What Gets Passed Down Gently
Episode 22: A mother’s voice on addiction, hope, and showing up
This week on Circle of Chairs, I sat down with my mom, Diana Dalles, LPN, MSW, to talk about what it was like to love a teenager struggling with addiction and to do so at a time when resources were scarce, language was limited, and shame often kept families silent.
This episode isn’t about advice or hindsight. It’s about presence. About what it means to stay when you don’t know what to do, can’t fix what’s unfolding, and are quietly carrying more than anyone realizes.
We talk about fear, about isolation, about hope that refuses to leave even in the darkest moments. We also reflect on how recovery changes not just one life, but an entire family system, slowly and over time.
If you are a parent, caregiver, or loved one who has walked through addiction alongside someone you love, this conversation is for you. If you’ve ever wondered whether simply staying mattered, I think you’ll feel seen here.
One more thing…
Don’t forget to register now to save your spot for the annual International Women’s Day Global Event!
Join us for the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) Event: “When Women Speak, Families Heal: A Global Recovery Gathering” on Sunday March 8th at 1:00pm EST.
This year’s theme is especially close to our hearts: raising the voices of affected family members: mothers, daughters, sisters, spouses, and loved ones whose lives have been shaped by addiction and the recovery journey.
We’re gathering a global community of leaders to spotlight a message the recovery movement urgently needs: family members are an integral part of the recovery movement.
Our featured speakers (announcement coming soon!) will:
Name the hidden grief and strength many families carry
Offer practical hope—not just inspiration
Share a clear call toward compassionate, recovery-centered support for families
Model how families can move from survival to purpose and leadership
Can’t wait to see you there!
Great episode. I’ve been a member of a family 12 step recovery fellowship for nearly 15 years. Even though it was my son who was using drugs, my life was being controlled by addiction too. There are a lot of misperceptions about family 12 step recovery programs, that they are religious, that they will tell you what to do, that the steps won’t apply. I thought all those things too. But what I found was understanding, support, tolerance and community.
Beautiful episode!