Meth Addiction & Recovery Support Group

i am sorry to say that until she herself wants help, nothing can be done. She needs to figure out what kind of treatment is best for her and SHE needs to pursue it or it is all for nothing. I know that you just want to help your daughter, being a mother myself I can appreciate that, but being a former meth addict, i also understand the addiction itself. You need to worry about your tweens, be cause they are sooooo impressionable at that stage in their life, and if they look up to their big sister, they might choose that lifestyle as well. My prayers are with you, and your daughter.

Well, I hate to be the one, but someone should tell you the truth, so here is my 5 cents. You cannot keep your child clean and there is little, if anything, you can do to help her stay on track.

If you ever meet a “former meth addict” ma’am, you need to know that you just met a true miracle. I don’t believe ANY of us suffer any disease or personal tragedy harder to overcome than meth addiction.

Although she is currently clean, having been forced to detox in jail, I can guarantee you that your daughter is sitting in her cell right now trying to figure out how to get a fix.

When she gets to prison there will be no guarantees for remaining clean. Drug use thrives in prisons so don't count on her remaining clean while incarcerated.

One would think that to stop using meth, it just takes a lot of character and willpower. But meth destroyed those traits FIRST when your child began using. She has been robbed of her humanity and values.

She probably is or will become bi-polar since many meth addicts do. Meth often destroys their brain's ability to manufacture and regulate stabilizing hormones and chemicals. I would think there is structural damage done as well. I don’t think I can even imagine how difficult it is to deal with mental illness while battling addiction.

Perhaps your child will be an exception, but most will avoid hometown NA’s anyway. Many find it too stressful to be confronted by familiar people while they are in counseling. Perhaps trying one out of your area, if and when she becomes ready, is the right thing to do. She will tell you her preference.

You know the old definition of insanity? It is when you do the same of old thing and expect to get a different result each time. Coming back home to the same home/house, friends, and triggers will give even a well intentioned, clean addict ample reason and opportunity to use. Any chance of your moving to another state?

You must always *first and foremost* find a way to preserve yourself and your other kids, as her meth will take each and every one of you down, without you ever touching it. If/When necessary, you must be willing to X out that beloved addicted child. It will be the hardest thing you have EVER done but you must. You must not be willing to allow her addiction to destroy everyone in her family. Don’t think she won’t unintentionally destroy you. That is why her dad X’d her.

After she returns home, withhold anything that she can use to buy drugs. It is not easy to withhold cash when she says she needs groceries or gas. It is gutwrentching but you may have to do it for a long time, until you are certain she is free. Only let her eat from your kitchen. Only put $3.00 gas at a time in her tank.

She will sell the gas you put in her car and have it siphoned out. She will sell the groceries you place in her hands. She'll lie, cheat, steal, sell herself, sell YOU if she needs her fix.

Again, I do sympathize with her father and think he is right for the most part. However, I would not be verbally abusive toward her. That just makes her hell hotter (even though she acts like she can’t feel the heat – her psyche can). He is preserving himself and his family – his grandchild, and not allowing meth to take more than it already has from him, his daughter.

I just wouldn’t accept any excuses. Would not waiver in showing exceptance of nothing less than her complete commitment to sobriety. Bless her heart, she no longer remembers the sensation of peace and pre-addiction.

I have the most wonderful recovering meth addict in my life (not with me). This heroic person was raised properly, knew right from wrong, had potential for great success in life. Then took the long slide to hell, years of addiction, a recovery, a return to hell, another recovery, the return to hell, and yet another recovery. This person is now clean almost 10 years, very successful in career and life, has a wonderful spouse (never used drugs) and children, big money, big beautiful home, enjoys the fruit of labor…

… AND BATTLES ADDITION * e-a-c-h* * and* * e-v-e-r-y* SINGLE DAY.

I suggest each and every time you see your daughter, give her the biggest and most sincere hug she has ever had. Even if she is high. Even if you have to X her out forever, afterward.

And prayers and hugs for you.

That being said...SEE!! MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!! I hope your baby wants that for herself!

Not exactly what I wanted to hear first thing in the morning. Actually made me cry. But I know you are right. I know that she may not make it and that all I have is hope. Thank you for being honest with me. I think I need that to stay on the straight & narrow road. Sometimes I let my feelings of being a mother cloud my judgement of what my heart already knows.

I did not intend to make you cry. I am very sorry for causing that. I see so many people here who whitewash their answers and that is not helpful. I, along with many others I feel certain, would rather hear the truth when searching for answers. Otherwise you'd not be here. Glossiness can cause you to slip and break your back. I do not want you to break your back, you are in enough pain already. Hugs.

I meant that in a positive way. I go see her every other week. Takes 3 hrs to get there. I sit behind glass & look at what once was such a giving wholehearted child. Now she pickes her skin, rocks, laughs & begs not to return to the town she did drugs in. I unfortunately can't move due to my own health issues. I know it is almost impossible to protect her. She herself has said she feels she will return to drugs. Even if her heart tells her differently. So don't worry. I cry about it out of sadness, fear & also belief that maybe just maybe she will want to live. Sugar coating is not what I want to hear, believe me. I know what I am up against. I am looking for a needle in a haystack. I just want to know if there is any way of getting her something to do instead of this. Thank you for any and all advice. It is always welcomed.

Thank you so much, replace...I am a mother of a 14 year meth addict who is dual diagnosis.I am raising her son. I can tell you truly understand the big picture here.
All that you say is true. It was a long process for me to come to realization there is nothing I can do but love my daughter. The rest is up to her. The hardest part for me is the X. I am still working on it. But my boundaries are very strong now.
Gut wrenching sad.
But it is the truth, and we have to face the truth.

I am driving down to see her again Sunday. It takes so much out of me, but it is the most I have seen her in yrs so I will take what I can get. I have felt so alone for the past 9 months. Like I was the only person who had a child like this. (even though I know thats not true). It has helped to hear all your replies. Just to know I am not alone in my fears has helped more than anyone could understand. Thank you.