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Adult daughters addiction ruining everyone's life.

22 replies

Witsend82 · 18/08/2024 18:53

Reasonably long story so bare with....

I f42 have 2 children dd18 and dd17.

Dd18 moved into supported accomodation just after her 16th birthday after years of social service involvement due to her behaviour, aggression, refusal of school, missing episodes (52 episodes in 6 months) and drug and alcohol abuse. She was classed as 'beyond parental control' (no safeguarding issues at home so not classed as a parental fault move).

She had a history of trauma and life was very difficult for her. It broke my heart when she had to go but for her sisters and my safety it was necessary, she had already put me in hospital.

I have always still been there for her emotionally and with whatever she needs physically, she just couldn't live here.

Fast forward 18months, which were full of difficulties with drugs and alcohol, abusive relationships and police involvement. She tells me she is pregnant. Her new boyfriend is supportive and she is giving up all drink and drugs.

She managed to stop everything immediately with the exception of mild cannabis use. Her specialist midwife said this was acceptable. The baby had a social services pre birth assessment and was classed as not at risk.

She had the baby just after she turned 18 and had to come and live with me short term while her council house was being readied (she was moved on from supported accomodation as they can't have babies there). Her boyfriend, her and the baby lived with us for 7 weeks.

She did really well and was a wonderful mum. Adored the baby, met all her needs and seemed to be loving it.

Fast forward another 6 months (baby is now 8 months old). She starts not coping so well. Is drinking in the evenings and struggling to get up in the mornings. It is decided that the baby will go to childcare during the day when the dad can't be there due to work. She isn't ever alone with the baby.

Well another month goes by and she decides she wants help with her depression and anxiety. She finally goes to the dr (been trying for 5 years to get her to go). Starts anti depressants.

This month, baby is now 10 months old. She decides she doesnt want her relationship anymore (turns out it was toxic, abusive and controlling both ways which I didnt know) and tells him to move out, with the baby. He goes to his mums. Daughter can't be alone with the baby so I am supervising visits (after he was and they ended up screaming at each other constantly).

Hes not being a good dad, not attentive etc and his mum is doing most of everything. He's being very toxic towards everyone else with constant texts, just turning up, messaging in the middle of the night, kicking off and trying to turn her whole family against her.

Shes getting worse, drinking all the time, has taken in a random man and taking drugs. No self care at all and cancels contact whenever she feels like it.

Today he went round to get the last of his stuff, arranged by her and she is drunk, has a razor blade and tries to cut herself. He grabs her arms to stop her and gets cut himself.

He rang to tell me and has told his mum she is in a bad way, covered in cuts and bruises and drunk.

I called her, she was upset but said she was fine and wouldn't let me see her. Went round anyway (as mums do) and knocked repeatedly. Called her, no answer. Text her again and she said she's out and that she's an adult, she's told me she's fine and I can't just turn up.

I told her I would always show up if I'm worried and she said I was to have fun standing outside then.

I'm at my wits end and really don't know where to go from here.

Every day there is some new crisis, some new drama she's causing. Her poor daughter is stuck in the middle of this horrible situation and my mental and physical health is in the gutter after 5 years of hell.

Does anyone have any advice?

I've been told to go no contact with her before but she is still only 18. If I have no contact then she won't see her daughter (she won't arrange it and there will be no one to supervise). What if she really hurts or kills herself and I wasn't there for her!

OP posts:
SauviGone · 18/08/2024 18:59

If I have no contact then she won't see her daughter (she won't arrange it and there will be no one to supervise).

That sounds like the best thing all round for your grandchild tbh.

What’s that saying… “If you keep doing what you’ve always done”.

Time to try something different.

funnyoldonion · 18/08/2024 19:02

Don‘t abandon her

Mrsjayy · 18/08/2024 19:05

Could she go back to supportive living? What's the long term Plan for the baby is the other grandmother prepared to take her on full time . Your Dd sounds troubled maybe social services need to step in she sounds like she might benefits from some psychiatric care. I'm so sorry you are going through this and now a baby in the mix.

Beth216 · 18/08/2024 19:05

What do you mean when you say she has a history of trauma? Does she have a diagnosis at all? It all sounds really awful OP, but if she was doing really well when she lived with you for 7 months couldn't she come and live with you again?

