Drug Addiction

When I was 16 (I won't get into the "why" of all of this as it is a rather long story), I found myself doing just about anything to find and use cocaine, which is a similar addiction. I just wasn't thinking about anyone or anything but myself and chose to pursue this self destructive path. Unfortunately, it is much easier for minors to become addicted to drugs because their brain chemistry just hasn't gotten on an even keel from puberty. This also tends to make it much more difficult for the teen to stop since they feel (as most do in puberty) that authority figures are against them, a view that is only amplified during this rebellious phase.

I consider myself lucky to have had this experience mostly because I was able to pull myself out at 17, as a result of doing things that went completely against my code of ethics. I know how this is going to sound, but I really hope the same thing is the case with your sister since that will make it much easier for her to see the light. The upside to her using so early is that she may not have had time (if she has only been using meth for 2 weeks as described) to develop a massive physical addiction.

I would seriously consider an intervention, especially if the friend you described is willing to take part. It is very important to include people who have your sister's trust (more than one if possible), which your parents may not right now. Sit down with her and talk about drugs, addiction, and what she wants to accomplish in her life. Show her the website above and if possible, bring in a drug abuse counselor who can mediate and help to shed some light on why she is doing the things she is.

I was able to kick coke through the fellowship I found in 12 step programs (PDAP, AA, NA) and the lessons I learned there are lessons I would not trade for Bill Gates' fortune. More than a way to live without drugs, they showed me a way to live a happy, well adjusted lifestyle, which translated to a life without chemicals (other than nicotine and caffeine). If you know anyone in these programs, it would not be a bad idea to have them bring her to a few meetings and it would also not be a bad idea for your family to attend some al-Anon or Nar-Anon meetings (meetings for family members of addicts).

If I can help in any way, feel free to email me through the board and I will do everything I can. I know first hand what your sister is going through and as such, know first hand that recovery is not only possible, it is actually pretty simple (not saying it is easy, just that the steps are very defined and highly effective) as long as you are willing to make the effort. If she is willing to talk to someone outside the family for support and advice, I would love to share my experience and hope with her to help her to regain her path.

Prayers for your sister.

Andy

 

Like others have said, if she's only been involved with it for a couple weeks she's probaby not very deep in it. In the past I dabbled with it on occasions, but never got to the point where I had a problem. It is a powerful drug though and I do know some people that go hooked on it fairly quickly. I'm not sure how close you are to your sis, but maybe you should just have a talk with her and be honest. Tell her you're worried about her but don't get mad and argue...that will get you nowhere. Good luck.

 

I have had 4 different friends addicted to coke. One of those was also using meth quite a bit. And a few people I've known addicted to heroine. I also know someone who was an alcaholic. A few people who were more aquaintences than friends addicted to coke as well.

The alcaholic and 3 of the folks addicted to coke got help from AA. They all had difficult roads but have all quit using coke for 10 years, 7 years, and 5 years. Two of those three also don't drink at all anymore. and the alcaholic is 5 years sober as well. They chose to enter those programs themselves after feeling bad, doing degrading things to support their habit, hurting those around them etc.

The fourth person quit a few times but always ended up going back on it. I lost touch with him.

One of the guys on heroine was able to get sober, but he had burned so many bridges when he was a junkie that nobody really talks to him anymore. The other heroine addicts kind of just disappeared.

The thing is that it is very hard to be made to kick the habit. It really needs to come from a self motivated desire to do so. An intervention and genuine expressions of concern will help plant seeds, or possibly open a door so she may want to clean herself up.

Depending on the kind person she is, pointing out examples of people who are addicted, or showing her the way someone who is addicted acts, and demonstrating that it wouldn't be desirable to end up like that might also help. It depends on the type of person she is though, so who knows.

Best of luck. I'll be praying.

 

I hear meth is seriously addictive. You should intervene if you value her life. Good Luck.

 

Just run by your parents' house and scoop her up. Drop her off over here miles away from her dope connect and leave her with me and Justin for a couple weeks. She can have the extra bed. She'll probably think of it as a cool vacation or something. But we'll get some act-right in her system. Seriously. That's what I needed when I was deep into bull**** like that. Get her away from those people. If not here, Colorado or San Antonio or something. But don't send her off to family under the premise of rehabbing her and have your uncle or someone running a boot camp...I know that's not gonna work with Abby...well, anyway, why the **** am I doing this over the internet? Just come over. I'm obviously off work now.


BTW, this is the same sister she's talking about, for some background.

 

by meth are you talking bout adderall/ritalin or glass/ice/crystal? if it's the pills, i wouldn't worry too much, as it's a commonly abused drug for kids her age... she'll probably get over it. it is fairly addictive though, and you should definitely talk to her about it.

if it's crystal, well.......... do everything you can. that stuff ruins lives - no other way around it. i don't mean if she's done it a few times, but if she's actually addicted to it, get her some help. some of the most depressing things i've ever witnessed in my life have revolved around that addiction, and it's so sad.

good luck.

