Families & Friends Of Addicts Support Group

Addiction affects more than just the individual. This community is dedicated to the families and friends of individuals suffering from any form of addiction. Mental health professionals are increasingly considering alcoholism and addiction as diseases that flourish in and are enabled by family systems. Family members react to the addicted person with particular behavioral...

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Happy Update

hopingforsunnydays
hopingforsunnydays
Most know, my son, 25, is a heroin addict, in and out of rehab MULTIPLE times, haven't seen him in over 1 1/2 years now....he was out of control so we kicked him out and although talking to him and learning to love the son and not the addict, seen the worst of him.

He OD'd in january, and finally got himself into rehab yet ONCE again.

He hit his 3 week mark yesterday. This is a milestone for him, he would stay for about 3-4 days and bounce. He ALSO got a bed in the 6 month program with another 3 month program after that for PTSD.

He sounds SO good. He calls every day. And the conversations are sooo comfortable. I actually hear the person I USE to know.

I know it's never a guarantee they will stay clean, but I've got hope in my heart for him.

He will get a 'weekend pass' that needs to be approved by his counselor and that won't be for about a month, but I DO want him to come for a weekend. I want him and his stepfather and myself to start repairing OUR relationship.

He is NOT in contact with the old GF, thankfully and says he's swearing off relationships until he gets his life under control, with a job, etc...he says 2 years! LOL...his counselor was telling me what a handsome man he is! LOL...oye...

So, I am living my life, he is working on his and for now, I'm very happy. Feeling blessed!

Hugs and prayers for us all!
jainlor
jainlor
I am sooo happy for you and for him. isn't it great when you can have a decent conversation with him. there is always hope. thanks for sharing. hugs and prayers xoxo one day at a time :)
blueviolet725
blueviolet725
((((Happy dance!!!!))))
whoot whoot!
and they do advise laying off relationships for a year....
Sounds so flipping wonderful. congrats!
hopingforsunnydays
hopingforsunnydays
They moved him over to the 6 month program yesterday. It's pretty intensive, they are up at 5am EVERY morning, classes, work programs, training....etc....he sounds much more hopeful. Sometimes he gets a little 'down' and bored, but I think with the new structure, he'll feel better. He isn't taking any of the medications by choice.

In about 3 weeks he'll get a weekend pass and I plan on driving to get him and bring him (finally) to our new home that he hasn't seen since we moved here. Loads of good food and bonding.....and yes, some work around the homestead....gather and stacking wood, PLENTY to do! LOL....keep him busy and show him around.

So I'm pretty excited, except my hubby still won't speak to him on the phone. Not sure what his 'stigma' is, but our son seems to understand and is very patient about it. Hoping the finally get their relationship repaired.

So, it's still good, fingers crossed, prayers going up....one day at a time!

Thanks for your well wishes and happy replies....and your support through it all! Couldn't do it without you guys! :)
jainlor
jainlor
the structure will for sure do him good...it sure helped my son. I am going to be praying for the first visit. my first visit with my son when he was in rehab turned sour cause I said the wrong things and he thought he was better,,,just like that after a month and I had so much hurt and so much pain that I had expected him to apologize or something but that didn't happen. don't say too much is my advice...don't bring up past and the hurts just encourage him and enjoy the time together. :) do a lot of listening . I will pray for your husband as well. this is tough stuff... xoxo
blueviolet725
blueviolet725
sounds like things could not be going better. Hubby is probably afraid of feeling hopeful. Time will help them both.
Big hugs.
pinkpony66
pinkpony66
Love to see these updates. Those who are in the throws of this need to see that there is light.
kimpalmer
kimpalmer
So glad to hear that he is moving along the path to solid recovery!! Like Pink said, it's good to hear the stories of hope! Congrats momma
Misssy2
Misssy2
I got tears in my eyes reading your post.
Heroin is such a demon.

He is strong and intelligent to try and nip this in the butt at such a young age. I know the relief you feel because although my son has not been in any inpatient treatment...he is getting help with his heroin addiction as well.

I sleep better, eat better and overall feel better knowing there is hope.

HOPE is a big word in these circumstances...so much at stake. But your son DOES sound committed - saying things like no relationship until he well.

When he does get that weekend pass...you will be so delighted to see your "old" son. I have a suggestion...I did this once for my son and he appreciated it and still keeps what I gave him with him. Even when he went back to using...he had it.

Find a picture of your son really "sick"...and then take one of him well. Give them both to him so he can SEE the difference. My son used to keep his comparison picture inside his computer so every
time he opened his computer he was reminded of what he used to look like...It helps when we see what addiction does to us....and best of luck to you and your family. I hope it sticks for HIM.
hopingforsunnydays
hopingforsunnydays
Thank you all for your kind words and advice. I'm staying positive. One day at a time. Sadly it took him dying and coming back to get where he is at right now and he keeps that in the front of his mind. Won't be able to see him for maybe another 30 days, but good things are worth the wait. His Nana on his birth fathers' side is visiting him and brought him his eggs, ham and cheese with bread to make his all time fave breakfast sandwhichs. Although they have a 'stressed' relationship, due to his father not being in his life, stealing his ssn and using it, and so on, he is forgiving the past and accepting the present and possible future. He is getting 'bored' but trying different things, yoga, etc. to keep his mind/body occupied. LOL....I know they never get completely well, it is a forever addiction and battle they have to fight, but I am praying that being 'normal' (as he puts it) once again will be the prize he is seeking and wanting to feel again, v.s. being high and not sleeping/eating, etc.....I'll keep ya'll posted.

Keep the faith, WE can't do it for them, we have to sit silently on the sidelines until THEY seek help, Sadly. It isn't easy, it isn't pleasant, but it's a must.

Stay strong, be GOOD TO YOU and pray, pray hard.

Hugs and prayers to all.