I need advice about cocaine addiction

Specialties Psychiatric

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My son in law is 36 years old. He and my daughter are expecting their first baby in 3 months. I'll call him David. David was a cocaine addict when he was in his early 20's and got caught stealing items from someone's home, got arrested and was offered rehab in lieu of jail time. He went to rehab for 3 months. A year or so ago I started to see signs that he was using cocaine. The constant runny nose, etc. He adamantly denied using cocaine. He fell asleep on our couch and I cut some of his hair and had it tested and yes it was positive for cocaine. They were engaged and the time and my daughter was furious with me. She believed him. Once faced with the truth she broke up with him. About 9 months ago he called her to apoligize for all the wrong he had done to her, lying etc.....one thing led to another and she ended up pregnant. I didn't want them to get married and neither did his parents but they insisted. They live with us because they together don't make enough money to be on their own. My daughter is 24 years old and works full-time. David floats from job to job, claims he has alot of bills, claims his check only covers his bills and his gas. July 11th we went to Floriday for 10 days. After we got home we got a bill for a "sex line chat call ($3.50/min) for a total of $125.00 I asked my daughter. Where were you guys at 9:00 pm on the 19th. She said mama that's the day I had my root canal and I had taken a pain pill and was knocked out for the rest of the day and night. He never said he didn't do it but implied that he didn't. He then said "well I'm not admitting any guilt but since it happened while we were here I'll pay it" (Good luck to me trying to collect). My daughter now realizes that David did make that call. I told her it was equivelent to cheating. Talking to a woman on a live sex line. Also how inconsiderate to make a charge like that to us who have been so good to them and given them a roof over their heads. There's also been an issue with him saying he was outside asleep on the hammock the other night at 0300 but I had let the dogs out and he was not in the hammock. I think he was gone doing/buying cocaine. When I confronted him he denied doing any drugs. (He denied it a year ago also when indeed he was guilty) I said you have not been to any rehab, you don't go to therapy, you don't go to NA meetings. How did you just quit cold turkey and never gone back to drugs? Don't you have cravings to use? He said that our daughter and his

son who is on the way is all he needs to think about to keep himself off of cocaine. He said I swear on their lives that I'm not doing anything. That's a very strong statement but I don't believe him. What are the chances that a cocaine addict can stop using without rehab or anything? I am going to ask him for a drug test. If he refuses, of course he's guilty. What is the best method of testing. I know he can get around the urine drug screen because he did before. Should I demand hair or should I draw his blood. If it's positive I will throw his butt out and I am 99% sure my daughter would not go with him. I have already told her that if they do move out with the baby that I would go to court to get temporary custody of the baby and that I would win because judges don't leave babies with coke addicts. I know my daughter would come home with the baby. I have been a basket case for a week or more and don't know where to turn or even what to think? What do I say to my daughter. She said she believes him and she doesn't think she's being naive. She's only 24, pregnant, and she does love him. I do believe he loves her too. I think he's an addict and cannot help himself. Please help with any opinions or information that you have. Thanks so very much Joanna

Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.
I wonder if he knows you think he's using again? If he knows the scoop, he might make a trip to "the head shop" and buy one of those drinks that guarantee that you can pass a urine drug test.

The first time about a year ago he did pass the urine drug test but failed the hair test. It was actually comical. It went like this: I asked for a drug test and he said sure I have nothing to hide. I said here pee in this cup. Well I don't have to go right now. Ok let me give you some water to drink. No I'm not thirsty. Maybe in a couple of hours. I left to go to the grocery store. When I got back home an hour or so later he was in the driveway getting into his car and was holding the test kit. I said whats up? He said I'm going to visit my brother and I might have to pee by the time I get over there. I said "hello do I have stupid written on my forehead?" Later that night he did pee in the cup and of course passed. It was that same night that he fell fast asleep on the couch and my daughter cut his hair, we sent it in and it was positive for cocaine.

She's telling me now that she thinks as his wife she should be the one to ask him for a hair sample. I told her I think it would be better for me to be the bad guy. Mother in laws can be the bad guy. She can too of course, but by the chance he would test negative it would cause more mistrust between the two of them.

Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

What are the odds that he can quit cocaine cold turkey on his own after 15 years of doing it? That's what he's claimed to have done. Do you buy it?

