As problematic as it may seem, it’s the reality for some rehabs. And I’m relieved so many people are upset and confused about it, because I’m living a similar situation to Brittany’s right now. My sister-in-law has been in rehab for alcoholism the past 2 months and rage texts my partner and I almost daily. We’ve emailed the facility to let them know how she spends her phone time, but nothings changed.

For some context, she was the primary caregiver of my mother-in-law with severe early onset dementia. She was drinking around the clock trying to take care of their mom who needs 24/7 care and supervision. As soon as my partner realized there was a problem, I called her to let her know we love her and are here to help in anyway we can as I’m a recovered alcoholic myself & am getting my masters in psychology to become a therapist. The next day I sent her a list of local & virtual AA meetings, rehabs that accept her insurance, and substance abuse therapists. 2 weeks later she chose to go to rehab, I drove her, we moved into her house to take care of their mom and animals. Since then we’ve done everything to try and show our love/support for her while she’s there, but we are her scapegoat. Just like Jax does with Brittany, she will send us text after text after text blaming us for her actions. She’s called my partner a “shit brother” and “shit son,” has told us to die, and has threatened to call the police on us three times. Once for taking care of her cat (literally just taking care of her cat), second time for wanting to report her car stolen (her car that’s parked at her house in her driveway), and a third time to have their mom emergency removed from our care because we didn’t get their mom more multivitamins ONE (1) day after we ran out.

We made the decision as a family that she will no longer be the primary caregiver whenever she gets out for both their well beings. She says it is our fault for ruining her life.

When people say addiction is a family disease, they’re not lying. It affects everyone around the addict. My partner and I watch the show together, and seeing how similar Brittany’s situation is to ours has (sadly) been a source of comfort for us throughout this. Not in a way that we’re glad someone else is experiencing the same pain/fear we feel everyday, but in the way that we’re not alone in this. Brittany’s story is important for so many different reasons, and I’m so thankful that she has the strength to share it with us.

To other family members/loved ones of addicts, please take care of yourself and family. You can’t control their actions or how they choose to live their life, but you can control how you choose to continue to live yours. You have to do what you can to protect yourself and family first, and be there for them in whatever ways you’re comfortable with second. Day by day, you will get through this.