Parents of Addicts Community Group
A safe group for Mothers and Fathers of addicts, where we can share feelings, and ask for feedback.
I havent been on this site since they changed the format. Before that I dont remember a Parents of Addicts group, it was Friends and Family of Addicts only. I only recognize "Missmaple". Where is everyone else? Where is "Givenup"?
Anyway here's my story. My 34-yr old daughter is an addict. I've been thru what most of you have--lying, stealing, agressive behavior, jail, detox, etc. I finally had her Marchman Acted, which is a program in Fl where you can petition the court to force your loved one into drug rehab or jail. It's the best thing I've ever done for her.
She was able to get into an inpatient program for 6 months, all state funded, and I'm cautiously optimistic. She has a 4yr old son who I'm taking care of --actually I've been taking care of him since birth because even though they live with me, I was the one caring for him all along. Now she's pregnant and due in April. She may get out early due to her due date. In a way I would rather she stays there for the full six months. Her little boy and I get to visit 3 times a week. She seems to be doing good and seems to want to stay clean and be a good mother to her children. I guess only time will tell.
When she gets out of inpatient she will have to continue with the program for another 4 months. She will also be on house arrest for 2 years for drug charges from before she went to rehab, with her time in rehab counting towards those 2 years. If she messes up, she'll go to prison for 5 years. I'm really scared.
Well that's my story in a nutshell because as most of you know, there's alot of daily drama and horrible things going on all the time when you live with an addict. It not only affects us, the parents, but it destroys our families. With my daughter in rehab, I've had a break from the daily strife of constant worry and fear. I've had a little peace in my life, but I know it's only temporary. I dont want to kid myself. I pray that she'll be able to stay clean for the sake of her helpless and innocent children.
I hope you do your best to take care of yourself, in this period of waiting. it's a hard thing to do, and even harder with that little one by your side.
My son has stopped drugs, but still has a disordered brain, so I am very glad he's never fathered any kids.
But I will never forget those days of active addiction, and you have my prayers.
My daughter is 22 and has been using since she was 16. At present she is insisting we have no contact with her because we have ruined her life. I am on Day 4 of not texting or trying to contact her to see if she is alive. I don't know if she is more enamored with the drugs or the thug lifestyle. It is all a crazy, crazy ride though from sun up to sun down everyday.
Wishing you strength. I pray everyday (even though not really religious) that not only my daughter but the whole scene would just dissipate, go away, and let the world move forward with more positive energy.
Enjoyed mismaple's comment -- easier said than done but I am working on that.
Strength to all.
Best wishes to you!
My son started methadone in February, 2013 and lasted less than a year. We moved him to an apartment and he had trouble getting to the clinic by bus, so he missed doses. That got him kicked out of the program with 10 days notice. After going through horrible withdrawal, he switched to Suboxone and has been on that ever since. That saved his life. Now he's living on his own and working a full time job at a coffee shop. He still struggles with irresponsibility and depression and was recently unemployed for 18 months. I also think he may be developing a drinking problem. But, he's much better off than he was. I seriously didn't think he'd be alive today.