About a Families Journey Through Addiction
Above is the last image we have of all of us together. Therefore It holds special meaning as well as being a milestone moment in the life of our family.
In addition it was a time of great excitement and the full range of emotion as our twins where entering their first year of college.
Yet, what we didn’t know, was that our beautiful daughter “LaLa” was struggling. We later discovered that she headed to college with hopes of a fresh start. Dark clouds had overshadowed areas of her life. The clouds had names: anxiety, anorexia and later, addiction.
This is the story of how our family and our lives were turned upside down over the next 7 years.
Our hope is that through our story we will be able to encourage other families and, we pray, save them some of the heartache and pain we suffered.
Thankfully, in the end our story is a story filled with hope!
On July 6th 2018, My wife and I launched “We Chose Love” on the anniversary of our daughter “LaLa’s” life. It was the end of a long journey trying to help her overcome addiction and mental health issues. “We Chose Love” is a platform primarily focused on helping individuals navigate relationships impacted by addiction and mental health challenges. We emphasize building emotional connections and fostering intentional relationships. While it initially centers on supporting family members and loved ones of those struggling with addiction, the principles shared can apply broadly to all types of relationships.
Various evidence-based methods, such as Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to create meaningful change by improving communication, understanding addiction as a complex biopsychosocial disorder, and encouraging healthier interactions with loved ones.
Key ideas include:
- Intentionality: Making deliberate efforts to show love, respect, and understanding, even in challenging situations.
- Connection: Strengthening emotional bonds can be a powerful tool in addressing addiction or relational issues.
- Perspective Shift: Understanding the underlying reasons for behaviors, such as addiction, to foster empathy and more constructive engagement.
Our approach is to share personal stories and tools to help individuals sustain relationships during difficult times, emphasizing hope and small daily efforts to improve dynamics.
Coaching is available for anyone interested
I have a long history of personal experience in the recovery process. In a few short months I will be drug free for forty years. I have navigated the process of loving someone with mental health and substance abuse issues through our experience with Lauren (“LaLa“). I have been involved in coaching and counseling for 38 years in the faith and secular communities. I am a Certified C.R.A.F.T Group Leader as well as a certified recovery coach through the Center for Progressive Recovery with Michael Pantalon, PhD Senior Research Scientist in Emergency Medicine, Yale University. In addition I have run programs for Progressive Recovery in Shelton, Ct.
My coaching process is very practical and event specific designed to address individual situations. Recovery is about relationship and relationships are complicated but extremely impactful.
Most of my clients work with me on an as needed basis. Receiving information and guidance as a specific situations arise. For a complimentary evaluation situation just email at vinny@wechoselove.com . These sessions are usually around 20 minutes to determine if I would be a good fit for you. If you would like to learn more about coaching services click here .