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Parenting

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Son 21 left home - continual bad choices

3 replies

Lollypoppy · 15/02/2012 09:40

Im having difficulty letting go. I know what I need to do and it's getting a little easier each day but I'm so very upset inside.

My son is 21 and after dropping out of uni, then a college course and couldn't pass his driving test (took it 4 times), he finally admitted he has a problem with weed. Last year was probably the worst year of my life. I knew he smoked but thought it was just the normal teenage stuff, just part of growing up and experiencing new things. When he came back from uni we set the ground rules again - no drugs in the house, keep to be paid, if he wasn't coming home to let us know. He works 4 days per week in a mundane job. I forgot to mention he's really intelligent but the "friends" he now has are - well, to say it as it is - a little mentally challenged. They all work part-time, three are drug dealers to make up their pay. Only one of them has a skilled full time job and he was special needs in school. His "nice" friends all went to uni and have moved on with their lives.

After uni, we did everything we could to help him to get on his feet - clothes, driving lessons, job, drugs counsellor - just trying to catch up so he could move forward again. We told him last summer that everybody has to earn enough money to support themselves. He was bringing drugs and paraphernalia into our home and that we had a responsibility to raise our youngest child in a drug free environment. We told him that as he chose not to get a "proper" job he then needed to either work more hours or get a second job. He chose to leave.

So, during that time he's started a relationship with the landlady's daughter and they live together (she's now 17). He's been off sick for 2 months and owes money to wonga. 2 weeks ago he told me to stop calling him and his girlfriend either. Hes fed up with my interfering. So that's it. His life is in a mess. We haven't spoken since that time and I know he's defaulted on his debt with 5 days to go before debt collection action starts. His account is registered to our house.

I was making myself ill worrying and have started to try and move on. But I feel like someone has died but full of anger too. I want to go to his house and kick and scream but he's not listening. Thing is, I think his head is seriously damaged after 5 years of regular weed. Its like hes still 15 hes so very immature. I know he doesn't love us, he feels very remote and it breaks my heart.

How in the hell did this happen to us all - we nice people and a "good" family?

OP posts:
CogitoErgoSometimes · 15/02/2012 12:23

How desperately sad for you. Sounds like you've done everything you could for him and he's determined to experience life the hard way. Addiction affects all kinds of families - even nice ones unfortunately. Having had alcoholics in my own family I know how destructive addicts can be with their secrets, lies and manipulation. Well done for stepping back because, you're right, he's not listening yet. All you can usefully do at this stage is let him know you still love him and, should he decide to turn things around and need your help, you'll be there for him. He has to call you...

If you can get in touch with the people he owes money to, tell them he's changed address. You really don't debt collectors adding to your problems. Good luck

RavenVonChaos · 15/02/2012 21:04

I can't offer any advice except to look after yourself and the rest of your family. My daughter is 17 and is retaking her gcse's but I feel like I am still doing everything for her. I realise that she needs to take responsibility and deal with the consequences of not doing any work, not looking for a job etc

Luckily your son has had your supportive parenting for many years and hopefully he will turn it all around when he is ready. It is so hard to sit back and watch them fail tho'

My dd also had a terrible problem with the meow drug when she was 16. I thought she was going to end up dead. Sad. Awful time. I do count my blessing although deep down I wish that we were looking at uni places for September. It wasn't supposed to be like this!

What's the girlfriend like?

mathanxiety · 16/02/2012 18:58

You can't help him and make him shape up. You need to back off and let him come back to you no matter how long it takes.

Tell the debt collectors his new address and if necessary put a notice of disclaimer of his debts in the papers.

You need to go to Famanon or Adfam or even Al-anon for families. You're not the only one going through this and you will need a shoulder to cry on.

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