Guidance for Mothers of Addicts by Mama's Got Grit
Helping mothers of children struggling with addiction find the strength, connection and joy they need to show up as their best selves. Learn moreJoin the community
When our child suffers from addiction, the fear can be crippling.
We are constantly on ‘high alert’ worrying about how or where our child is or waiting for the phone call that might change our lives forever.
There’s such a fine line between helping and enabling that we over-analyze our every move, trying not to make matters worse. We are torn between the desire to throw every ounce of our love, time and money into trying to cure the addiction and the knowledge that we have absolutely no control over our loved one’s substance use.
The intense stress often impacts our physical and mental wellbeing, while our obsessive focus might jeopardize our other relationships, our financial security, and our careers.
When each day can bring new problems and we’re constantly faced with impossible decisions, it’s easy to feel hopeless and alone.
But you’re not alone, you just haven’t found your people yet. And you can get through this, you’re just going to need a little ‘grit’.
“Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had, and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed.”
Linda Wooten
Loving a family member with addiction requires a whole truckload of grit.
Natalie Anderson
Founding Mama of Mama’s Got Grit
My father struggled with addiction. It was our family’s SHAMEFUL SECRET. My son struggles with substance abuse.
It has been a messy, terrifying and exhausting journey, including feelings of failure as a parent, lack of self-worth, and even fear of being in my own home.
Powerlessness zapped my zest for life, yet I continued to provide love and emotional support to my son. At the same time, I juggled the needs of my other child, navigated divorce and fought over what was best for my son’s emotional well-being.
My son’s journey with substance abuse disorder is ongoing, with no guarantee of a storybook happy ending. But I’ve learned a lot about myself and what it takes to show up as my best self and build a life full of meaning, connection and fulfillment.
The secret ingredient is resilience (aka grit) – something we mothers have in plenty when we’re provided with the tools to find it.
supports the women who are so often left to clean up the pieces.
Having seen how traditional treatment systems fail to address the trail of destruction left in the wake of addiction, I founded Mama’s Got Grit to provide coaching, training & community to the women who are buckling under the strain of loving a child with substance abuse.
As a Certified Life Purpose Coach and CRAFT Peer Coach trained by the Partnership to End Addiction, I am a passionate advocate for changing the way we Mama’s deal with addicted offspring.
Through both online and in-person experiences, we provide a non-judgmental and affirming space where mothers of children struggling with addiction can find the resilience they need to create a path forward for living their best lives.
Our coaching experiences help moms:
Forge Connections and Break Free from Isolation
Become part of a supportive community of mothers who truly understand your journey. Together, we’ll transform solitude into solidarity, learning and growing from shared experiences.
Rise Above Overwhelm with Sustainable Coping Strategies
Discover empowering techniques that bring calm to the storm, helping you navigate the lows with grace and confidence.
Celebrate Self-Care and Cultivate Resilience
Embrace the power of putting your well-being first. Uncover the strength within to establish boundaries that honor your needs, fostering a foundation of self-respect and resilience.
Shift from Reactive to Creative Living
Step into the driver’s seat of your life, steering towards a future brimming with love, meaning, and joy. We’ll guide you in crafting proactive steps to build the fulfilling life you and your family deserve.
Get Your Own Grit
Are you a mother feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of your child’s addiction or substance abuse problems? Do you feel like you’re constantly battling between supporting your child and maintaining your own mental health?
You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place.
“Get Your Own Grit” is a self-paced online course designed specifically for mothers like you, who are navigating the difficult journey of supporting an older child struggling with addiction.
This course empowers you to reclaim your strength, set healthy boundaries, and begin healing on your own terms and at a pace that works for you.
1-on-1 coaching and private calls with Natalie are also available
The Gritty
new Sign up for the Mamas Got Grit regular newsletter, The Gritty, and join a community of like-minded mamas who receive actionable advice, tips, success stories, and details about upcoming events.
Natalie’s working on even more amazing products, tools, resources, and special events.
Be sure to join her newsletter and be the first to know!
Plus, gain access to powerful tips and insights to help you navigate this unique path of motherhood.
Group Events
Do you know some struggling mamas in your area? Are you involved in a community that helps others? We uniquely design events and retreats personalized for your group!
We come to your community and provide actionable guidance to a group of moms. We find that opening the discussion of addiction and its stigma brings people closer.
“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” – Margaret J. Wheatley
Our customized events will guide you and your group through our proven techniques as we help you create your new life filled with joy. Yes, it IS possible!
It just takes GRIT!
These are planned quarterly and designed specifically for registered attendees.
What people say
“My daughter has been fighting drug addiction for many years. My husband and I have different opinions about how we should handle Catie. Bill has a tough-love approach, while I will do anything in the world to save my daughter.
Over the years this has included detox programs, rehabs, anything and everything to keep Catie alive. She has been arrested multiple times and has been in and out of emergency rooms while I sit by her side begging the universe to give her another chance.
Coaching with Natalie was everything I was promised and more. She is empathic AND has walked many miles in my shoes. She reminded me to give myself permission to focus on myself. My daughter is still struggling with addiction, however, I have created a different place in my life for her choices, which I now see I can not control.”
Barbara, Chicago IL
Find the strength and resilience to do what's best for you and your loved ones.
