How do I explain to my children that their dad is an "addict"

by Sally
(Chicago)

Recently, my boys witnessed their father's overdose of methadone. They were visiting with him on vacation. While staying with their dad, they were unable to get him to respond.

They had to call 911. They witnessed the chaos of the EMT's/the hospital, their dad's coma, etc. I have a 10y, 11y and a 18y. My 18 year old son has resided with their father and he is completely aware of the situation.

We live about two hours away so after about two days, I made the younger sons come back home and get away from the hospital. I did not go, but my sister's had been taking care of the boys afterwards.

Anyway, to make a long story short, their dad is now awake and being sent home from the hospital. He has no drugs in his system and has been "detoxed" from the methadone. How do I explain to the little guys what it means to be an addict? I hear their dad is already acting crazy without his medicine. I have shut my phones off today, because I know he is going to be calling.

Pending any court hearings, etc, I am not planning to allow any type of overnight visiting. I don't believe he can really do anything about it.. He is broke. But my boys think I'm just being vengeful, etc. They hate this and I get all of the blame. How do I make them understand? I intend to hold out until he actually completes some sort of program toward his recovery.