Debrah and Max Hyman's story is one of truth, adoption, addiction, pain, sadness, despair, anger, forgiveness and ultimately redemption, recovery and love.  Debrah is an esteemed psychotherapist who has been practicing for over 40 years, specializing in substance abuse treatment, prevention and intervention.  Her 32 year old son Max is an artist, performer, nature enthusiast, adventurer and dreamer.  Max has been through a lifetime of a chronic and debilitating relationship with alcoholism.  Together this mother and son have climbed the mountain of recovery.  It felt impossible at times, but they have arrived up here where the air is a little bit thinner and filled with the accomplishment of finding and recovering a life, love and a new and profound connection.

What You Will Hear:

• Debrah and Jeff’s story of multiple miscarriages and the opportunity to adopt Max.
• Max’s first understanding of adoption.
• Starting to act out in 7th and 8th grade and signs that there was trouble ahead.
• Drawing boundaries.
• Alcoholism and witnessing Max getting arrested. 
• Hospitalization, nursing home, finding hope and recovery.
• Debrah choosing to not have contact with Max through his recovery.
• Max’s understanding Debrah’s choice.
• What they have learned about one another.
• Most common pitfalls when addicts are trying to figure out the road to recovery.
• What to know about recovery.

Quotes    

“I really felt in my heart, if Max was ever going to make it for himself, he had to do it independently of me, his mother.”

“I’m learning that I know very little about my mom.”

“Recovery takes time.  Time takes time.”

“It’s important for me to understand and to recognize that I can’t believe everything I think.”

“Recovery is a very doable, uncomfortable process.”

“Gratitude is essential.”