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Parents of adult children

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Have I lost my son 21

15 replies

Totallybannanas · 19/02/2026 15:39

My ds has had a history of drugs mainly weed from age 16. We have endured so much as a family, and have managed to get him back on track several times. I've helped him get employment, join the gym etc. I've tried everything to keep him on track and to stay in his job. We lost my dad 4 months ago. He was very close, and again I kept him close but knew he was drinking and occasional smoking weed. I hid it from my parents to protect them. He's since been staying with a friend for days on end the last month, as far as I know he's been going to work as he would come back on those days. But he's gradually been staying there more and more and now seems to be staying there full time. He was meant to meeting me for a drink. He came back, but little did I know he only came back to pick up some stuff. He was sober but stinking of weed. He hardly spoke to me and was in a rush as his mate was waiting for him. I'm devastated. I know I can't do anything. But he doesn't pick up my calls, and only responds to texts now and then. I don't even know where he is staying. He just seems so cold and detached. We have had our rows and he is neuro divergent, but I always felt we were close and I wanted to maintain that even more when my dad died. Part of me in anger wants to bag up the rest of his stuff and tell him to get on with it. But that's not how I really feel.

OP posts:
BillieWiper · 19/02/2026 15:53

I very much doubt you've 'lost him'. He's suffering bereavement for his granddad and also growing into hopefully an independent young man. Not wanting to spend a lot of time with mum isn't really an alarm bell for a 21yo lad.

Just keep being there for him. Be supportive and don't think he's abandoning you. He's navigating a difficult time.

As are you, I'm so sorry for the loss of your lovely dad. I hope you are seeking counselling if you think it would help? You could offer son to come with. But obviously don't be shocked if he doesn't feel able.

Totallybannanas · 19/02/2026 16:12

Thank you for the reply. It's the drugs that worry me and the people he is surrounding himself with and not knowing where he is staying 😔

OP posts:
Miranda65 · 19/02/2026 16:28

You haven't "lost" him, OP, he's just growing up. A 21 year old man doesn't need to be constantly in touch with his parents - he has a life to live, as we all do.

Glitterballofdreams · 19/02/2026 16:32

As hard as it is, I’d try to give him some space. Leave him be, and he will come back to mumma when he is ready. You are his safe place, and his constant.
Let him grieve, and focus on your own bereavement and look after yourself. You have a lot to deal with, be gentle with yourself

Maddy70 · 19/02/2026 16:39

He's 21 and becoming independent. He is finding himself i honestly wouldn't worry about him smoking weed. Most go through that phase (I did!)

Bristolandlazy · 19/02/2026 16:45

My daughter's partner smokes weed everyday, not my ideal but it's his business. He still goes to work everyday, doesn't drink, doesn't smoke and drive. A lot of my daughters friend's smoke weed and it's not a big deal. Sounds fairly normal behaviour to me considering his age. We all deal with grief differently, I would try and back off and give him some space. He's young, he's figuring himself out, he doesn't want his mother in his business. We all thought we knew best at that age. Give him some space and he'll be fine. Try and keep the lines of communication open, be more accepting of who he is.

Isthisit2025 · 07/03/2026 08:26

Bristolandlazy · 19/02/2026 16:45

My daughter's partner smokes weed everyday, not my ideal but it's his business. He still goes to work everyday, doesn't drink, doesn't smoke and drive. A lot of my daughters friend's smoke weed and it's not a big deal. Sounds fairly normal behaviour to me considering his age. We all deal with grief differently, I would try and back off and give him some space. He's young, he's figuring himself out, he doesn't want his mother in his business. We all thought we knew best at that age. Give him some space and he'll be fine. Try and keep the lines of communication open, be more accepting of who he is.

This post is unbelievable. If anyone thinks smoking weed is ‘no big deal’ think again. You may eat your words one day.

@Totallybannanasyour DS is an adult and you cannot change the choices he is making, you can support, encourage etc but change no. Your DS has to want to change himself, you are helpless, totally helpless. Unfortunately (and sadly) I know only too well how helpless you are.

GoldenCupsatHarvestTime · 07/03/2026 08:28

He’s 21. Let him fly… be there if he crashes back to earth.

lljkk · 07/03/2026 08:33

Can you book some time together? Go for a nice walk and/or Take him for a meal or ask him to help you do some shopping where decisions have to made ? Offering to buy them lunch can be enticing. Just to spend time together.

Nannyfannybanny · 07/03/2026 08:38

I agree with previous posts. Your son is an adult..I went through a several years with my youngest Ds. He has RCBPD, but it took 10 years to get a diagnosis and medication. He self medicated with alcohol, weed and other drugs,he was so depressed ..we had some awful years . It wasn't overnight.
He spent years angry,higher and higher doses of antidepressants. He was an angry mess. It wasn't an overnight magic, but he turned his life around, said he was fed up with feeling "nothing", he would rather have the lows to feel the highs. He stopped drinking, taking any meds,weed
. Now does an hour yoga every day, power walks or cycles, really fussy about what he eats.. he lives independently, but would never be able to work. He's tried in the past, but when hes depressed, sometimes he can't get out of his front door.

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Thoughtsandprayers · 07/03/2026 08:39

I agree with @Isthisit2025 & am in a similar position with a ds in their late 20’s.

Drugs issue in the neurodiverse (particularly young men) is a common problem. Yes he needs to be independent but please don’t think his drug use is harmless.

Isthisit2025 · 07/03/2026 08:45

@Thoughtsandprayers I am 100% certain my DS has ADHD. And yes addiction is very common. It is a lot about the dopamine hit. I’m sorry you are also in this position. A parents worst nightmare😔

Isthisit2025 · 07/03/2026 08:46

@Thoughtsandprayers late 20s DS here too.

Thoughtsandprayers · 07/03/2026 08:47

Thank you @Isthisit2025

InWithPeaceOutWithStress · 07/03/2026 08:49

You’ve given him good habits like going to the gym - he may fall off the wagon but he’s got a foundation to return to in the future. You’ve got him into work - again, another strong foundation to be proud of as you’ve really helped him there and he will be aware of that inside.

The risk is that he feels judged and smothered by your response to the weed. He’ll almost certainly see this as an overreaction because smoking weed is normal in his social circle. Undoubtedly most of his friends parents aren’t as reactive as you over the issue and have prioritised maintaining a relationship with their child, so you’ll be seen as the outlier.

The best / only thing you can do to not lose your son is to develop an attitude of “I don’t agree with this but you’re an adult and it’s up to you how to live your life.” You need to re prioritise your relationship with him over the desire to control his behaviour and judge his actions. Why would he want to spend time with you if you’re getting aggrieved by him smelling of weed rather than simply being happy to see him? Have a heart to heart and genuinely commit to changing your attitude and approach

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