by: Debbie Wicker

Dear Kathy,

As you tell your son’s story, it’s hard for me to imagine the agony you and your family are feeling.

Opiate addiction is a disease of the brain and OFTEN co-occurs with other mental health issues. As you said, if this is left untreated it is likely to be fatal for your son.

Because this is likely a life and death situation, you have two options: Get your son into a free long-term (at least a year) residential rehab or call the police and get him put into jail so that he CAN’T use.

The two residential rehabs that I would consider are:

Teen Challenge which has a one year free adult residential program. It is Christian based and is a great program for you son if he is willing to be away for a year.

I know he will miss a year of his son’s life but when he returns to him he will no longer be drug addicted and he will hopefully be a much better father for his son.

Another program to consider is the Salvation Army. Here is a description of the program from their website:

“For over 100 years The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers and Harbor Lights programs have provided spiritual, social, and emotional assistance for men and women who have lost the ability to cope with their problems and provide for themselves. Centers offers residential housing, work, and group and individual therapy, all in a clean, wholesome environment.

The physical and spiritual care that program participants receive prepares them to re-enter society and return to gainful employment. Many of those who have been rehabilitated are reunited with their families and resume a normal life.

Each program participant is provided with a clean and healthy living environment, good food, work therapy, leisure time activities, group and individual counseling, spiritual direction, and resources to develop life skills and a personal relationship with God as provided by Jesus Christ.”

If your son is willing to enter either of these programs that would be the best choice for him. If he is not, then I would call your local police department and ask them for their advice to get him to stop using heroin. I know jail sounds harsh but I can’t tell you how many people I know that have cleaned up while they’re in jail.

Your son HAS to feel the FULL consequences of his drug use to get through to his diseased brain that his only choice is to quit using. Jail or the threat of jail can often do that.

The final recommendation I have is for you and your family. Please start attending Al-anon meetings two times a week for the next six months.

Al-anon will teach you the 12 step program and about addiction. You will also get a sponsor who has been where you’re at and help you to navigate all of the resources available for you and your son. The more you learn about addiction the more you will be in a good position to help your son and the rest of your family.

Good Luck,

Debbie

by: Anonymous

That was a heart breaking story from a mother seeing her child suffering from addiction. Addiction can’t do nothing but ruin your life and your families heart seeing your not okay. Opiate addiction is not easy it might cause death from cardiac or respiratory arrest.You have been mentioned that he was rehab for short term or a couple of times. The rehab or recovery center can really help like drug rehab mesa az you just have to be willing.