by Chie

My son is 20 years old. He lives at home with his father and I. I believe he is abusing codeine syrup to make the purple drink.

He went to a walk in clinic and said he had a cough and sore throat. The doctor gave him a prescription and it had 4 refills. He is not sick at all.

I contacted the pharmacy to let them know my concerns but was told because of HIPPA laws they have to refill it for him.

What are my options at this point?

Daughter addicted to Percocet?

by Pam

My 26 year old daughter is addicted to Percocet and possibly oxy’s as well. She is trying to wean herself off of Suboxone(or so she says) at home. She has stolen money, jewelry and other things from us & is going down a very self-destructive path.

When she found out she was pregnant, I took her to a place called Covenant House in Hartford,Ct. She needed to be detoxed before they could admit her. She went to the detox hospital and they didn’t have a bed for her at that time. They called her the next day and told her to come in by 4:00 pm. Her friend brought her there at 4:45 pm and the bed was already taken.

Since that time, she says she wants to detox at home, so that she and the baby won’t become addicted to methadone. She is not emotionally strong, and I really don’t believe she is doing what she says she is, and I’ve read that it is very dangerous to the mother and baby to try to detox this way.

She has recently qualified for state (Husky) aid for medical bills for her and the unborn baby. What resources does she have? I’m very concerned, not only for her, but for her unborn baby. She is about 10 weeks pregnant right now and wants to keep the baby. If she was really trying to detox, I think her symptoms would be much more severe.

Sorry for the long message, but I’m looking for some answers. Thanks in advance for your response.

Crack Addict?

by Kerry

I am looking for one on one help for a crack addict?

Son beginning to use drugs?

by Julie

(UK)

Hi, I have a son who is 15 and it’s turning into a nightmare with him .. this last 3 months he does not want to get up for school on time he’s late everyday and I have my doubts about drug use and it may be cannabis I’m not sure , he does a paper round and generally he has about £35 a week pocket money and he never buys anything useful with it, he came in stoned when he was 14 and we have had issues with him ever since.

He has no phone as it’s taken off him and we don’t give him any extra money, he just has his paper round money, he has developed a really bad attitude and is disrespectful most of the time but just thinks he’s funny .. however he does seem to come in at the right times 90% of the time..

This last few weeks I have noticed he has a sore looking nostrils like he could have a cold sore in one of them and the other looks red too, I have not said anything to him other than he should put antiseptic cream on them and I am wondering do kids get this kind of problem if they start dabbling in cocaine???

I really don’t know other than the usual symptoms of the laziness and attitude, I won’t challenge him if there is no physical signs from such a drug but I do worry that he is messing around with experimenting with drugs ..
many thanks Julie

Our relationship had become toxic.

by Lynn

My husband left me 6 months ago. His addiction is to weed. I had no idea that u could become addicted to it. But looking back it makes sense.

He started therapy which I’m happy that he is. Our relationship had become toxic. I guess I’m writing to u with a question as far as when in therapy do they tackle the drug addiction as being a huge part of the dysfunctional part of the marriage?

I wasn’t always controlling and resentful. I’m really trying to focus on myself so that IF we get back together I’m not enabling. But here I am wondering about his therapy. I love him so much and wish we could work things out. Thanks.

Cocaine Statistics?

by Sonja

Thanks for answering, however unfortunately you didn’t answer my question.

Could you please give me the statistics of how high the percentages of people are, who recovered who have been taking cocaine for ten years off and on and who have been already 4 times in a rehab?

Many thanks in advance for your answer.

INHALANT PROBLEM DEVASTATING

by DAVID

(ATLANTA)

I HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER THAT USED INHALANTS FOR 8 MONTHS (KEYBOARD CLEANER) WILL THEY EVER BE NORMAL AGAIN??

Snorting Heroin and crack?

by Jim

I have a friend that is addicted to Heroin (snorting) and crack. She has been addicted for many years and her existence is dominated by her drug use.

