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Addiction support

Need advice on how to help a teen drug addict please

5 replies

nicenewone1 · 25/06/2017 19:38

She is not my child but I have got involved and would like to help if I can.

She's 17 and has been addicted to amphetamines for 7 years. She has taken them every day.

She has all the help available in our area, with several appointments per week sometimes, but she still wants to take drugs every day.

Can someone please give me any ideas of how on earth to help her ?

Thanks so much in advance

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PencilsInSpace · 26/06/2017 20:11

So she was 10 when she became addicted to class A drugs?

If all the help available for a child who has been so badly failed is a few appointments a week, I don't blame you for wanting to help, but tread carefully.

Set very clear boundaries and stick to them. Decide how much you want and are capable of giving now, before you are in too deep, and be clear with her where your boundaries are. Don't be disappointed if it turns out you can't help.

You could maybe research whether there are any better services available in your area and help her with application or referral? Talk to Frank is a good place to start and they can advise friends and family.

How have you got involved? Are her parents around or was she in care? Where is she living?

Do you have your own family responsibilities? If so set even more clear boundaries and be very careful you don't take on anything that could negatively impact them.

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nicenewone1 · 29/06/2017 19:00

I think amphetamine is a class B drug isn't it?

I spoke to Frank, and tbh didn't find them much help.

Neither of her parents are around.

The problem is that she loves the drugs and doesn't want to stop. I know that someone has to WANT to stop before they can accept help but I wanted to somehow make her want to, if that makes sense!

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Totallyoverwhelmed42 · 09/07/2017 19:45

What area are you in? Have you tried addaction , they are fantastic

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ihatethecold · 09/07/2017 20:08

Op. You can't make someone want to give up.
You sound a little naive.
Yes,support her if you can but don't get sucked in.
My eldest adult ds is a drug user. It's not a habit that funds itself.

Be careful.

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nicenewone1 · 13/07/2017 09:08

Oh yes I'm naive alright. I am just trying to hand hold right now. She isn't getting any money but is getting the drugs for nothing as she is doing 'favours' for the dealers. I won't go into further detail there but you can guess I imagine.

just a really bad time all round, she knows she's playing a dangerous game