Unique conference for addicts’ families

Loving an addict can be painful, destructive and heartbreaking, according to North Shore mother Lynda Wharton.

Wharton’s daughter has battled addiction for 10 years, including becoming hooked on methamphetamine. The daughter, who is not named for privacy reasons, is currently being treated at a residential rehabilitation facility. But Wharton says she had days when she was sure her daughter would die.

‘‘It’s not overstating to say that meth absolutely destroys lives. It kills people, but if you don’t die you’re in a living hell,’’ she says. ‘‘It’s incredibly addictive and you never get back that [first] high.’’

Wharton hopes to share her personal experience in a conference for close family members of addicts; believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

‘‘We think it’s unique. There’s very little for the people being impacted - the families and loved ones - of the people with addictions. Addiction breaks families … all normality goes out the window.’’

The conference is also about bringing the subject of drug and alcohol addiction ‘‘out of the shadows’’, Wharton says.

‘‘The truth is that there are people from every walk of life living with addiction.’’

The conference includes talks from a range of people with both professional and personal experience.

Wharton, who is an acupuncturist, naturopath and

‘‘Addiction breaks families … all normality goes out the window.’’

Lynda Wharton, mother of an addict

writer in her professional life, hopes to empower people with information she has gained through her own journey.

She is one of three mothers of addicts who will speak: codependence coach Roslyn Saunders and empowerment coach Karen Oates will also share their journeys, rising up from guilt and shame.

North Shore general practitioner Dr Robin Kelly will speak on the deeper causes of addictions, while keynote speaker Pat Armitstead will talk about how to find joy when it appears there is none.

The idea is to teach family members of addicts some ‘‘tough love’’ skills.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend Rising and Thriving Above Addiction, 8.45am to 5pm, March 18 at Kawai Purapura, Albany. Tickets $99 including catering: bit.ly/2loUJBv or phone 021 371 113.

DENISE PIPER/FAIRFAX NZ Writer, naturopath, acupuncturist and mother of a drug addict Lynda Wharton will speak at a conference for family members of addicts.