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 Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

Frosty, you are so right. It often comes down to making better choices, despite the difficulties, and sticking with them. If you are out of control and can't help yourself out of injurious behavior such as significant drug addiction, you will do whatever it takes to turn your life around...even tying yourself to a bed. Bravo to you and to your friend. This is the difference between you and DutchgirlRN's son-in-law. It's like day and night.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

DutchgirlRN, by the way, I'd still hold him responsible for the $130 phone bill made on your bill. I'd hold something of HIS (that is in your house) for collateral till he cough's up the cash...even if he pays it off over a long period of time. Make a written agreement to state such time frame which is to be signed (with an impartial witness). If he default's, the item is yours by written agreement. Then, sell it. If he says he doesn't want it, good...it's yours. Have him sign a hand written agreement to the same with an impartial witness being present (better yet, a notary) who also signs (Oh, and not your daughter). You sign too. Date and time it. Keep the agreement in a safe place. Sell the item to recover your loss. The point is that he sort of robbed/took advantage of you in your own house. Just a thought. Holding the addict responsible for his behavior is important. Just an idea. Again, Congrats to you!!!

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

I have a copy of the bill and a note from the company who recorded his name at the beginning of the phone call. Proof Positive he could not refute. I threatened to turn it over to his pastor and devulge all. The next day, surprise, he had $130.00. I like your idea, he still owes me $500 which he borrowed to buy the wedding rings, (should have been a clue to me, anyway,) I'm trying to think of something that is worth $500 to him. Thanks for the info.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

He coughed up $130...just the next day? Hmmm. Interesting. Please note this...Addicts can be very resourceful when they choose to or should I dare say, when confronted. Glad you were able to recover your $130.

1 contact Al Anon

2. kick him out on the street

3. stop enabling his behaviour

I will say a prayer for your daughter she deserves better than this coke using lowlife.

Yes Yes Yes...couldn't have said it better. And this is being said caringly, but you and your daughter are enabling him. He has learned from you both that he is taken care of if he lies and smiles and is well mannered, even tho he contributes nothing to the household.

Please get the support you both need...Alanon is the place to start. Hugs to you both, and another for your unborn grandchild.

Dutchgirl:

I agree wholeheartedly with Thunderwolf. However (small chance, but...) if he does get help at some point, we addicts have to come to terms with those that we hurt. Keep track of everything and see if he ever does. This is another way of seeing if he is genuine or not...

Just wanted to offer some hope and prayer.

I had been in a bad relationship on and off for five years with my high school sweeteartheart.I had a hard time leaving him even though I was pregnant and wanted a better life for my child.I would pray every night that I would find the strength to leave him and never look back.

One night in a drug induced rage he came after me while my two day old daughter was in my arms.He broke through the locked bathroom door and I retaliated by kicking him in the shin.. causing a permenant 2inch dent in his shin. My daughter and I escaped that night unharmed and I was finally able to leave him for good! It's been 18 years since that night..my daughter is everything a mother could hope for.

I have heard through the grapevine that my ex boyfriend continues to struggle with drugs and alcohol and was homeless at one point.It breaks my heart to hear of his situation but I finally realized that I could not compete with his addictions and I could not live his life for him.

You have my thoughts, prayers,and compasion.Continue to love and support your daughter. Every situation is unique.. I feel that you know what is best for your family.

God Bless You and your loved ones,

Twinkie

Please keep in touch.

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

My daughter left with him today. :cry: They are going to stay with his brother in his one bedroom apartment. My daughter says she is taking her marriage vows seriously and doesn't feel it would be fair for her to stay here while he's couped up in his brothers tiny apartment. Her husband was supposed to start a new job today and guess what, as per usual, no he didn't go anywhere. My daughter says now he's starting his new job next week. She asked me if they could spend the night here and I said "no". It hurt me so bad to turn her down but I cannot turn back now. I held it together but after she left I cried for an hour. My daughter did call me to tell me she loved me and that she would be alright. Oh how it hurts my heart so badly. I keep telling myself I just have to be strong. Things will turn out ok in the future. It won't take very long for her to realize she needs to leave him and come home. Thank you for all your support.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

Again, my heart and hugs go out to you. This is never easy. Hang in there.

Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

Wow, DutchGirl, I'm sorry for your pain. You're pretty much living out the "tough" part of tough love right now. I hope things get better soon. Know that in the long run, you are doing what is best for your daughter, and hopefully that will ease this difficult time for you.

You have all my prayers too Dutchgirl!!! I am still having to dish tough love to my sister. Please feel free to e-mail or instant message me if you feel the need. Never think you have to face this alone!!!!!

My Prayers are with you.

Twinkie

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