How Do You Help a Drug Addict?

Question by I.C.U.: How do you help a drug addict?
I already know from experience you cannot make a drug addict change until THEY are ready to change….but I really need some advice….went out of state to visit my daughter & her 2 kids….she was doing crystal meth a few years back and the state took the kids for 9 months…she straightened out and got the kids back….after going out there I have NO DOUBT she is participating once again with crystal meth…..she has lost no less than 6 teeth in the front…she weighs about 80 pounds if that…her face looks at LEAST 20 yrs older than the almost 36 yrs that she is…..she was very evasive and made sure for the 7 nights I was there that I barley seen her….the kids father (he & my daug. live together w/the kids) is NOT doing drugs, but covers for her 100%…..thinking he is helping her…..I have started writing a letter to her to let her know that I know what she is doing & to offer any help in trying to get her in a inpatient program in the state she lives in….I have not sent the letter yet…I am sure once I send it I will no longer hear from her or my grandchildren again….I stayed at a hotel the 7 nights I was there….I had the grand kids almost every night but did not want to question them to intensely….every time I went to pick them up or drop them off my daughter was NOT there…her & the car would be gone…the children’s father would be there when I picked them up and dropped them off…..how do I help her without her becoming a raving manic????? She lives on the West coast ~ I live on the East coast….

Best answer:

Answer by Kathy S
Maybe you need to talk to the grandkids’ father and see if he will talk to you about what is going on. Are you capable of taking care of the kids if she goes into rehab? For the kids’ saftety you need to let Children & Family service know what is going on and see if you can let them stay with you until their mother is clean. It looks like their father doesn’t need the kids either since he is covering for her. Do what is best for the children even if they are put in foster homes. The drugs are her highest priority not her children or their safety.

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