I had a long talk with her today and she assures me that she would not move out without him without him first passing a drug test. I reminded her that this is something she is going to have to consider for the remainder of her marriage, how ever long that should be, his mother tried talk her out of marrying her son. She knows him only too well. Your post sounds alot like her. She said to me just yesterday the same thing. You don't need a reason just kick his butt out. The reason I don't is my daughter and grandson due in 3 months. If I throw him out without a drug test she will go with him and they have absolutely nowhere to go. His parents will not take him back in.

I believe in my heart she would be better off getting it over with now, kicking him out and getting a divorce but she is a wide-eyed 24 year old who believes the baby will change everything. I assured her she and the baby will always be welcomed and supported here at home if things don't work out.

I am protecting my pregnant daughter, I don't care what happens to him. I'm hoping he'll OD or something and that will be the end of that. I know that sounds harsh but that's how I feel.

I'm sure there's been alot of success stories with Al-Anon but I have been to several different groups and got absolutely nothing out of it. Everyone at different meetings were "poor pitiful me, I'm the victim, I can't do anthing" I believe that I have to be in control. Nobody can change the addict but the addict himself but I can change myself. That is what I have tried to convey to my daughter. She can't change him but she can change herself and her situation and I'll always be here for her.

Thanks to those of you who are praying for my daughter and her baby.

I....personally cant STAND cocaine addicts. They have got to be the absolute WORST!!!!!!!

My sister is still caught up with a coke addict...a liar..and a thief. He stole money right out of my drawer once and I havent seen it back yet nor has he apologized ! AND that was 7 years ago!

I hate him.

PLUS...he has 2 small kids.

Ugh......he takes his paychecks and goes on these binges affectionately known as relapses......I call them ...'giving into the weak A&& side of your lame self' you A&&!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok...vent over....

Z

Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

Thanks Z that pretty much sums it up. I'm sorry there are two small children involved. Soon we will have a baby in the mix also. I very much appreciate your input.

Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.

I really feel for you, Dutchgirl. I'm sorry that your daughter and son-in-law have made these choices. Unfortunately, your options are very much limited to setting what boundaries you need to protect yourself from the effects of his drug use, if that indeed is what's happening.

You can't do anything about your daughter's choice to remain with this man. You CAN control whether or not their choices affect your life. You have the right and obligation to ask him to leave your home if you truly believe that he is using cocaine. Whether or not your daughter chooses to go with him is not up to you. This is your house. If you choose to allow him to live in it then you accept the negative consequences. You need to not be surprised when he bilks you (running up your phone bill) or when he brings chaos into your life in the future (and if he is a drug addict in denial, he will, and he will not care who he hurts in the process.)

Understand that this will affect whether or not you have access to your future grandchild, but enabling this behavior is not helpful for the child, either.

Again, I am so sorry you are watching your daughter go through this. She needs to make her own choices and live with the consequences, however, just as you do.

Hello,

As a new member here I hope I am not butting in where I shouldn't! I wanted to respond to your post for a few reasons. First, I am entirely sympathetic and empathetic to what you are dealing with. It's clear that you love your daughter and grandson and want the best for them and when it's all said and done, that counts for a lot!

Here's what I see in your son-in-law, and let me just say from the outset that my opinions are based on advanced education in human services, careers in counseling and now writing, and my own personal observations and experiences over time. There are many people who would disagree with me and I never rule out the possibility that I'm wrong! That said, your son-in-law sounds to me like a narcissist with a drug addiction that he has absolutely no interest in breaking and I suspect only got back together with your daughter because it allowed him an easier ride. I know that hurts and I hate being so blunt about it but it seems to me that at this point beating around the bush is completely unhelpful.

You listed some revealing aspects of this man's character. You said he speaks in a way so as not to actually lie or deny things, but to avoid answering yes or no. When you think back on asking a person a question and realize you have no idea if they answered it or not, there's a huge problem. This is not the normal speech of a person who isn't hiding something! It is a HUGE red flag and one you should not underestimate. When the same guy swears on the life of his wife and child that he isn't using, you must realize it means absolutely nothing. If ever backed into a corner he will find a way to talk his way out of this one too. The truth is of no interest to him as he has already proven via past behavior and deception.

