Son doing heroin

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I'm new here and am looking for people to lean on. I just learned my son has been using many different drugs, to include heroin. I feel frightened, as if I've failed as a mother and just plain blank. While he said he does not do that anymore nor will he, I just worry. I have a brother who is an addict and I have no idea where he is. It would kill me to lose my son as well. Thanks in advance.

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You have NOT failed! He made a conscious choice to use, you did not put the stuff in his hands.

How long ago does he say he stopped? Is he currently using anything else?

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Yes, he smokes. Drinks, alcoholic 26 years old. I have no idea when he last used. Sorry. This just hurts.

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Does he admit to being an addict?

Would you consider an intervention? If yes, contact the local treatment center, they'll help you with it. Good luck.

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Have you thought about rehab?

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Specializes in Looking for a career in NICU.

Does he currently live in your home?

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No, he does not live in my home nor in my state. I just learned this yesterday.

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No, he does not admit to being an addict. I also believe he will not submit to rehab.

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

You can't drag an addict into recovery but you can give him information concerning Narcotics Anonymous and AA You can ask either organization for info and they will help you. If he is an addict there is nothing you can do except plant a seed of recovery and when he is ready he will know where he can go. You did nothing in your raising him sometimes things just happen.

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If he's not living with you, not much you can do, except perhaps ban him from your home as long as he's using/drinking. But you can do something for yourself: go to an Al-Anon meeting, or Narc-Anon.

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Specializes in A myriad of specialties.
You can't drag an addict into recovery but you can give him information concerning Narcotics Anonymous and AA You can ask either organization for info and they will help you. If he is an addict there is nothing you can do except plant a seed of recovery and when he is ready he will know where he can go. You did nothing in your raising him sometimes things just happen.

So very true! I can really sympathize, zebrahippo, for what you're going through. My daughter, 26, is using meth(and admits to using heroin) and has lied several times about wanting (or planning) to quit but has made no attempt to get into rehab. Those who use MUST FIRST admit to a problem then do something about it. By all means DO ban him from your home as long as he is using and give him the rehab info and pray(if you're so inclined). My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Specializes in Clinical Informatics; ER/Trauma; SANE; L&D.

Please seek guidance from professionals and do whatever you must to help your son. I lost a family member to a heroin overdose and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Talk to professionals and then talk to him.

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