My question is this;

Am I enabling her by giving her money to buy drugs?

I am tempted to quit giving her money, but I know she will do whatever is necessary to get her drugs. This may bring even worse consequences such as jail.

Just looking for advice…..

Thanks

Daughter addicted to crack

Our daughter who is 30 is on a destructive path with crack addiction. She has been in rehab and that didn’t work.

She has an excellent job and has received her Masters degree a few years ago.

We don’t understand why she is risking all of this.

We know she needs treatment and in talking with her therapist she needs dual treatment(Mental health and drug addiction).

She has agreed to enter herself into only an outpatient treatment. We know she needs more than this. She needs long term care. At least 90 days of intense inpatient treatment.

Would you recommend an intervention to accomplish this?

My wife and I were planning on meeting with her therapist with our daughter present. We are hopeful that our efforts combined with the therapist will accomplish this.

She is fearful of losing her wonderful job. We are more worried that she will lose her life.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

This is a wonderful site and bless you for your diligence and understanding.

My partner recovering from Valium addiction?

by Sally

Hi,

My partner has a Valium addiction and is currently receiving help, I’m really struggling to understand and help him, is there a support group for partners of Valium addiction?

Need Intervention!

I would like to know if you do Drug Interventions?

This is for our son.

His been a drug addict for fifteen years, and we don’t know what to do anymore.

Please help us with this difficult problem.

Thanking you for listening.

Brother addicted parents enabling

by Pamela

(Norfolk VA)

My brother has been doing drugs for 15yrs.(since 9th grade), he has been in & out of jail, rehab ect.

He is currently living with my parents. (cause the always let him come home)

I am 28yrs old and live with my military husband in a different state than them. So I don’t see them often.

I have chosen not to let my 10 yr. old son spend anytime alone with them this summer & have not visited them. I just don’t want to be around the drama that comes with visiting.

There is arguments over money and I have to hide my valuables and deal with the the roller-coaster of emotions.

My mother makes me feel awful because of my choice. Like I don’t love her.

I am Christian and she says I shouldn’t judge. She makes me feel like the bad guy.

Am I the bad guy?

Should I just deal with him to see my family?

Or should I stand my ground and say as long as you enable him by giving him, food , shelter ect… then I am not coming around.

Do I have to make her choose?

Do you know of any scripture that could help me back up what I am doing is what God would want me to?

Supporting Their Habit

by liz

(stockton)

What are some things drug addicts will do to support their drug habit?

Alcoholic violent ex scares me

My ex is an alcoholic in total denial.he went to prison for assault on me and battery to his mother, he took our child out and got drunk until he passed out with her in his care. He abuses his parents who keep taking him back and threatens me via txt message.

He has lost his mind and behaves like a mental person,totaly irrational and can only ever think of himself. He abuses people until they have enough then when nobody will take him in he fakes overdoses for attention and always wants people to feel sorry for him.

I am afraid for myself and 2 children(1 whom is his)as i do think he has mental problems and has lost his mind and i don’t know what he is capable of or how far he would go. I don’t know where this is going to end i think in his state of mind something serious is going to happen.

My son is addicted to drugs?

by Janelle

My son is 20 yrs old and abuses/addicted to drugs. He moved away to Texas at Thanksgiving to start a new life and came home for a visit in March and has no plans to leave.

Pattern has started all over again.

Question: We are tapped out financially barely hanging on to our home. He is an adult, does not live here, and has no job since the move… how do we find help?

We have been doing this since the 8th grade and he has been in two residential rehabs.

P.S. I also forgot to mention he was diagnosed with adhd and he attempted suicide when he was 15.

How to spot signs of addiction?

by Anna

I concerned about my 17 year old son and I hoping you can tell my how to spot signs of addiction?

He has really started to change recently, he’s angry all of the time and is slamming doors and leaving for long periods of time. He won’t say where he is going and I’m afraid to ask him. His eyes are bloodshot and he is VERY pale. I know he is drinking because he smells like booze a lot.

