Rehab

[fabadababadoodee]

So today, my elder 40 year old brother goes into rehab for the first time for heroin/crack addiction.

After 20 years of living hell he's finally asked for help and seems so positive.

The family are holding everything crossed in the hope he can become part of the family again as a 'normal' person instead of constantly getting beaten up by drug associates and getting evicted from properties for not paying rent and now recently his partner of 10 years and 6 month old baby left him a month ago. He already has 4 other children by 2 other woman.

Can he be saved?
Share your success stories please

Wishing your brother all the best

I expect you feel so relieved he's in a safe place.

Please encourage him to attend NA, you could as a family attend AAs family's group, it is alcohol focus but can provide support with the addiction side of things.

I personally attend NA and know people there with 10/18/24+ years clean and sober. It's incredibly inspiring x

Also I'd add that relapses do often happen at the point of leaving rehab (stress of change etc) BUT it is not the end and can be overcome.

Another friend of mine did 18montjs in rehab and within a week of getting our used again- but only for 3 days, stopped using and has 1 year clean this week!

Huge step for your brother - hoping he made that decision for himself. I am 10 years sober (so not drugs as your brother's addiction), but I can say that I know many, many people who are living clean & sober lives. Transformation can certainly happen, but in my experience, it needs to come from the alcoholic / addict and with support. I was lucky to have a friend take me to an AA meeting, the first day of my sobriety & for 10.5 years, that fellowship has been crucial to my recovery. People are often put off by the "God" word in 12 Step programs, but AA has literally changed my life. I wish your brother (& you & your family) all the best and that he continues his recovery. prayer hands emoji x

Just found this - my 19 year old son is going into residential rehab this week due to a cocaine addiction - they follow the 12 step programme and attend NA meeting 6 nights a week.

I know he needs to go for the sake of his future but I am so sad for him and sorry it has come to this - feel like I have failed him as a mum.

Any advice appreciated before he goes in on Wednesday

You haven't failed him @Mummykins54 I'd see it as you've created the environment where he can stand up and say I've got a problem, I've made a mistake and I need help.

Rehabs are really expert at what they do and the NA meetings are fab in my opinion. Can you get to a family support group through your local drug and alcohol service? X

Remember you the 3 C's, you didn't CAUSE this and you cannot CONTROL or CURE your son.
There is a 12 step programme for family members/friends of addicts called Families Anonymous, their website famanon.org.uk has details about meetings, a forum and other resources.
I've been going to Families Anonymous for a few years, and it's helped me to recover from this terrible family illness...my life is 100% better now. I hope you find serenity too, you are not alone