How addiction touched our lives…

"To the Moon and Back" is a captivating story of how the love between a mother and her child can be the most precious gift given in a lifetime. Shot over the course of fifteen years, this film portrays a heart-wrenching look at a woman's struggle with drug addiction through the eyes of her daughter. During this film, we witness many transformations; from a mother with an addiction to a daughter's struggle with acceptance.

Tarah's intimate journal entries help us, the audience, comprehend the painful process of understanding who she is as well as the difficulties of making this film and her mother's situation. Ultimately "To the Moon and Back" is able to show how challenging yet unconditional, love can be. Throughout the film, we visually experience the strong connection that develops between mother and daughter, demonstrating how a guileless home film can ultimately save the lost souls of two beautiful beings.

Shot between Canada's East Hasting, Salt springs Islands, and Vancouver Island, This film takes you on a journey to the heart of every relationship and to the only true thing worth fighting for; LOVE.

Read Kati’s story here

Read Tarah’s story here

to the moon and back

2019 Trailer

UNDERSTANDING THE DISEASE OF ADDICTION

Tap here for original source.

Children of addicts;YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

From American Addiction Centers- https://americanaddictioncenters.org/

Here are some tips on how to build self-confidence and get past the fear that keeps you from speaking up about your parent’s substance abuse:

Find an adult to confide in. Think of at least one older person you respect and trust, someone who understands you and makes you feel valuable. It could be a teacher, a coach, a favorite aunt or uncle, or a neighbor. Let them know about your fears, and ask them if they would be willing to help.

Keep a journal. Writing down your feelings — either in a paper journal or an online blog — and recording the things that happen to you might feel scary at first, but it’s a good way to work through your fears. A journal can also be a good way to remember things that have happened when you make the decision to talk to someone. If journaling isn’t your thing, try expressing yourself in other ways, like recording videos, composing poems, making art, or writing songs.

Participate in activities that make you feel good about yourself. Are you a fast runner? A gifted photographer? A music lover? Find the activities that make you feel confident and happy, and spend more time participating in those things.

Stay close to your friends. When you’re feeling embarrassed or frightened about things that are happening at home, it’s tempting to isolate yourself and lie to your friends about how things are going. Don’t turn your friends away in these tough times; find at least one person your age who makes you feel good about yourself, and keep in touch with them.

Collect emergency phone numbers. Make a list of people you could contact in a crisis, and keep their phone numbers in a safe place. These numbers could include emergency services, teen hotlines, relatives who have helped you in the past, concerned neighbors, teachers, or anyone else you feel you could turn to if things get really bad.
Make a list of safe places. If there were a crisis at home and you needed to leave, either for an afternoon break or a whole night, where could you go? Keep a list of places — the homes of friends or relatives, family shelters, teen centers, libraries, and parks — where you could go if you need relief from stress at home.

And here are a couple of outreach programs with others going through the same thing as you.

https://nacoa.org/coa-awareness-week/

This might have a virtual camp:
https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/treatment/family-children/childrens-program

And REMEMBER you are not alone. You can always contact me via Instagram @tothemoonandbackdoc