Fentanyl addiction

[aj32]

We have a daughter that has been smoking fentanyl patches for a long time now but yesterday we found out she was now injecting it.  We haven't seen her since july, when we found out she stole from us but is living with grandparents, who are a little naive but are aware of her problems and is also wanting to help. We have tried talking with her and she has attended a few narcotic addiction classes.  We are so afraid she will overdose on these, which I have seen in my profession.  Does anyone have any advice?  She refuses help and we are lost at what to do.

[dominosarah]

Are her grandparents aware of what is going on?  I would talk with them.  If you all can be on the same page that would help........I am so sorry you are going thru this~~~sara

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome,

I am so sorry you are going through this. It is hard to love an addict.

You may have heard this before, but she will not get clean until she is done and she wants it. Her grandparents are now enabling her with a place to stay, and probably other things, so your daughter will not hit bottom as long as that is going on.

I do think tough love is in order but I hesitate to get into details on that. It is difficult to do when it is your child. I can suggest that you attend Al-Anon meetings. They are a bunch of knowledgeable folks who can help you to find the right answer. If you need help finding one near you, let someone know.

Your other option is to force her into rehab---long term---and pray that she gets it. I don't know what the laws are in your state or your insurance situation. I can recommend some places and a google search will provide many as well.

In the meantime, be careful. Protect yourselves and pray for her. I will do the same.