I actually have no problem believing that your daughter loves this man though I also believe she too sees the signs. We're experts at denying the obvious! It's important not to beat yourself up over that too much but at the same time, it's vital now that you've put down in writing for all the world to see what you "know" in your gut to be true about this guy that you no longer observe without acting. I don't agree with those who say both he and your daughter need a dose of tough love. Unless I read your post wrong, your daughter has not been hostile or defensive of his wrong action in your home. If that's true, I would do as someone else suggested and kick him to the curb while continuing to support your daughter. It's easy to throw out terms like "enabling" when you aren't in a particular situation. I believe that intent is a huge factor here and only when you can get to the root of a person's true intention can you determine whether they're enabling. Furthermore, it's clear that much enabling is a result of actions the enabler has no clue they are even taking part in. Most importantly, enabling is NOT a crime. Using illicit substances is the crime. Don't misplace the blame here.

I am rambling and apologize for that! You asked for advice on how to handle the situation now. Here's what I would do in list form:

1. With or without a positive drug screen I would get this man out of my house. He's been disrespectful, abusive, and is a proven liar. Personally, I would go for the d/s though he will never agree to it. The fact is there is a difference between knowing something and really KNOWING something. Your daughter is in for a long and painful road and she would do well to have proof. Even then she'll be torn about staying away from this guy.

2. If your daughter stays, I would strongly encourage her to obtain counseling. While it's true that she has issues that need to be dealt with in light of how much power she's given this man, those issues are nothing to be ashamed of and likely nothing that the large majority of females in this country do not struggle with. She needs to deal with them sooner rather than later and will need the support of someone who can walk her through the steps. Frankly, you could use it too.

3. Again assuming she stays, I would consult an attorney about drawing up a separation agreement which ensures that your daughter does not have to consult with the child's father in the event of medical emergencies or other catastrophe. If this isn't done and he's got half a brain, he'll discover that it can be used as ammunition in court. Have his drug history documented. Keep everything in writing and keep details. This is not to say that you can keep the child from seeing his father and that should never be a long-term goal. Short-term is different. He will use that child as a tool to worm his way back and you need to guard against it. Ask about supervised visitation. The supervision should not be done by your daughter! Ask about legal vs. physical custody in your state. I have some experience with this but am not an attorney so don't want to go into too much detail. You need to find an attorney who knows what he/she is doing in order to protect that child. It is absolutely possible if you are persistent and know your stuff. Research the statutes on your state's website.

4. Accept that your daughter will be angry with you even if she stays. Understand that this is a result of fear. If she does let him leave alone, recognize that for the statement it likely is: "I'm scared. I'm embarrassed. I'm humiliated. I'm hurt. I feel stupid. I'm a failure. I'm lonely. I never thought my life would end up like this. I don't want this to be happening. Help!" The list goes on and on. Reassure her and keep her busy. She's 24 years old and yes that's an adult and old enough to have a child but it's uncanny how situations like these can bring even 50 year olds to their knees with feeling like a kid again themselves. As long as she's working towards the goal of a fulfilled and healthy life on her own, love her through it. If she refuses to detach from him...realize that sometimes life deals out what seems impossible and that you cannot allow your life to be ruined just because she makes such a choice. Let her go and pray that one day she'll come back. It happens.

5. Be firm. There's no room for compromise. The man is out and she stays in your home only as long as she stays apart from him.

6. Make sure you don't forget to laugh every once in a while!

I think those are the most important at the moment. I can analyze from here to the moon as you can see but I'll make myself shut up now! I wish you and your daughter and grandson much success and peace.

C

Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

God Bless you Bluenote for understanding things exactly the way that they are. You put it down all so reasonably and sensibly when it feels like such a mess of tangled wires to me. My daughter and I talked again today and she told me that he has been smoking pot but agreed to quit once the baby is born. (yeah,right) She also told me that last October she found him passed out cold, lying face down, in his driveway at 12:30 at night. He was supposed to have showed up at a restaurant that night for his father's 65th birthday. The whole family was there including my daughter (they were'nt married then) and he never showed and never called. Later around 10:30 he called my daughter to apologize and said that he had been all that time at an NA meeting and was on his way to another. She kept trying to call him on his cell phone but no answer so finally she decided to drive over to his parents home and that's when she found him face down in the driveway. Is this not the lowest of the low? I don't understand why my daughter didn't see the writting on the wall then but now it doesn't matter anyway. I do believe that I need to throw him out and if she goes, she goes. It will break my heart but maybe she'll have to see for herself what life will be like for them on their own with no money and with him spending what they do have on drugs. My daughter does know, I know she does. I can see it in her eyes. She's 24, pregnant and still in love with the idea of being in love, having her own home, a working husband and children. It's just not gonna happen with this guy. :crying2:

Im glad you found some comfort in my words. You know...sometimes it takes more than seeing the writing on the wall to make a person take steps they fear and know will cause pain. It's a self-defense mechanism and one that all of us put to use at various times. Also, it's often true that women look at the faults of men as though there is something wrong with THEM for not being able to FIX the faults of those men. "If I were good enough he would love me enough to want to be a better person."

