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How Long

We just found out our son is using heroine by injection. It started in December, using 3-4 times week now. He has not used for about 4 days now and still seems to be holding up. I guess we want to know how long a person has to use before they can't kick the habit on their own. Do we need to seek a "meth" program for him? We have him back home as he lost his apartment etc. so we know he has not gotten any junk, he hasn't left our site. Can we help him on our own? Does he have a chance on getting free of this or will he always be at threat? Do people ever get clean and stay clean? Just a tiny few of the questions we have.
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Avatar universal
jess:
gone sunday....but lunch monday (i took the day off)

and it's keep a keeshound on your shoulder (i know this cause Meaty
Boy told me!
kip
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Avatar universal
GOD
Hell no, I'm not mad at you! I know we're BOTH pretty busy people with our jobs, and what they entail. Anyway, I got your coffee invite friday night at work --BUT, It was too late, and I was in fixing our main SQL server. Maybe Sun. for the JAVA?

Keep a Golden Retriever on your shoulder......

Jess

P.S. Most of next week looks pretty good for a "Long Lunch!"
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Avatar universal
i apologize for catfighting.  my nickname means something that not everyone understands, but it discribes me perfectly.  i will
tone it down for good.  For the good of the forum i will act my
age and iq.  i hope you will not hold it against me.

Skipper,  i do not usually act that way.  i have not posted lately.  i just bumped into something unprepared.  i apologize for acting like a child.
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Avatar universal
jess:
ok get a hold of me...or are you mad at me?

keep an angel on your shoulder
kip
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Avatar universal
GOD
O.K., O.K. -- We all get the point.

Both of you needed to get all that stuff off your chests, and you both did it well. NOW, I think it's time that we all move on to more important things...

May I suggest that the both of you change your screen nicknames to this board? Just ignore each other from now on. You guys are BOTH valuble assets to this forum in your DIFFERENT, yet effective, ways.

Love to all-

---Jess----

P.S. Remember that it was the "Radioboy Incident" that got everyone's panties knotted!!
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Avatar universal
well, you sure responded to that post.  i enjoy this forum.  however, i am not a daily poster.  i want to help those i can, and you can puke all you want.  my life is my own.  if i care to share with others i will.  you are only hurting yourself.  i am not immature to allow others make me feel any way except how i want to feel.
you were here before me, but i stayed while many have left.  i stayed to help others.  i usually steer clear of you.  the jabs you felt were your own.  just leave me alone.
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Avatar universal
you have made so many jabs at me in the past, and i have pretty much ignored them - they first started because you felt bad that i didn't post to you...pulease!

you are such a loose cannon, which is one of the reasons why i never answer any of your posts.  if people here cannot make suggestions on how to make this board better, than who wants to come here anyhow?  

