Kevin Peterson is an expert in the correlation of substance abuse and child abuse.  In this podcast, Kevin talks about the steps and shares, "The 12th step is 'carry the message'!"

His childhood was overshadowed by his mom's hidden prescription drug abuse, and they, as children, were taught to lie to cover for her.

By the age of 13, he himself was drinking and using drugs, and he liked it.  At the age of 26, his father told him they loved him but were done.  His parents were making a change, and that meant, he was out.

On May 5, 1991, he got sober and has been ever since.  In 2007, he had a midlife crisis, got out of sales and decided he wanted to change the world.

He graduated college in 2011 and started his own practice where he works with families who are struggling with addiction.  And that, involves kids - direct and overtly or indirect and covertly.

In his work, he helps people once they are sober and need to deal with the "stuff".

Takeaways from this podcast:

• It is not our job to be perfect; it is our job to own our imperfections and model healing, growth and a willingness to improve.
• Showing children how to take responsibility for your behavior and actions, how to take care of yourself and how to acknowledge when you’ve made a mistake.
• Being perfect is a waste of time; they’re watching you.  If they’re watching you get high all day, they’re going to get high all day.
• Starts with consistency, level of expectation how to treat each other.  Everyone has a voice.  Kids need a witness, they need someone there.
• Your kid really just wants to hang out with you.

Kevin has authored the book, "Chronic Hope: Families and Addiction"

Resources: www.chronichope.us