It sounds like she needs an incredible amount of love and support and while she's not getting it from family she's going to look for it from random men. Her self esteem is obviously on the floor and she's in self destruct mode. It's going to be tough no matter what but you don't have young kids at home that she'd be a danger to and she desperately needs help.

Ilovelurchers · 18/08/2024 19:10

I am so sorry you are going through this - it sounds appalling. I can see how much you love her.

All you can do is keep being there as much as you can, while looking after your own health and safety and that of your other children as well.

People can heal from addiction and get better. In the future she may be in a better place. But you can't make that happen - only she can do that. You can only stand beside her and show her you love her and want the best for her and always will no matter what happens.

But you love her so of course you wouldn't abandon her altogether - I imagine that would be utter hell for both of you.

Sidebeforeself · 18/08/2024 19:14

But she must be on her own with the baby sometimes surely ? I’d be worried sick about that and letting social services know. In fact I’d probably be taking the baby in myself but Im not saying you can/should do that.

Witsend82 · 18/08/2024 19:18

Mrsjayy · 18/08/2024 19:05

Could she go back to supportive living? What's the long term Plan for the baby is the other grandmother prepared to take her on full time . Your Dd sounds troubled maybe social services need to step in she sounds like she might benefits from some psychiatric care. I'm so sorry you are going through this and now a baby in the mix.

No long term plan at the moment, its all very up in the air.

We have been in hospital 3 times in the last month, they sit her in A&E for a few hours to sober up and then do a mental health assessment. She says all the right things and they let her go. Even when she has attempted to take her lofe in the past they haven't kept her in.

OP posts:
Witsend82 · 18/08/2024 19:23

Beth216 · 18/08/2024 19:05

What do you mean when you say she has a history of trauma? Does she have a diagnosis at all? It all sounds really awful OP, but if she was doing really well when she lived with you for 7 months couldn't she come and live with you again?

It sounds like she needs an incredible amount of love and support and while she's not getting it from family she's going to look for it from random men. Her self esteem is obviously on the floor and she's in self destruct mode. It's going to be tough no matter what but you don't have young kids at home that she'd be a danger to and she desperately needs help.

Only official diagnosis was of trauma related depression and anxiety when she was younger (she was sexually assaulted when she was 14 by a stranger).

She has refused all treatment by anyone, CAMHS when she was under 18 was not effective and she refused to go after a few weeks. Drug and alcohol services did some work with her for a few weeks then she refused to see them.

She lived with us for 7 weeks when the baby was newborn. She was sober and clean. My younger daughter has Autism and is still under 18. Social services wouldn't allow me to have her living here now, even if I wanted to. I wouldn't be able to cope with her anyway, my health isn't up to it. I have to have some escape and I would be putting myself and my other daughter at risk of harm.

OP posts:
Witsend82 · 18/08/2024 19:26

Sidebeforeself · 18/08/2024 19:14

But she must be on her own with the baby sometimes surely ? I’d be worried sick about that and letting social services know. In fact I’d probably be taking the baby in myself but Im not saying you can/should do that.

Edited

No shes never alone with her, baby lives with the dad and his mum. Her only contact with her is organised by me and with me present the whole time. She has no contact unless she is fully sober.

Its so sad, when I watch them together she is a really attentive mum, they play beautifully and are well bonded. She meets all her needs. She just can't maintain it.

OP posts:
MounjaroUser · 18/08/2024 19:27

That sounds incredibly distressing for you, OP.

Where does your daughter live now? You say she doesn't have unsupervised visits, so where does the baby live?

Witsend82 · 18/08/2024 19:27

Sorry also to add, due to my physical health a baby full time would be impossible for me. I take her for the day once a week and have her overnight about once a week.

OP posts:
Witsend82 · 18/08/2024 19:30

MounjaroUser · 18/08/2024 19:27

That sounds incredibly distressing for you, OP.

Where does your daughter live now? You say she doesn't have unsupervised visits, so where does the baby live?

She has a council house. The baby lives with the dad and his mum across town.

OP posts:
MounjaroUser · 18/08/2024 19:36

So sorry, I can see you explained that. How do you get on with his mum? What does she think the best outcome would be for the baby?

