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Q: Heroine Addicts In Macedonia
asked by: dudovic on October 13th, 2007
New User
Hey guys,

Here is the situation my childhood friend got into heroine about 12 years ago, he lives in a country where the rehab / NA / AA scene is almost inexistent. He's married and has 2 kids, he's wife is also an active heroine addict. They both live at his mother's place, she is the one that has been taking care of the kids.

Surprisingly they are both involve for now 7 years in the first methadone program ever developed in this country, she's employed as a counselor in the organization and he's the most active volunteer.

I have no doubt that they both have tried to get clean as some point, but lately it's been very difficult for his mother. They are both back spending time at home fighting in the bathroom over sharing the dope, or stoning on the couch.

Anyway, I know him and his mother since I've been born, and I want to try to help. My first thought is we should try to give them an ultimatum, ether they quit or they can't live at his mother's place, the second thing was about to try to get the anti drug organization manager to try to put some pressure as well, you quit or you lose your job and a couple other scenarios of the same nature.

I know that chances, are he's going to say "I'll quit no problem" and maybe try at best, or just fake it and hope we somehow we will forget about it or decide to not follow thru.

I would like to help to improve the situation, but how realistic is it for someone to get clean and stay clean in an environment that is so underdeveloped in the Addiction treatment and recovery anyway ? Is it possible at all ? If there is a model of addiction recovery that works other than AA, NA and has proven result ?

Any comments would be most appreciated
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WShep
replied on October 13th, 2007
Experienced User
This is way over my head, but I do know about ultimatums in relation to addiction.

Its important to approach an addict in such a way that they aren't immediately on the defensive. I have no words of wisdom on how to accomplish this. If its time to go straight at them and not beat around the bush because they are close to death, thats one thing! If you feel he/they will just become defensive and push you away, try to come up with a strategy that allows them to open up and not run from you.

Find a way to talk to them without making them feel you are threatening their stash, or the lifestyle they protect so tenaciously. Get your foot in the door first, get as much information as you can, decide how severe it really is, then talk to professionals or people like Shadow on these forums and make a plan. You want to help and its time sensitive, but wait as long as you possibly can until you have a plan and every scenario has been accounted for. If they have never opened up to anyone about their problem and been 0 honest, that itself may be a good place to start eh?
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dudovic
replied on October 16th, 2007
New User
Thanks for your advise WShep,

I will take my time to research every options, talk to some professionals and finally meet him when I'll be ready. I'll let everyone know how this story is unfolding as we go through the process.

It's me for action.

Marc
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CarolDiane
replied on October 16th, 2007
Extremely eHealthy
Strong Intervention Needed
There is no doubt in my mind that a meth clinic is needed here for both of them. But, a strong intervention curcle would benefit them too. Everyone bottom's out differently. Some simply will not even want any intervention on the positive side so, you have to go to the I will and I can side. " I will have your kids taken away" or " I will let everyone know what you are doing and let them that the reins". A meth clinic and positive intervention is what I usually tried to do for my patients. But, just as a member on another side of this board, I had to get very aggressive with, hoping to open up the members head.
Sometimes with an addiction, Mr or Ms "Nice" does not work.

Carrie
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dudovic
replied on October 17th, 2007
New User
I agree with Carrie, Mr and Mrs nice doesn't work very often when it come to addiction . And the "I will have your kids taken away" and the "" I will let everyone know.." is part of the tool that I'll use during the conversation I intend to have with both of concerned addicts. I am even going 1 step further, by getting an appointment with a local DEA officer and see if in case they refuse to try to stop using dope what are the legal option. If for them incarceration is required to hit a bottom I have no problem with that, after all we are trying to save their lives and give a better potential future to their kids so remorse on that one.

But you are raising an interesting point by mentioning a strong "Intervention". This is something that I was planing to do as a second step in the process after having an initial conversation, and only in case if I fail delivering a clear message.

I don't have experience in 'Interventions" and I think that many members of the board could use some suggestion on how to deliver a good and effective intervention. I think we should have a topic on intervention techniques and have people with experience comment on it.
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MaggieH
replied on October 17th, 2007
New User
Hi dudovic,
You indicated in your post that the wife is active in her using and that she's employed as a counselor in the organization and he's the most active volunteer. I have never heard of a meth clinic actively employing someone who is using. Are they aware that she is using?
The mom has become part of the problem she is taking care of the kids and allowing them to live there.
If mom is tired she needs to move them out. As long as mom enables them WHY DO THEY NEED TO CHANGE? The point is they wont until mom gets on board and says no more.
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Fun Time
replied on December 5th, 2007
New User
the Answer to Your Prayers Is Suboxone!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do some research on Suboxone (sub-ox-in) It is an opiate replacement drug - You do not get withdrawls, and yo do not feel like you are quiting! But you have to WANT to stop. If you dont want to stop you wont! But if you do, and you use suboxone, you will be clean in 3 days, and with continued treatment, permanantly. I know from experience!
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