How to get my son help

[Thoughtthatcounts]

My son is 18 next month. He has smoked weed for the last 2years. We have tried everything to help him stop but my husband was diagnosed with cancer last year so we have had a lot to cope with. He smokes daily and it has been so hard. He had told me today that he has made an appointment with his GP to help but it’s not for another few weeks. We have private heath care, who should I try and get help with? He believes he made need treatment for anxiety/adhd.

Check whether you have private GP appointments covered by your medical insurance as this could be a good option to be sooner and also the appointment will likely be much longer or book a double one. Also check what else your insurance covers and be clear what you want the outcome of the appointment to be eg a GP referral letter for X plus any additional advice. Might be helpful to see if you can join at least part of the appointment too, if you son is comfortable with that. Good luck!

My son has smoked canabis for several years - ever since it was introduced to him in college - at first we were mortified, and banned him from the house, but when we found out where he would be smoking it - he was safer in his bedroom. Like your son, mine has autism (diagnosed) anxiety - which has led to an eating disorder - he only 'copes' with life through smoking canabis - when he does not have it - he is completely different.
Yes I wish he would stop - yes - he probably needs medication and won't engage with health professionals.
How much does he smoke - who funds this - does he want to stop ? What will he be like without it ? Would he help him to cope with his dad's cancer ?
Going through a family illness is not the best time to address this perhaps.

Where about are you? There is usually a local addiction support service that you can self refer to eg. Change Grow Live, New Vision - just a couple of examples as to what it may be called in your area. But google addiction support local to you. They deal with all sorts of addictions, usually have qualified doctors and nurses as well as support workers and can provide medication if needed and will liaise with your own GP. Wishing you and your son all the best xxx