WhereIsBebèsChambre · 18/08/2024 19:38

"He's not being a good dad and his mum is doing most of everything"?!
Is that not the same for you and her?
And Shes getting worse, drinking all the time, has taken in a random man and taking drugs. No self care at all and cancels contact whenever she feels like it. who's the random man?
It absolutely doesn't sound like she should have contact. The poor baby amongst the chaos. Re the ex being awful and abusive, is that only coming from your dd?

Mrsjayy · 18/08/2024 19:40

Witsend82 · 18/08/2024 19:27

Sorry also to add, due to my physical health a baby full time would be impossible for me. I take her for the day once a week and have her overnight about once a week.

You don't have to take the baby if you are not able or even if you are you still aren't obligated.

Mrsjayy · 18/08/2024 19:42

Witsend82 · 18/08/2024 19:18

No long term plan at the moment, its all very up in the air.

We have been in hospital 3 times in the last month, they sit her in A&E for a few hours to sober up and then do a mental health assessment. She says all the right things and they let her go. Even when she has attempted to take her lofe in the past they haven't kept her in.

They can't force her unless she's sectioned can they? She's so young and this self harming won't stop until she wants help.

Koalityone · 18/08/2024 19:53

Just want to say well done for persevering so far, it sounds like you’ve tried every avenue.
You aren’t giving up on your daughter, you are giving her the space to make her own decisions and mistakes, just let her know from time to time that you’re there if she wants to accept the help.
and it sounds like your granddaughter is receiving buckets of love from you and the other Nan so isn’t neglected completely

Witsend82 · 18/08/2024 19:53

MounjaroUser · 18/08/2024 19:36

So sorry, I can see you explained that. How do you get on with his mum? What does she think the best outcome would be for the baby?

We get on ok and communicate well. We've not really discussed it fully. I think we will have to have a sit down and discuss a way forward.

OP posts:
Witsend82 · 18/08/2024 19:58

WhereIsBebèsChambre · 18/08/2024 19:38

"He's not being a good dad and his mum is doing most of everything"?!
Is that not the same for you and her?
And Shes getting worse, drinking all the time, has taken in a random man and taking drugs. No self care at all and cancels contact whenever she feels like it. who's the random man?
It absolutely doesn't sound like she should have contact. The poor baby amongst the chaos. Re the ex being awful and abusive, is that only coming from your dd?

Its the same but in different ways. She is an addict and can't be alone with her because she can't cope. So yes in a way because I'm doing all the supervision.
He is inattentive and diesnt really notice her or her needs unless asked to.
They both need a lot of help.
Its not come from her at all really. I've seen the results of his anger and recently spent a week with him where I witnessed it first hand. He doesnt hit her. He was controlling her finances completely, not allowing her contact with her friends, verbally tearing her to bits and contacting her family to tell them about very personal things they really didn't need to ever know.

OP posts:
InWithPeaceOutWithStress · 18/08/2024 20:00

It sounds like she needs long term therapy such as DBT as well as support from drug and alcohol services. Easier said than done and she needs to be ready for and committed to that. She’s in no state to take on a baby but in a year or two she could be. Maybe you can give her that hope?

stainnotagain · 18/08/2024 20:12

So sorry to hear about your situation, OP. I’m sure it’s been suggested to you before, but have you ever gone to Al-anon or Nar-anon (for family members of addicts)? This would be a way for you to get some support first and foremost, but you might also find people who have been through similar and can give more specific advice on how to get your DD to engage with drug and alcohol services? Or maybe if you found her a mentor or someone to speak to who she looks up to, they might be able to encourage her to try a residential rehab or similar?

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 18/08/2024 20:50

Op you're doing everything right by both your kids and your grandchild. You're a super mom and super gran.

I think you think that she's having problems still because you haven't thought of the right solution yet. That's not the reason.

Can you go to a support group for family members of addicts?

It's great that you're having baby once a week so she can have a relationship with a lovely kind caring person like you, and her auntie, and gets to see the very best of her mum and have quality time and happy memories are being made by her.

You can't do any more than you are. Your daughter will continue to have highs and lows over the years I suspect and you'll keep helping her xx

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