What is my next step, how do I tell if he is just an average teenager or really has a problem?

Addicted to Di-Phenhydramine

Silly question but can someone be addicted to Tyneol PM and like drugs?

I have a friend who takes 6 – 8 Excedrin PM, or some form of sleep aid daily.

Can someone be addicted to this drug and what should be her next step?

Need Teen Challenge, two sons addicted?

by Jeannie

I have tried contacting another teen challenge address. I am desperate. I have two sons 15 and 17 who are addicted to drugs. Not sure what kinds. They have started dealing.

They look terrible have lost a lot of weight, look unwell. I don’t know what to do and I am desperate.

Anyone we have talked with says that they have to be willing to join a treatment program, they are not willing.

Please I am begging you help me if you can. I don’t know what to do?

My friend’s son is a drug addict.

My friend’s son is a drug addict. He is 18 years old.

She is suffering hugely.

I have suggested a support group.

Can you tell me if Alanon is appropriate?

Is it just for alcoholics?

There are a lot of Alanon meetings in our area.

Are addicts always skinny?

by Richard

If they are addicted to crack are they always skinny. Can they be fat and still be a addict?

Battling Prescription Drug Abuse

I have been battling prescription drug abuse for 18 years.

I don’t know what to do?

School Project on Addiction

by Chrissy

Hello, My name is Chrissy and I am 18 years old. I am doing a project on drug addiction. I chose this topic because my cousin is 17 years old and a recovering drug addict.

I was wondering if could use one of your stories for my project, or if you have any information about addiction, rehab, or any statics that i could use that would be fantastic. Thank you!

Can you help?

by Russell

(ANDERSON, INDIANA)

MY DAUGHTER WAS FOOLED INTO THINKING THAT THIS WAS A GOOD PAIN RELIEF DRUG FOR HER BACK WELL AS SHE FOUND OUT, IT WAS VERY ADDICTIVE AND NOW HER HUSBAND THAT CREATED THIS WHOLE MESS IS BOWING OUT.

IT HAS RESULTED TO THEFT FROM HER MOTHER AND HER BEST FRIENDS
PARENTS NOW SHE HAS FELONY CHARGES PENDING WHAT CAN I DO SHE NEEDS THERAPY FOR HER PROBLEM NOT JAIL SHE IS IN ANDERSON INDIANA 46013.

Worried about mother?

by Brittani

My siblings and myself are concerned about our mother. For about a year now she has taking excessive amount of medication for various reasons. She makes frequent trips to the ER for anxiety attacks, or migraines that come out of the blue.

She has bad mood swings that go from one extreme to the other. She gets anything from Vicodin to sleeping pills that will make her sleep for two days at a time she says the anxiety is from her mother that she hasn’t talked to for 3 almost 4 years.

I guess what I am trying to say is there something to be worried about here or are we just being too worried?

Thanks a lot

Adderall Addiction Problem?

Dear Sir (madam),

Thank you for providing this useful site.

I have a son (30) who attends preparation school in Philadelphia for medical school.

He has been prescribed Adderall to improve concentration (for better academic achievement). It lasted for 5 and half months but at the end of the use he overdosed (up to 10-15) and had hallucinations.

We brought him home for 5 weeks and he adjusted substance-free living very well and than returned to his own place but he started taking it again for 3 days (this time he got it from on-line site)and the last day he took another 10-12 pills and developed hallucination (fortunately he called his sister for help both times).

He now admits that he has addiction problem (first denied but admitted with help of intense efforts from all family members including physicians).

I would like to have him visit a place to get best advice for treatment, either Philadelphia or NY (Manhattan).

I appreciate if you could provide names and phone numbers of the best suited site for his problem.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

Gham

Daughter one year clean!

by Heather

My daughter has just had 1 yr clean from drugs and alcohol and recently had a baby .

She has postpartum and may need and antidepressant, we are worried about how that will affect her sobriety?

