Hello everyone, Im new here and found this site in search of solutions for my sons mental illness and drug addictions. Ive read most of the posts and find it comforting that Im not alone on this difficult road.
For the past two years my son has been progressively deteriorating; his poor academics, choices of friends, and lack of respect towards family are now at an intolerable level. He failed on-line school twice and was placed back in regular school this year because I couldnt have him sitting at home all day on Face book and scheming with friends on how to acquire drugs. I feared he would fall in with the wrong crowd at the new high school (despite his assurances to the contrary), but had no other choice as he lacks responsibility and initiative.
This evening, I overheard him mention to his younger brother a desire to walk to the corner store to buy soda. I knew it was a ploy and followed them on foot to the local Wal-Mart. As expected, he went directly to the drug isle and proceeded to pocket two packages of Nyquil tablets. His trip to the bathroom to down the Nyquil tablets was then cut short by my sudden appearance (I found out later from the younger son that the older was pressuring him to start taking drugs too. He was greatly relieved to see me intervene). While following my two sons, I alerted Wal-Mart management to the thief in their midst and subsequently involved the local police to review the security tapes. Like always, the lies flowed effortlessly from his lips about his true intentions for being there, in complete contradiction to the video of him stealing the product off the shelf. Sadly, he believed his own lies.
His defiant behavior appears to be escalating. In the past few months, Ive had the police search for him twice because he chose not to return home by the allotted time (days later). In my sons mind, there is nothing wrong. Instead, he believes his parents are hindering his happiness and controlling his life. Tragically, he is content to illustrate to his younger sibling how to begin a life of drug abuse and is determined to continue along the path of destruction despite the consequences.
Additional pertinent information:
It appears he has attached to a new pier group, most likely one that has a greater propensity for illicit behavior. He no longer has access to a computer or phone because he uses them to set up drug connections with his friends. He is failing high school, uses his parents resources without regard for their feelings, and cant wait to land a job to finance his drug habit. He is currently receiving counseling through military channels and prescribed medication for a number of ailments (His attention deficit disorder at school is most likely a result of withdrawal symptoms). His real father and grandfather are both mentally ill and non-productive members ofsociety. He has been rejected by his real father for ten years; a major factor which contributes to most of his actions today but does not justify the behavior. He will take any type of drug that is available.
This conduct cannot exist in my home any longer. For the sake of my familys sanity, safety, and future, something must change now. Ive explained to my son that his current choices will only lead to an emergency room, prison, or an untimely death. He remains unfazed. Tomorrow, I plan to call his medical provider and try to get him enrolled in a residential treatment center. Hope will not save him, but faith and action might.
For the past two years my son has been progressively deteriorating; his poor academics, choices of friends, and lack of respect towards family are now at an intolerable level. He failed on-line school twice and was placed back in regular school this year because I couldnt have him sitting at home all day on Face book and scheming with friends on how to acquire drugs. I feared he would fall in with the wrong crowd at the new high school (despite his assurances to the contrary), but had no other choice as he lacks responsibility and initiative.
This evening, I overheard him mention to his younger brother a desire to walk to the corner store to buy soda. I knew it was a ploy and followed them on foot to the local Wal-Mart. As expected, he went directly to the drug isle and proceeded to pocket two packages of Nyquil tablets. His trip to the bathroom to down the Nyquil tablets was then cut short by my sudden appearance (I found out later from the younger son that the older was pressuring him to start taking drugs too. He was greatly relieved to see me intervene). While following my two sons, I alerted Wal-Mart management to the thief in their midst and subsequently involved the local police to review the security tapes. Like always, the lies flowed effortlessly from his lips about his true intentions for being there, in complete contradiction to the video of him stealing the product off the shelf. Sadly, he believed his own lies.
His defiant behavior appears to be escalating. In the past few months, Ive had the police search for him twice because he chose not to return home by the allotted time (days later). In my sons mind, there is nothing wrong. Instead, he believes his parents are hindering his happiness and controlling his life. Tragically, he is content to illustrate to his younger sibling how to begin a life of drug abuse and is determined to continue along the path of destruction despite the consequences.
Additional pertinent information:
It appears he has attached to a new pier group, most likely one that has a greater propensity for illicit behavior. He no longer has access to a computer or phone because he uses them to set up drug connections with his friends. He is failing high school, uses his parents resources without regard for their feelings, and cant wait to land a job to finance his drug habit. He is currently receiving counseling through military channels and prescribed medication for a number of ailments (His attention deficit disorder at school is most likely a result of withdrawal symptoms). His real father and grandfather are both mentally ill and non-productive members ofsociety. He has been rejected by his real father for ten years; a major factor which contributes to most of his actions today but does not justify the behavior. He will take any type of drug that is available.
This conduct cannot exist in my home any longer. For the sake of my familys sanity, safety, and future, something must change now. Ive explained to my son that his current choices will only lead to an emergency room, prison, or an untimely death. He remains unfazed. Tomorrow, I plan to call his medical provider and try to get him enrolled in a residential treatment center. Hope will not save him, but faith and action might.