You see things clearly in this situation it seems to me and I suspect that when it's all said and done you and your daughter will be closer than ever. Just know that the road is likely going to be long. You can handle it, though!

Best of luck...don't hesitate to write me anytime.

God Bless you Bluenote for understanding things exactly the way that they are. You put it down all so reasonably and sensibly when it feels like such a mess of tangled wires to me. My daughter and I talked again today and she told me that he has been smoking pot but agreed to quit once the baby is born. (yeah,right) She also told me that last October she found him passed out cold, lying face down, in his driveway at 12:30 at night. He was supposed to have showed up at a restaurant that night for his father's 65th birthday. The whole family was there including my daughter (they were'nt married then) and he never showed and never called. Later around 10:30 he called my daughter to apologize and said that he had been all that time at an NA meeting and was on his way to another. She kept trying to call him on his cell phone but no answer so finally she decided to drive over to his parents home and that's when she found him face down in the driveway. Is this not the lowest of the low? I don't understand why my daughter didn't see the writting on the wall then but now it doesn't matter anyway. I do believe that I need to throw him out and if she goes, she goes. It will break my heart but maybe she'll have to see for herself what life will be like for them on their own with no money and with him spending what they do have on drugs. My daughter does know, I know she does. I can see it in her eyes. She's 24, pregnant and still in love with the idea of being in love, having her own home, a working husband and children. It's just not gonna happen with this guy. :crying2:

Listen to the Bluenote, she's right in tune!

David is very nice looking, very well mannered, says all the right things, "everyone" thinks he's just the perfect man. You have to invade his privacy and cut his hair because he denies everything and says exactly what he knows you want to hear.
You have discribed a dangerous pathologic personality disorder. I would have said "sociopath" where Bluenote said "narcissist" but there is not a penny's worth of difference in this case. Get this person out of your life. If you can, get him out of your daughter's life.

Narcissist and sociopath are the "psych terms" for what normal people call "evil". The distinction, if there really is one, is that "sociopath" is usually reserved for those who are physically dangerous, or are known to engage in criminal activity, particularly violent crime.

Listen to the Bluenote, she's right in tune! You have discribed a dangerous pathologic personality disorder. I would have said "sociopath" where Bluenote said "narcissist" but there is not a penny's worth of difference in this case. Get this person out of your life. If you can, get him out of your daughter's life.

Narcissist and sociopath are the "psych terms" for what normal people call "evil". The distinction, if there really is one, is that "sociopath" is usually reserved for those who are physically dangerous, or are known to engage in criminal activity, particularly violent crime.

I would just add this....with time, pathological narcissists are far more likely to make that leap to violence. It isn't a very large one and takes minimal effort on their part. Granted, they do not start out that way in the vast majority of cases which is probably one reason why it's so easy to underestimate the dangers they pose. An example...when researching Scott Peterson's history the number of times he was referred to as narcissistic was equalled only be the number of times he was referred to as charming. Pretty frightening when you think about it. We all need to stop ignoring the warning signals.

Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.
An example...when researching Scott Peterson's history the number of times he was referred to as narcissistic was equalled only be the number of times he was referred to as charming. Pretty frightening when you think about it. We all need to stop ignoring the warning signals.

Scary and oh so true. Everyone thinks he's so nice looking, responsible, clean cut and that she's so lucky to have a husband like him. Such a good point that I will sure use to my best benefit. Thank you again.

Scary and oh so true. Everyone thinks he's so nice looking, responsible, clean cut and that she's so lucky to have a husband like him. Such a good point that I will sure use to my best benefit. Thank you again.

No need for thanks. And by the way....I love italian greyhounds...but my boston terriers own my heart! Well....what's left of it after my 4 kids take their portion!!

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