for people whose whole life revolves entirely around this board, i can see why they need to tell us every aspect of their lives.  they would be better of in a chat room.  i think most people originally come here for information on addiction, not to listen to this petty fighting or hear about your job. your post is just plain mean.  i guess i gave everyone who doesn't like me a good opportunity to jump in and say so...do you feel better now? i was here a long time before you, and YES i liked it much better then.  you say it's "groovy's board" - come one.  scroll down and look at how many times your name appears - if i hear one more thing about your miserable little life, i'm going to puke.  yes, i've sunken to your pathetic level, and it sickens me.  i gotta go.
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Avatar universal
Maybe you could just make a list of rules for Groovygirl's Forum.
Many of us talk about what is bothering us in our lives and unemployment is one of those.  Getting a job is a big thing, not that the question about a person's son was ignored. I believe I
posted a response to that question.  If you now want to just answer questions and run off experienced people, instead of discuass your endo, make us a list of rules.  We will look it over.  I, for one, was the only person hitting the bottom of the
forum for those ashamed to hit the top of the forum.  I suggested
they post higher, many felt uncomfortable to post there.  I know why.  When you chastise everyone on the forum, you are asking to be alienated.  Maybe I'm out of line, but Mr. Michael was an asset.  And we do discuss the troubles of our lives.  We also answer the posts.  How often do you????
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Avatar universal
Hi Hacker. How is it proceeding with your son? Were you able to find help for him? I hope he is able to examine his addiction and learn something about it; the physical aspects as well as the mental/emotional issues that led to it. They're all bundled together, in my opinion. For example, his mind might be "wired" slightly different from a non-addict's, so the first time he takes an opiate and realizes how good it feels, he keeps doing it, keeps seeking that sense of well-being it gave him. Then he might take it when he has a bad day at work; I always thought hey, they're painkillers, why not use them to kill mental pain too? Of course it doesn't work for long. Eventually they don't start to feel too good anymore but you keep chasing that first feeling. I read once that heroin (and I'm sure other opiate addicts) are always seeking that first great high, and it can never be found again. Then eventually you have to keep using to just feel some semblance of normal. It consumes you. All you can think of is getting the next fix, and you will lie, cheat, steal, whatever, to get it because the alternative - going without - is so awful.
For me, something finally clicked that using was never going to solve my problems; it was never going to make me feel good. And even though going without was the hardest thing I ever did - detox is a truly miserable experience - I knew I had to go through it to get my life back. My resolve was mental, physical, emotional, and perhaps most important spiritual. I craved information about addiction; I needed knowlege to understand what was happening with me. That's why I suggest he gets this knowlege, so he doesn't slip back into old patterns and so he gets some true perspective on this disease. For a period all I could think of was talking to others and trying to understand all this. It eased up, but I needed to do that to get where I am now. That's what meetings are all about. When I read through the NA text, it was like reading a biography of myself.
I wish your family the best and hope your son is doing well. tracy
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Avatar universal
i will second what hellbent said about the clean needles.  i was
an iv drug user {dilaudid}.  i tried to have clean needles, but
there was the one occasion, i was desperate to shoot.  i knew the
guy had hep C, and i shot after him.  i've been tested for both
hiv and hep C many times.  i've been blessed so far and the tests
are negative.
all you need to do is buy him some insulin needles at the drug store.  you do not have to have a prescription.  if asked anything, grandma has diabetes.  good luck and Blessings.  i truly hope he will get clean young.  it is not an easy road to be
an addict.
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Avatar universal
i am so happy!  i had accepted that the store i would be working
at was at the bottom of Biloxi/Ocean Springs bridge, not the safest place to work.  the woman who hired me just called to say,
i will be working at the store next to my ex-husband's work place, the central fire dept.  that is great news.  cops stop by all the time.  it does not get robbed often.  i start orientation
at 9am tomorrow.  it could not be better.  Kip, that angel on my shoulder sure helped me.
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Avatar universal
Thanks everyone for your responses. I am floundering out here in need of help. For one thing I do not use anything, no pot, nothing, even kicked cigarette smoking for craps sake, so no "closet" behavior on his parents part.

As fo the lies, I know that, that is alot of the problem, I don't know when to believe him and when not to.

I have surfed the net and cried my eyes out trying to find help. I live in Ohio, in the Butler County area, my son is 22 and has no medical insurance, anyone out there give me names and numbers of rehab or doctors or something?

ANY response is greatly appreciated.
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Avatar universal
Middle school is tough but I'm sure she'll get through it; after all, she's got a great mom! I'm serious here; my kids are freaking too about changing schools, especially the oldest, but I have to remember I did it every year when I was their age (dad in Air Force) and survived. I still feel bad for them.
We are moving Friday. I can't wait to get out of here. Read my email about the scorpions' nest! I do plan to look for work but hopefully just part time, unless I find something full time that pays too much to pass up (yeah, right). I want to be home this summer with the girls, and I want to keep writing. I feel really good about it now. Making progress. I feel like I lived my whole life to get to this point, if that makes sense.
What will your hours be at the store? I'm so glad you will be in a safer place, and close to Michael if you need anything. Write when you get a chance. I have to pack some more but will be back later.
tracy
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Avatar universal
i'm sorry to hear about your troubles.  have you mentioned this site to your son?  

first, he's going to have to want help.  does he?  did he tell you he was ready to try?  i don't live in the oh area, but i'm sure if you call the hospitals, they can give you info.  also, try the good old yellow pages...look around for addiction specialists.  even if you don't stick with one, they can get you going in the right direction.  is methadone an option?  i forget how long you said he's been using....
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Avatar universal
tracy,  have you moved yet?  it will take time to settle in.  then you can look for work in your line of business.  i hope you
find something you can enjoy.  this store is right next to the central fire station where Michael has his office.  after talking
to Michael, i do not believe this store has ever been robbed.  
the cops come in often.  we do give free drinks and something else to eat.  
my daughter is kind of in a crisis.  she has to attend a 3 week
transition to middle school which she starts next year.  none of
her friends are going.  her cousins are here to visit.  they are leaving tomorrow, and isabel cannot spend the night due to school
tomorrow.  i'm fixing to talk to michael.  write me back.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i live in pa. and when ever i run into  someone who needs a
detx and can not afford it.  there is one way to get them accepted everytime, they have to tell the detox people that they want to kill them selves. and then they are in.
it may seem strange or dishonest but the truth is they are killing them selves.

with my experence , you need to stay close to your son.
or else you need to set him free, both roads are painful.
a thrid party is a must, NA. or detox , Or addiction pro.

keep posting

hey groov , i am guilty of thread breaking.
how are you getting along, up there in new england.
is verything on the up swing.
well ihope your feeling great.  peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Avatar universal
I'm only 22, I used a lot of oxycontin which was awful, and I'm still going through it. Your son really has to want to stop and even then, he will need medical assistance.  Its really hard for you to do anything but help him through it.  unfortunately in most cases, something bad has to happen, or he has to see something bad before he realizes that enough is enough.  I think you should mention this site to him.  Like I said I'm 22, i can relate and am more then willing to help him as much as I can. Good Luck and try to get him to post.

