My son is going to start an IOP program (heroin), but I am also concerned about his general state of health and he's agreed to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician for a physical. I know that he won't be the first recovering addict a doctor sees, but I was wondering if anyone had input or suggestions for particular testing he should be sure the doctor performs. Thanks in advance for any responses.
I'm very sorry for having posted the same question in 2 places. The site moved this question to "Families/Partners" from "heroin". I would delete one, but don't know how to. Sorry!!
Hi Jenna, How's your son doing? I hope things are starting to get better for you and him. I've read your posts but didn't think I had anything to offer in the way of advice but thought I'd just write and let you know your not alone. I'm sure the doctors will run tests for his liver and kidneys. That kind of stuff.They might even check his heart. But I'm sure he will be just fine. I think you have to be taking drugs a long time before it causes organ damage. They should be well used to having addicts at their offices as this drug addiction has been an epidemic for years now. It's heart breaking, I know but your doing a good job. I hope he gets into a rehab where you live. Stay strong Jenna, your a good mom! God bless Mary.
Thanks Mandm (Mary)
I appreciate your kindness. He is starting an IOP this week. He is clean (been tested on Wednesday and on Saturday). he needs to stay clean. As long as he's making his best honest effort, I'm here for him. I can't force him to be clean (which is a HUGE admission for me) but I will do everything I possibly can to help him. And I know my version of "help" has been criticized by some people (not necessarily on this site, since I've joined a couple and am new to this so I have trouble keeping it all straight sometimes) -- my version of help is : (ie, helped him find the IOP, bought him new running shoes so he can exercise...) Again, thank you!!
I appreciate your kindness. He is starting an IOP this week. He is clean (been tested on Wednesday and on Saturday). he needs to stay clean. As long as he's making his best honest effort, I'm here for him. I can't force him to be clean (which is a HUGE admission for me) but I will do everything I possibly can to help him. And I know my version of "help" has been criticized by some people (not necessarily on this site, since I've joined a couple and am new to this so I have trouble keeping it all straight sometimes) -- my version of help is : (ie, helped him find the IOP, bought him new running shoes so he can exercise...) Again, thank you!!
Your doing really good Jenna! I don't think that was enabling buying him shoes. Just don't give him money. I detoxed my daughter at home when I first found out she was doing heroin 17 yrs ago. So I know how that goes you going through it with your son. Sounds like he wants to get off the drugs and it's a good sign. I've noticed the ones who stay clean on here are the ones who go to AA or NA and go through their program too. It's a long road he has ahead of him and one that he will have to work at everyday. It also depends on how long he's been doing drugs for too. Hang in there Jenna and God Bless. Mary
Hi, Mary. Thank you!! I really appreciate your encouragement!!
He's going to (depends on the day's schedule) meetings almost every day, and has a sponsor now. He never had a sponsor before. He's very enthusiastic about working with his sponsor and doing the step work. I'm so so so happy about that, because I think it was a missing component to recovery before. he went thru detox/rehab last year and was clean for a year. Relapsed briefly this spring and now is super motivated.
I cannot even believe how good it feels to "talk" to people online (I also have joined another site that is very good).
You said not to give him money. I'm a little confused by that. He works, but doesn't trust himself with access to his money, so he's asked me (and I said yes) to let him direct-deposit his paycheck to my checking account. So in a way I do give him money, but it's his money. He needs a couple of dollars per day for donation at his Meeting, plus money for a drink/snack, gas for car... couple nights per week he'll go for coffee or pizza with a friend or girlfriend, bowling, etc. He brown bags his lunch. The most he has access to is $20 at a time.
Did you mean to never let him have any money?
Hi again, No I'm sorry I confused you. I meant not enough money where he can turn around and buy drugs. Sounds like he is monitoring himself not allowing himself to have too many extra dollars around. That's great he has a sponsor too! This website is a great help for us moms. It really helped me. I've met wonderful people on here who have gave me great advice. i think knowing we aren't alone makes a big difference as well. It just amazes me how many kids are on dope and the powerful ones who can help don't help enough. I think they don't know how to help! Seems to me the only ones who know are the old time AA and NA. Things are looking up for your son with every passing day Jenna. You take care. Mary
Thanks!
