Is my son a heroin addict?

[matthew1989]

I know little about drug addiction just the stuff I've read here on the computer.  My son is now 19 almost 20.  Since highschool he's had a problem with addiction.  Around 6 months ago he moved back home after a hard life of drug use living with drug users.   He really wanted to go to college and I wanted to give him a chance.  So I signed him up and he attended for maybe a week or two than withdrew.  Had been out of work for months finally finds a job that I believe he may have loss yesterday on his 5th day.  My husband and I went away for 2 days and come back to find him sick.  Throwing up,pupils so tiny I could bearly see them and having a hard time even walking.  I've seen this before maybe twice and he's always swore he was sick from eating something bad.  My question is is this throwing up and sickness from withdrawal or from just coming down off of the drug?  He's really been trying the past few weeks.  He's with us all the time.  I don't see signs of what I would think to look for in a heroin addict.  But than again I don't know what to look for.  Why the sickness only some of the time?  I've seen it like a total of three times.  But I also know that he lies pretty much non stop.  I tried to tell myself he has had no money so how can he be doing drugs but than again I just don't know.  Today when he got home looking a little better I got my keys and said lets go take a drug test. First he said ok than he finally said " fine I was coming down off of heroin." So I than told him to get off of our property until he's ready for help.  I have three other young boys here and we have just been through so much else in front of them.  He"s really a sweet hearted kid.  Two weeks ago he begged for help told us we should move.  He was saying he was addicted to pot.  So thats when we said ok we can't move but no more going to friends.  We tried to watch him but prove to be impossible.  My husband is extremely hard on him and doesn't want to hear a word from him.  Well, as the mother I am having such a hard time.  It's ripping my whold family apart.  My husband and I cant say one word to each other about my son.  It's like he has no heart when it comess to him.  ANY ADVICE would be great.  Thanks, one broken hearted mom.

[matthew1989]

My son overdosed last night on heroin.  He was brought in not breathing.  we just got home and my husband will not even look at him.  Again i know that's got to kill my son.  He tried to win my husband over with im sorry and im still going to move out in 5 days.  but nothing from my husband.  He won the hearts of everyone in that hospital.  the nurses were crying for him.  He so nice and sweet wishing everyone a happy easter.  but not even a look from his own dad.  sad!

[MontanaGurl]

I am so sorry to hear what you are going through!   I have sent you a PM.

[cattalina]

Oh boy... I'm so sorry. I am so sorry. Are you okay? The lack of communication with his father certainly does have an impact but you can't control other people's reactions. Is there any way to make a suggestion to your husband about possibly learning about addiction? Sometimes when something is hard to understand, it's easier to be frustrated and p'd off... So maybe introducing your husband to this forum maybe, or just info in general. Try the NA website maybe - other online sources. I can honestly tell you that I don't think your son is a bad kid, as a matter of fact, I have a sneaking suspicion that he is very much like those of us with a history of opiate abuse. We all have a tendency to have alot more in common than most people realize. Do you think your son would be willing to talk to any of us here from the site? If he's willing to talk to other heroin addicts I'm certainly here... Please bring it up ok? Also please try to drop some information on your husband about addiction. He needs to realize this is your son's life we're talking about, not just a "bad habit" that needs to be broken... Perhaps a little understanding of the disease will change his perception of the issue? Let me know if you need anything ok? I honestly mean that - check your inbox here when you get a chance. Hang in there.

[10356]

I agree with catt.. if you could get your son on with us.. it may help. as addicts have traveled his path and may be able to reach him.. I'm very very sorry for the pain and fear you must be feeling.. the situation with your husband must be heartbreaking also.. if your son could just sit down and read the post and responses on the forum it may as it did me.. give him the support he needs to get clean.. Please take catts advice for yourself.. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers...

[Helter_Skelter]

I too am a mother of an addict. He is about your son's age. We have gone through alot in the past 4 years. I am divorced from his father and we have not included him into the problem.
My best advice is not to give up! I think he has a better chance of recovery in a place that he feels safe and not the streets. If you have somewhere you can send him-relative, etc that is a good "solution" but the relative needs to know all the details before agreeing to your son moving in with them. And consider which is more important your sister thinking your son is bad or getting your son well?
Pot will not make him throw up from withdrawals! He may be crabby at best. He is coming down off of something. I am not familiar with heroin just pain killers and have seen my son very sick from withdrawals.
From one mother to another I know your pain. You are not alone. You have done nothing wrong. It was his decision to take whatever. It can be your decision to help him get better but you need boundaries if he stays at home because of the other kids. He needs to know that. He needs to know what you are willing to do and not do. I wish that I had taken a stronger stand earlier and maybe we wouldn't have taken so long to get to where we are now.
Always keep the lines of communication open with your son.  If you can't talk with your husband please talk to someone. I learned many years ago that everyone has problems. No one has a perfect family. Just fine someone that you can talk to and preferably someone that knows the problems. Consider Al-Anon. That can help you with your decisions. You have to stay strong to help your son.
I wish I knew the "magic formula" to make everything better to help you but I am in the same boat. Remember there are always others that are in the same boat. You are not alone!

[Dylan465]

theeagle gave a great answer. My heart goes out to you. My son is 21 and in the Navy, lost his dad at 9 but by the grace of God stayed away from drugs as far as I know and I believe I am right. I wish I had his head at his age, I was a mess with so much potential.
I went into a hardcore long term drug facility that saved my life. There's no ***** footing around this stuff but I would say to see if they even have those facilities like they did in the 70's and before. These easy rehabs imo are a joke but the boy needs support too.
To the other mom who posted, my heart goes out to you. I can cry for you. I can't imagine how hard it is for you women and your husband's need to hug them back but also set them straight. God knows them and I will pray right now for their recovery and your peace. God bless you.