GWH
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Avatar universal
GOD
Hacker, Regarding your son, Hippy is VERY right about the Professional help. It is the ONLY way when dealing with something as powerful as herion / Dilaudid. Yes, there is ALWAYS a way, Even if you have to tell "Half-truths" to get in -- i.e. "Wants to kill himself"---  In a way that is true, and you don't hear to much about "Old" strung out junkies. This is a FATAL disease that will get you quickly. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Groovy... You're right. We need to HELP others with their problems in these threads before our gossip. I too am guilty of this, and if we want to talk, I guess we should re-direct ourselves to other boards, and exchange e-mails there. THanks for reminding me of the PRIMARY purpose of this board!

Love you all,
Jess
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Avatar universal
The Butler county Hopeline for NA (narcotics anonymous) is 513-820-2725. Lakewood Ohio has  a toll free 24 hour hotline 888-438-4673 and 800-587-4232. Call for the closest meeting in your town. If your son doesn't want to go, you can still attend an "open" meeting and talk with them about your son. You will get alot of suggestions if you ask. I can't add to anymore of the suggestions that have already been posted except to say that in Florida we have whats called "The Baker Act" and the "Marshman Act". Baker acting is when someone is a danger to himself or others. They are admitted to a hospital for a 72 hour evaluation to determine the patients mental status. The Marshman act can be used for drug addicts in a similar fashion. Call any detox in your area and find out if they have that kind of law in Ohio.

Also I'm not sure if I missed it but, how did you find out he was on heroin? Did he tell you or did you find out? I am recovering from opiate addiction myself. I had a problem long before I wanted to stop. I have stopped now and there is always hope for any addict as long as he/she is still breathing. My prayers are with you and your son.
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Avatar universal
Congratulations Angst! I'm really happy for you. Great news. Looks like things are getting better everyday. How is your daughter? Let me know when you start, how things go.
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Avatar universal
Your son has a long road ahead of him but this can be done. He just has to want to do it; that's the one thing you can't do for him. I don't recommend doing it alone, especially since he was using heroin (many of us using prescription drugs can't do it alone, and that's nothing to be ashamed of). Seek out an addiction doctor. Even when he's past the physical detox, he will face challenges. He might relapse. Be there for him but don't enable him and don't coddle him. Let him know you expect total honesty. And please let us know how things are going; maybe encourage him to post here himself. There are wonderful people who will do everything cyberally possibly to help.
Best of luck,
tracy
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Avatar universal
i answered a post that is down a little bit on the site, and it really bothered me.  the questions posted on this thread (and most others lately) seem to be made unimportant by others breaking the thread with completely unrelated topics - personal stuff.  i know it is hard to post your own question/comment, and once in awhile jumping in on a thread should be ok, but it seems to have become the "norm" here.  a lot of the people that used to come here and do a lot to help people don't bother with it anymore because of this reason, and it sucks.

when someone is reaching out for information to possibly save their son's life, and someone breaks in with a post about their job, it just really stands out.
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Avatar universal
i hope you are well and mentally in a great state.  i am glad to tell you that i am employed at a convience store {a nice one} until the apprenticeship program at the shipyard for pipefitters
begin in late June or July. i want to work. i was on unemployment
for a couple of months.  i am not a stay at home person. i would rather be out and about.  i'll take my chances with the robbers and random killers.  i believe convience store clerks has the highest mortality rate amongst jobs.  what do you think?  it will
generate money.  i asked for $10/hr and i think she's going to pay it considering i taking a job at one of the highest risk stores.  i know the police chief there, he is my nephew's father-in-law.  i'll ask for patrols every hour and i'll give the cops free drinks and what ever else they want.  what are you up to, didn't you go back to work?  i'm still on my methadone, but i still control my dosage and during my last using dream, i was not
even using - others around me were.  that is an improvement.  my life is looking better every day.  thanks for asking,  Ava
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Avatar universal
I don't know if it will make a difference, it wouldn't have mattered squat to me when I was young, but try and tell him that it will only get worse. The longer you use, the more of a lasting imprint it will have on your body.

Try to make sure that the kid has clean needles. I never did IV, but most users I know have hepatitis-c, and some have aids.
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