What antidepressants are safe for her to take with her history of drug abuse?

My aunt is a drug addict?

by Margaret

I am 24 years old, and a recovering drug addict. I was addicted to a lot of different drugs for 6 years but, mostly meth, I was in abusive relationship for almost 3 years.

Now, I am happily married and sober for over 3 years.

My aunt is still a drug addict, I want to help her but, she won’t let me or anyone else. She will do any drug you put in front of her. She is very sick, how can I help her?

Why?

by Sierra Palantino

(Pennsylvania)

Why do so many people want to try drugs and alcohol if they know it is not good for you?

Problem with Pain Pills

I have a friend who has to take OxyContin for pain or they can’t function.

They are supposed to be taking two 80’s a day, but they go through a month’s pills in about 2 weeks and then go through withdrawals every month.

What can I do to help them?

Is there a rehab program that can break the abuse but keep them on the medication?

Major Concern For Loved one

What can I do for a friend who is mixing painkillers with alcohol?

Ex-husband needs HELP?

by Lela

My ex husband is an alcoholic and he is losing his mind he needs help and asked me to help him.

I don’t know what to do but try to find some kind of treatment?

Can you please help me. I sent my phone number via email, thank you!

Scary!

by Sasha

(Saskatchewan)

My fiance has been thru back surgery twice..to deal with the pain he has bin prescribed all sorts of morphine from his doctor.

Four years ago one of his so called friends introduced him to needles. Since then he injects himself with morphine numerous times a day.

I’ve tried things like offering to help get him into a detox center also printing out pages of the effects of the drug he’s taking. I’ve threatened to leave and in some cases I’ve actually done but soon after came back. I worry that maybe something will happen while we are separated.

He’s over dosed once in front of myself and our 5 and 6 year old daughters. I feel helpless and I’ve become very depressed.

I want help for him more then anything at this point and I understand he has to be willing to except the help and actually WANT to get better. He’s in great denial right now.

He’s slowly killing himself at the age of 29. 🙁 please, any one with suggestions come forward..I’m desperate!!

I pray to God we will soon over come this disease. 🙁

Husband Addicted to Pain Killers

by Melissa

(Ga)

My husband who is a very brilliant man is addicted to pain killers.

He is also a physician assistant.

I need help for him but do not know what to do?

Please help.

Does it stay 3 days?

How long does the drug stay in your system?

Drug Abuse Questions for School Project

by krizza lorraine duhaylungsod

(tangub city national high school, Philippines)

Can I ask for the drug profiles of the drugs users/drug abusers

>their personal background

_age
_sex
_civil Status
_family Size
_Occupation
_educational Attainment
_economic Status
_place of Residence
_Duration of drug taking
_i.q
_Nature of drug taking
Drugs of abuse

If that is okay with you because that is my report in our social science subject.

I’d Like Information About Al-anon

I’d like to receive more info pertaining to Al-anon via email.

Friend Needs Help

Dear Sir/Madam

I have a friend in dire need of help. From my point of view, he is too far gone to willingly enter any program, paranoia has got the better of him and unless someone comes and ‘takes him away’ and forces him into detox, I don’t see him being alive within the next six months. I am worried sick and need some help.

I have been through this with my husband who has come out the other side, but the help via Nextstep who he was referred to was terrible and if he had have been suicidal, he wouldn’t be alive now to tell the story. I’m not willing to see another life go down the gurgler and need to do something about this dear friend of ours.

Any help you can offer via email at tis point will be read in the morning and I will contact you if you can supply a number to sort this mess out. Please, any information you can offer me will be greatly appreciated.

Trying to stop taking hydros?

by April

I am trying to stop taking hydros myself at home.

I have been through rehab before, because of work I cannot go to treatment.

Do you have any suggestions on how to do this at home? or any helpful advice?

Is my son using again?

by Eileen

My son has had a cocaine and heroin addiction in the past. Now I am seeing glasses of water and either Q-tips or cotton balls left where he was sitting. Do these 2 things indicate any sort of drug usage?

