More help

[scoobydoo759]

My son admitted his addiction(IV cocaine and Oxy's) to me 9 days ago and has been clean since that day with my help.The problem I am having with him now is that he hates his life and everyone in it.I know he needs to talk to a specialists but how do I get him to do this(I think deep down he knows this to).Would N/A meetings help with this situation also.Any feed back would be greatful.

[dominosarah]

I am so happy he came to you that night and told you and now he is 9 days clean!!!  I would really recommend meetings or a therapist. Meetings are free and they have helped many of us.  Depression is so common early in this process.  The more he can get out and talk with others he will see that life is good and he will learn the tools he needs to stay clean.  He trusts you so i think he will reach out.......keep us posted.         sara

[jp2001]

Some of that might depend on how much he was using, and for how long.  The first 7 days seem to be the physical withdrawal.  I'm on my ninth day, and from everything I have heard from friends days ahead of me and from what I feel right now, it seems like the next couple weeks after the first are mental/emotional.

Look up PAWS, or Post-Acute Widthdrawal Syndrome.  

It might be good for him to be in some after care.  Some other hints that I've been following are:
1-Take an antidepressant, prescribed by the doc (I'm on Wellbutrin)
2-Exercise daily.  I'm riding the stationary bike everyday.
3-Take vitamins.  Everyday I eat chewable multivitamins, and suck down an EmergenC

More than needing to talk to specialists, which it sounds like he might want to do, he needs YOUR non-judgemental, helpful support.  Any type of negative feedback is NOT going to have the desired effect of pushing him toward what you think he needs.  

Remember, this is a situation where HE needs something, or HE has a problem, rather than it being a "problem I am having with him now".  It's the problem HE is currently having.  Small difference, but to me, significant.

No negative feedback or motivational methods.  ONLY SUPPORT.
Hope for the best for you and yours.