How do you deal with your father being a drug Addict?

Question:

My dad just wound up in the hospital because of a prescription drug he was getting more then he shouldve been getting under the counter. Basically this drug makes you relax, and lay down and want to shut up and do nothing. If he speaks he somewhat slurrs. Because of him laying down and never excorsising fluid began to build up in his lungs and an infection began. He had to go to the hospital to get his lungs drained, and he had heart problems... he could've died. It killed me inside to see him there. I'm 18. I live with him. He told me now that he's getting out of the hospital that he's going to keep doing them but "doesn't want me to give up on him", which I said "I shouldnt have to deal with it in the first place." which he claims is the "easy way out" by moving out. (he doesn't want me to move out.) So he wanted me to look online on how to deal with a drug attic. In what way can I help him get off these drugs? Honestly I am considering leaving and just saying screw it..

Answers:
Addiction isn't some string you can sever with a blade. There's a chemical aspect to it that rewires the brain. Willpower is potent but willpower alone is still a hard gamble. Your father is battling against his physical self, his body. He needs all the psychological support he can get. Don't leave your father in his weakest moment. Nag him, threaten to leave him, but don't actually disappear. You need to get him professional help before his addiction leads him into a greater mess. He tells you rehab is "the easy way out," which makes it very clear that he doesn't want to be stopped. YOU need to make the better judgment FOR him. Like you said, however, it's most likely the best solution. Be sure to stay by his side the entire way. Remember, drugs KILL. It's no simple matter.

accept that you cannot make you father do anything. he is an adult. life is all about choices. get some counseling for yourself to understand why you feel as if you must become your father's caretaker.

Stop reacting to his blackmail. Read up about the so called 'drama triangle' (victim-rescuer-persecutor). You are dealing with someone who is using this process and the best thing you can do is leave (i.e. be the persecutor). An addict is the only person who can do anything to change himself - nothing anyone else does will have any lasting effect.

Your'e 18, go ahead and move out! You are not your dad's caretaker and deserve some stability in your life! You can still help your dad, but be able to go home to your own place of sanctuary! I have a mom who's addicted to prescription pills too! She's gotten worse evey year. The doc gives them to her to kind of try and keep her out of the E.R., from calling 911 for an ambulance, and from requesting all these expensive tests she asks for! The insurance company must really be desperate with her! Your dad's plea for help could be just another maneuver to get u to stay. Let him look up on the internet, or make the phone call. Have him put in rehab if you can. Honey, I'm 48, not 18! I am with you on this one and played every game my mom dished out, believe me. I have spent endless times listening to her cry, freak out, shake, etc...I go home, she just pops a downer and chills. Me, I'm left upset for days. You can't help a drug addict unless they want it. But we can help ourselves. Move out. Find some zen in your life, NOW!!!!

So sorry you are having such a problem at your young age. Sounds like your Dad has no intentions on changing his drug habits. The tough reality of this is that there is nothing you can do to make him change if he doesn't want to. It would be my suggestion that you tell your Dad that you just can't hang around and watch him kill himself. Let him know you love him and would be willing to help in getting him off the drugs but in the mean time, you are going to have to get your own place.

Tough love!! You are right, you should be worried about girlfriends and college, not a drug addicted Dad. Good luck to you and remember to take care of yourself first.

the only one who can help him is himself...but he need your guidance..you have to open up his mind.dont let him get back on it when he leave the hospital..have a psychiatrist talk to him about how it can ruin a mans life..if he doesnt change,just let it be..he is old enough to deal with it and youre to young to deal with these situation..enjoy your life..ok

How do you deal with your father being a drug Addict?

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