging Stages
Chapter 9: Buzz Kill: Sober Socializing in a Digital Age
Chapter 10: Recovery Pride
Resources
Acknowledgements
Bibliography
Index
About the Author