Thank you.

Family addict returning from rehab?

(Jackson, Ms.)

Family wants advice concerning spouse returning home from rehab. Spouse was addicted to prescription drugs. Spouse was arrested twice within two weeks before going to a 90 day treatment facility. Family does not know what to expect or look for.

Son a long-time drug user?

by John

I have a 39 year old son who has used drugs since high school and has not been able to put his life on order.

He was unable to finish college and really has no job skills He has been in a destructive relationship with a girl who has a bi-polar disorder, and who also uses drugs.

They both say they would like to get the lives in order, but so far have been unable to do so. Is there a way forward for us. I could afford to send him to a residential program for a year, if that would help, especially if other life management help were included, e.g., anger management and vocational training.

Any advice, or where to go to get some?

Thanks,

Family Member Addicted to Pain Killers?

Adult family member is addicted to pain killers.

No job, no health coverage. Columbus, Ohio how to get help?

How to find family support group?

Been there, no more money!

by judi

(england)

I need to get him out the house, we are at the end no money left…Heroin?

Friend Uses Heroin?

by Engela

(South Africa)

My son has a friend that uses heroin.

He has been in and out of rehab and has been kicked out now recently from one somewhere out Limpopo way.

My son believes that he can help his friend. Therefore he has invited his friend to come and stay with us for a while.

I have no idea if this guy is still using or even selling.

A week ago he had no money and now he even has money to buy a bus ticket from Potgietersrus to Joburg.

I am really scared as I do not know how to handle this and I am scared for my son as he is actually very easily influenced by friends and other people. Though he does not think so.

Adderall Addiction Problem, Additional Questions

by Gham

Dear Sir (madam),

I have a son who uses Amphetamine (Adderall) to improve attention at school for 6
months and now he appears to have become addicted, and I am going to give him a
treatment course.

I have two questions:

1. Generally speaking, if he is clean for one year(by random urine test) after
treatment (regardless of method of treatment or facilities), what would be the
relapse rate?

2. If drug free state lasted for one year (random urine test), would relapse
rate varies between different treatment methods or facilities used ?

I appreciate you prompt answer.

18yr Old Daughter On “ICE” (Meth)

I am the mother of a 18yr old girl and she is on ice.

She has lost a massive amount of weight, she has a speech problem, she is bruised, she is tired, pale and clammy.

She doesn’t live at home anymore.

Can you help me? I don’t no what to do I have exhausted every avenue and I’m now a
walking zombie.

Please can you suggest something cause I’m so worried about her.

She is sharing a house with a man of 25 and a girl 16.

What is my next move?

Please help me.

Thank you

Julie

Nephew on Suboxone?

by Jerry

My Nephew is a recovering addict, and has be taking Suboxone for the past 5 or 6 months. He has been living with me for 4 months now and I have noticed that we will go 4 or 5 days like any normal functioning person and then he will be sick, sleep for 2 or 3 days straight and feels sick.

I am starting to wonder if he is becoming addicted to Suboxone or if he is back using drugs in general again.

He claims his doctor says he will have him on Suboxone for 6 to 10 months, I find this hard to believe.

Thanks for you help

Intervention help in Australia?

by Janet

(Brisbane, Australia)

Hi, do you know of anyone who is doing interventions in Brisbane or Australia?

My son has a very bad drug addiction and I would like to find good professional assistance.

thank you,

Janet

Help!

by T

Help!!

Friend in denial

by Syd

(Georgia)

A close knit group of friends decided it was time after 2.5 years to confront our friend on her prescription drug use.

We gently questioned her before and expressed concern, but today was more of an “we are on to you and will not watch you any longer”. She is in denial of a problem and has a plan to cut back or reason why, etc etc. She has excuses!

We have not talked to her husband as he sometimes assists her in getting what she needs and have also heard that he is over it. We need advice on how to proceed and help our friend.