Sister-in-law's Marijuana Abuse

[spgtmg]

I really need to vent my frustrations with my brother's wife and I hope that someone can help me cope.  My sister-in-law is a chronic marijuana smoker and doesn't seem to care that she is gravely affecting her childrens health.  When she was pregnant with my oldest nephew, she constantly smoked pot on a daily basis and as a result, he now has many developmental issues - primarily a major speech impediment.  He is now six years old and can barely enunciate single sylable words even though he's been working with a speech therapist.  My youngest nephew, whom is two, cannot form any words what so ever; he just babbles!  Now she is pregnant again and yesterday I caught her red-handed smoking pot with a couple of her friends. This sent me into a rage and I was so angry, I literally cried.  I wanted so bad to confront her, but I'm somewhat apprehensive to do so.  To make matters worse, she is dealing marijuana out of her home!  Her excuse for this behavior?  She says, and I quote, "Well God makes it!"  The irony in all this is that my brother is a recovering meth addict and has been for 16 years, but will not put his foot down with her.  My nephews and my unborn niece deserve much better than this negative behavior of hers.  She won't quit smoking pot (refering to the God comment) and I'm finding myself at an impasse - should I turn her in for the sake of these children?  I plan on attending Al-Anon meetings, but in the mean time, I can't seem to get past my anger with her.  By the way, she lives right next door, so I'm privy to this behavior and she knows darn well I can't stand drugs (I used to be an addict myself).  Any advice for this aunt who is at her wits end?  Thank you for 'listening' to me!

[theeagle]

Not related. but are you a liver patient? Thats because your handle has the initials of a liver enzyme test!

For goodness sake dont call the police...I know the motto says "to protect and serve" but that gets bent quite frequently. I would think that you would have better results contacting her GP or OB/GYN and letting them work it out with her....its been my experience that the Police in this situation are rarely a positive help.......

[scaredmom330]

I am in the same predicament with my son's girlfriend, she smokes a lot and around the grand babies, she smoked while pregnant. they both had bigger heads then their little bodies told it was because of the pot..They think the baby has asthma and she wont stop.. I can't turn her in, I can't loose my grand babies like that so I don't have any advise...really don't know what to do...her response is " it's all natural" so what are you gonna do???

[theeagle]

You might want to mention that things like cyanide and deadly nightshade are natural also - along with countless other things - but that doesnt mean that her Lord wants her to ingest them......they just plain kill you.

[seeksolice]

I asked my OB about studies regarding pot smokage during pregnancy and this is what she told me:

Chronic pot smokage during pregnancy has been shown to increase the rate of leukemia in the child born to the pot smoker

Chronic usage also can cause cognitive delay in children- speech delays, learning disabilities, etc.

I'm pregnant, thats why I asked. Don't call the police. Chances are, she will have to deal with the courts, the KIDS will have to deal with the courts as well, and she probably wont quit smoking pot. She might stop selling it, but she sure as heck wont quit.

When you're pregnant, it's common practice to get a drug screen. You dont have to sign anything, they just drug test you randomly. Chances are the doctor already realizes she is positive for THC. The doctor will advise her on what she should do, and if the doctor sees it as a problem that will endanger the child, the doctor will call CPS.  

If I were you, I would stay out of her business. Sounds harsh, but they are her kids, its her addiction, and she cannot be controlled by you, the cops, or anyone. You cannot control others, so focus on yourself. We all learn this in some form at random times and its hard- lead by example for the kids, thats all you can do. If it really bothers you, stop associating with her.