He finally did it!

[denverdog]

I have a 21 year old brother who is a recovering addict, so I have seen first hand what it does to a family. Thankfully he is now clean, although he still struggles each day to stay that way. Michael my prayers are with you, after experiencing the pain my parents went through, I would never wish that on my worst enemy. Best wishes to you and your family and may it all work out according to plan. :thumbs:

 

[Blue Dragon]

cohibasurfer - I'm glad to hear that today your son is in reach of life. Addiction is a pervasive illness, progressive in nature. Your son is not amoral or "weak". The real addict has a body that cannot take it and a mind that cannot leave it (substances that is). I know only too well what your son is going through. I hope him the best. Teen Challenge has had much success treating addicts. They offer long term treatment in a thrapeutic community model approach. As important as the treatment is, his continued participation in recovery and recovery groups in his community is going to be crutial to his long term sobriety. I wish him him the best in this endeavor. Don't ever hesatate to be in contact with me.

Prayers with you and your family

mac

Wow. My prayers are with you on this journey. Tough love did it for me. I had to reach a place that I know I didn't want to be in and realize there was someone who didn't want me there either, and was willing to help when I was ready. His asking was a huge first step. The fact that he did it on his own, coming to you for help, w/o outside (your) pressure, is a really good sign. :thumbs:

Prayer said.

Willingness is the key to recovery, and it sounds like today he has it. My prayer is that he will tomorrow as well.

Aren't you forgetting something? Honesty, Openness, and Willingness, is H.O.W. it works.

Rehab works for those who want it. I pray he will want recovery and get hooked up with a 12-step program when he gets out. Great news though.

Addiction really is a killer. I too have expereinced the deadly effects of addiction. However, there is hope through 12 step programs---It works if we work it.

Peace

I'm unfamiliar with the program he is entering (and I'm really glad they had room for him), but it sounds like a good place. A year seems like a long time, but the first year is the toughest. A year will help him to find new playmates and playgrounds. It is hard to see how to have fun or just to do life without the substance of choice at first.

I hope he sticks with it. Good luck my friend!
- C

 

[cohibasurfer]

Again I want to thank everyone for the prayers and posts.

But sadly, I have some bleak news. My Son walked away the very afternoon I took him. Didn't even last the day. Needless to say, His Grandmother and Sister are devistated. I'll have to admit, I thought he would make it at least until his court date Oct. 2nd. The family hasn't heard anything from him as of last night. When he didn't call by Sat. we called and were informed that he was last seen with his duffle bag and back pack walking down the street away from the Ranch, about 6 hours after we hugged him on Wednesday. I Love him endlessly, but he can't come home. This hurts me very deep.

 

[Fatken]

Michael, sorry to hear the bad news. I can't pretend to know how you feel; my brother is dealing with a daughter in the same situation.

You have remarkable courage and strength, but, keep the faith these as things sometimes work out. Prayers to you and your family.

Ken

 

[tone-ny]

Mike I'm sorry to hear this. He will continue to be in my prayers. I know how hard this is and what it means to your family, but you have to take care of your daughter and yourself through all this.

 

[preembargo]

Michael, I’m terribly sorry to hear how this has turned out so far. Your son and entire family are in our prayers.

While you take care of your daughter, keep the faith and hold onto hope. Your son can still get his life back. When I was strung out on meth after years of drug abuse and failed rehab, after losing a wife and two daughters, then losing a second wife and a son, running from all those who ever cared for me, I found myself sitting in a jail cell looking at up to 10 years in prison. Apparently freedom was the one thing I couldn’t stand to lose. The reality of prison was the one fear that brought me out of my destructive cycle. You could say that I was scared straight.

While in my holding cell I dropped to me knees and had a life changing conversation. The next day, the charges were dropped and I walked out of jail a free man in every sense. I’ve been clean for 17 years and have Julie, Matthew, and one of my daughters back and I experience joy everyday.

I’m not suggesting that your son has to go to prison to get clean, what I’m saying is that no matter what else in life we may be willing to give up on or throw away, there’s always one thing each of us are unable to accept the loss of. That thing is different for each of us. At that time in my life for me it was freedom, now it’s my family’s joy. No one, not even your son knows what he will have to face losing in order to bring him out of this, but whatever it is one day he will face it. And he will come home. Pray for his safety and pray for your own strength, guidance, and wisdom and I’ll pray for those things with you.

 

[rsaavedra]

Mike sorry to hear this, hang in though there's always hope, keep your faith up high. Tables will turn in your favor. Also I will amplify my prayers X100% cause you need them!!!

Raf

 

[MoeCizlak]

Wow. You and your family will be in my prayers. I have a 7 and 5 yr old and my idea of tough love is nothing like what you've displayed. It sounds as though you are a great father who truly cares for his children, more power to you!!!

 

[NorCalCigarLover]

The ups and downs of dealing with such issues is never easy. Good luck Michael, your family is still in our prayers.

 

[MiamiCubano]

Will definitely keep you and your family in my continued thoughts and prayers. Stay strong brother, in faith, spirit and body.

 

[rob300c]

So sorry Michael.
I really don't have much to add that hasn't already been said by our brothers.
Prayers sent to you, your daughter and your son!

-Rob

 

[mr.mac]

Michael - Sorry to hear that your son didn't stay. It should be noted that Teen Challenge has a reputation for being extremely abrasive. There is a reason why it is free treatment... because for the time you are with them, you belong to them. Of course that isn't what pulled him out of there... his addiction did. So on to the next intervention....

I hope you are taking care of yourself. I'm certain there are Al-Anon groups in your community. You should check them out. Addiction is a family illness, touching the lives of all that are close to the addict. You still have to take care of you. A support group would really be valuable to you.

Man, I will pray for your son. I can't even tell you how many treatment centers I blew out of. I hate this statement, "It takes what it takes", but in many cases it's true. Recovery has to become the number one priority in our life.... before anything!

mac

 

[mysterea]

Best of luck on this new turn, you must be proud that he's realizing what's happening.
I've done what I can to send 'what I got' your way.

Best to ya sir,
Rob