Drug Addiction

when i was 18 i moved out and started using drugs, i never hid it from my mom but told i didn't want her in my life, i was very mean to her but she never gave up on me. at 20 i decided to get clean and called her for help. what you need to know is that you can't force him to get clean, but don't give up on him, even though i was awful to my mom she called me everyday and said " i love you and i'm praying for you". i didnt want to hear it at the time but when i decided to get clean i knew she would be there for me. if you try to force him to clean he won't stay that way. he has to decide that he wants to be clean. if you want i can give you my mom's email and you can talk to her, she now ministers to addicts and thier families.

Al-Anon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't say it enough. It has saved me! The program is tough even if you think you want to be involved. But give it the 6 weeks that they request when you start and make your own decision. My life is currently, absolutely, definately falling apart. However, I can handle it because of Al-anon.

L., I am so sorry for what you are going through right now.... I know how difficult it is to watch a loved one go through this. You can force him to get help....in situations such as this tough love is required.... If he refuses to go to rehab volentarily you have the right (and as a mom, the unofficial responsibility) to force him to get help. There are tons of addiction hotlines...they're usually in the front section of your phone book....call them and tell them your story and they will be able to help you cope as well as give you ideas and options on how you can help your son. I wish you all the luck, prayers, and love in the world with this and I hope you can fix it before it's too late.

I know about addiction from having frineds and lovers that became addictied to drugs and or alcohal. Your son is in pain and you can't help but ache for him. He is your child and you long for the days when a bandaide, and a kiss and a huge could make everything all better. He has to hit rock bottom, and for each person that is different. Some the first time they lie is a reality check and for others they have to be so sick and tired that they are close to death. First and formost you have to take care of yourself and set some boundries. And intervention is rock bottom for some poeple. The poeple that are the best for you is Allynon. Good Luck. Some much has been learned about addiction and what you as his mom can and can't do to help. There is hope but it won't be easy. Blessing from one mom to another.

Hi L.. I am so sorry that you are having to go through something like this. My brother and my dad both are both addicts. My dad was clean for a while, but has returned to his old ways. My brother is clean now, but we'll have to see how long it lasts. If I sound cynical, I am a little.

My best advice is to set boundaries. Decide now how far you are willing to go. In an effort to help my family (I always thought their problems were a reflection of me), I nearly ruined my husband and me financially. Emotionally, I'm spent. Only recently have I said enough is enough. I can't force anyone to change. Only the person can decide when is the time to get clean.

That's probably not great advice, but at least you know you're not alone. Like the previous poster said, Al-Anon is probably a good source for you.