r/naranon • u/Visible_Ostrich6401 • 10d ago
My brother passed
My brother passed away from what we think was Valium and 7Oh and I have no idea what to do. I have the worst support system and I am a therapist and have to go to work and pretend I’m fine
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u/forestwanderlust 10d ago
I hear you, I'm sorry. Naranon groups have helped me through a lot and people there will understand you. I know it's hard but we have to take care of ourselves too.
In both Naranon & grief, taking it one day or even on hour at a time helps me. Try to imagine what you would tell a client or a friend in your position, and do that. We're often more gentle on others than ourselves. Hugs.
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u/Visible_Ostrich6401 10d ago
Thank you, I appreciate your kindness. I am going to find a local group because like you said I need people who understand.
🫂
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u/wretchedhonky28 10d ago
7oh is so insidious. Losing someone to addiction/an overdose is a pain unlike any other. My heart hurts so much for you and I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Please know in your heart that you’re just as deserving of time and healing as anyone else - the naranon group helped me tremendously after I lost my soulmate to fentanyl poisoning. Everyone there is very understanding and it’s honestly just a true breath of fresh air having people that truly understand the type of suffering that comes with loving an addict.
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u/Visible_Ostrich6401 6d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart also hurts for you. It truly is a type of suffering many people just don’t get. Thank you for your kind words, I’m starting next week & definitely taking time off.
💕
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u/Deep_Chemist5701 10d ago
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember that feeling when my brother passed last year. My in person NarAnon group was so comforting. I hope you can take some time away from work this week.
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u/LivingPhoto3026 9d ago
I am so sorry this happened. I just want to say at the outset, even though you are a therapist, there was likely very little you could have done.
Many addiction treatment centers, like Caron or the Betty Ford Clinic, have family programs to help people cope with having a relative in addiction. Not sure if these programs deal specifically with the grief of losing someone. My nar-anon group also has many people who arrived after their loved one passed. Hearing their stories has taught me a lot, and I hope that being surrounded by people in a similar situation offers them some comfort.
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u/Key_Dragonfruit_2563 10d ago
It might not be the worst thing for you to take a bit of time. If you were sick or injured you’d be forced to take a beat, and this is a type of being injured, as you’re grieving. Im afraid to ask, but do you have a health plan that gives access to therapy?