"When Helping Hurts: Parenting a 27-Year-Old Struggling with Mental Health, Addiction, and Life’s Next Steps"

Episode Description:
In this episode of From One Mother of an Addict to Another, I tackle a deeply complex and emotionally draining family dilemma: parenting a 27-year-old who’s single, jobless, living at home, and struggling with mental health challenges and potential drug or alcohol use.

As parents, we instinctively want to fix the situation, but what happens when our efforts to help only seem to make things worse? Drawing from my own journey as a mother, I’ll share candid insights into what I’ve learned about supporting an adult child in crisis—while avoiding the trap of enabling destructive behaviors.

We’ll explore:

• How mental health and substance use complicate the “failure to launch” phenomenon.
• The importance of setting boundaries that prioritize both your child’s growth and your family’s well-being.
• How to navigate feelings of guilt, anger, and helplessness while fostering a healthier dynamic.
• Practical tips for addressing mental health concerns, encouraging independence, and creating a plan for moving forward.

This is a raw, honest look at the reality many families face, but it’s also a reminder that you’re not alone. Together, we’ll discuss what can—and can’t—be done when love and tough love collide in the most challenging ways.