 

Yikes. Sounds pretty serious if she hasn't been home for two weeks. My thoughts are with you and your family.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20050715/ts_csm/ameth_1

 

adderall/ritalin isn't meth, its an amphetamine but not methamphetamine. The crystal/ice is actuall whats called meth. The whiter/more crystal like it is, the stronger it is. If you have just a gray powder type stuff then you have meth, if you have crystals, then you have crystal meth aka glass/ice.

Very bad ****, changes who you are when you are on it and its very addicting. It makes people feel more confident, have more energy, etc...

Best thing to do is get your sis away from the people who introduced it to her, as long as they are doing it and as long as shes with them or friends with them, then in her eyes it will be "ok" for her to do it too because it isn't hurting them......

 

The worst part I see here is that meth makes you more sexually active and lowers your inhibitions, she may be able to kick the habit in the future but may not be able to kick what ever she catches from bad sexual choices...... i know a lot of guys intrested in introducing meth to chicks for that very reason, they should all be shot.

 

The meth problem is so bad in Oklahoma, OTC cough medicines like Sudafed are put behind the counter and to buy it you have to show ID. They put your name in a database and limit the amount you can buy monthly....enough for a normal person not for a meth lab.

 

As of two months ago I just graduated what is called residential Treatment after a brief stint in Wilderness therapy.
The only way to deal with addiction and to a lesser extent abuse is to look at the pyshe side of her using. Which means not using scare tactics or preaching to her the dire affects of drug use. I used and everyone else using because of a trigger event or the desire for a certain feeling that is missing in my/her life. This is really just the jist of addiction and the ways to which combat it. If you would like to know more about my past experience and more importantly what has helped me be sober for over a year (counting the 14 months in treatment) you can email me at Thedudexxx666@yahoo.com
While she is still underage I would suggest your parents look into wilderness therapy and then from there in patient (residential)
You can contact my old treatment center @ 801 463 9020 (in SLC as all of them are nowadays) and explain to them your sisters situation and what place might be most applicable. Subjectively I would recommend Gateway Academy (by the way this is the name of the contact number) if your family has the money.
Most treatment centers can be quite spendy ranging from 300 to upwards of a 1000 a day. Gateway happens to be five00 a day (sorry my five key is mia.) The usual stay for most places is at the least 6 months and up to a year or more if needed. Again This is just the jist of my experience and knowlege and am more then happy to delve deeper upon request. I hope I can be of help.

 

Thats why you choose your friends and sexual partners very objectively and decide by if they well be a positive influence on her sobriety. It just like going back and hanging out with old using friends the same outcome well happen no matter how much faith and sobriety you have.

 

I disagree that by emphasizing how she is affecting her family well help at all especialy in early stages of rehabilitation. She well not be able to stop cold turkey just because she has some knowlege that she is affecting others, you arn't in the place to be empathetic and stop for others. Making changes especialy with something as serious as drug abuse can never be solved unless she does it for her self with the guidance and support of others (sober support system.)

 

Meth is evil, I have lost many good friends due to this bull$hit, excuse my language... but I've seen good sincere people turn into fiends for this crap. This crap is just a mix of chemicals cooked and snorted or smoked. Its crack. Hell Its worse than crack. I'm sorry for the situation that your sister is in, she will need help... maybe professional people. she will definitely have to get away from the people she is with and even maybe need to be prescribed something to help her ease her way out. Its a shame, people dont realize that soberity is the best way to enjoy life... including me.

Although I dont do meth, I have tried pot... but I didnt inhale or exhale... I forgot which one. I drink almost everynight, even though I'm 26, I act like a college frat boy. Its a tough battle but I think only time and wisdom, self discipline can defeat addiction.

 

It's not at all relivent if meth is in her system or not she well still have cravings years after she has been sober (I have cravings even with my year+ of sobriety.)

 

Thanks for posting this.
I also will be praying for your sister and your family.

I have used meth previously and was also a barb. addict and alcoholic.

1. Pray for your sister daily. It doesn't matter if you are religious, God will still answer your cries, He is very compassionate.
2. Try to find her- top priority, obviously this is critical (another reason to pray)
3. Be prepared to show care, giving her acceptance and love.
4. Most important make loving attempts to get her the best professional help you can. Often parents make the mistake of showing disappointment adding to the rejection that may be the root cause. Most addictions can be traced to a very real and deep inner pain, insecurity, fear or wounding.
5. In fact it is very important to get her to a place of safety away from her environment where trained workers can help her. Even if you must somehow intervene against her choices as a last resort.
6. Find an experienced organization that knows how to bring healing to the emotions and heart of the person so that they can find freedom and accept themselves. (some have been suggested to you, check them out so you can inform your parents)
7. I know this sounds radical but serious addictions are very strong and your sister may be able to convince your family she can change and handle her life but the truth is she cannot.

Please pray for her.

I have worked with many addicts. In our church are several former addicts. We have seen many miracles by God to completely change lives but I can also tell you of many who did not make it. It is very hard.

You are brave to get involved and I know you must love your sister very much.

 

hey meggoleggo, just wanted to let you know I'm still praying for your sister and your family. I hope you'll have some good news to share soon.