My son is now in detox

[greeneyes16]

My son  is now in detox he went in yesterday evening .  He will be in detox for  5 days then hopefully he will go to rehab .For as long as he needs to ..Hes addicted to opiates.... What do i need to learn to help him ...Im scared ,  I need to don't bring up the past ..... Any input would greatly be appreciated ........Trish  

[rxqueen67]

Hi Trish. I am sorry to hear about your son. Opiate addiction is a tough one to overcome, but just know that he is doing the right thing. Its good that he will be in a detox clinic with doctors watching over him. Know that he will be safe. When he gets out, just try to be supportive of him. He may be a little different, meaning his emotions will be greatly changed. Don't bring up his addiction unless he chooses to speak about it. let him know that whatever he decides to do you are always there for him.

Opiate addiction is not an easy one to overcome, and lets pray that he doesn't go back. Everything he needs to learn to help him he will learn in rehab. However, you may want to go to NA meetings (even though you aren't a narcotic addict) to learn more about the addiction, and to get help yourself for being a family member of an addict. Getting help yourself will help him in his recovery as well.

Best of luck to your family, and keep us updated as to how he is doing! I am sure he will be okay. :)

[SophieShine]

Hey Trish!
I agree completely with the above, the NA meeting would be great for you.
If you have the chance go to the archives and you find a lot of info too. People that have been thru what he's going thru. Let him come talk to you when he feels like it, don't push it. We have a hard time talking because of the shame we feel...
He is soooooooo blessed to have you around.
I wish you all the best and keep us informed of his progress
lotsa love to you. xoxoxo. sophie

[windowsca]

Hi.  How old is your boy?  Mine got addicted to Norco after a sports injury just before his 18 birthday.  If you put him in rehab, go for something that's at least 120 days - 6 months to a year would be even better and as far away from his old environment and "friends" as you can, especially if he's young.  They have such a hard time staying away and if by chance they do get a couple months of clean under their belts, they think, being invincible, they can go out to save the friends with their new found wisdom.  You cannot believe how fast that usually turns into a deadly disaster.  It's just heartbreaking.  My son has lost 3 19 year old friends who thought after a 3 month rehab, they were ready to save the world.  Sucked them back in and spit them out.  This is not even close to play time.    Research everything you can get your hands on about why it's so hard to get off opiates.  Read all the good info in the Health Pages on this site.  My son is finally O.K. at the moment.  He's been off Oxy for a little over 9 months and we did holistic everything.  If the money is available I would look into Narconon or since he's getting the basic detox out of the way - maybe he's fit better into a long term wilderness rehab. AZ has a couple of good ones - Anasazi and Discovery Point Center.  Again, time is the friend here and I think 5 days isn't enough for detox.  I'd go at least 10.   I will pray for you.  This is not something parents are usually prepared for that's for sure.