While I am very grateful for your all love & concern in what you say, I don't know what to do about my feelings, even though perhaps I should simply shrug & say "not my problem". My nephew has suffered permanent irreversible brain damage as a result of heroin use according to his father, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon. His father says that he suffers from what he can only describe as a kind of continuous 'white noise' for about 10% of the time but most of the time he's quite lucid. My nephew's in his late twenties now, has never held down a permanent job, plays guitar very well(in a bluesy style), & was dealing heroin while at school. I believe he's on methadone, but recently injected amphetamine into his foot & was very unwell as a result. His parents are both retired & are always looking for people or organisations to look after their son. I feel that as they produced him, & have always looked after him at home, that they are stuck with him until the end of their days & cannot foist their duties onto anyone else, even if they could find anyone to accept him.
Love to hear from anyone about this particular problem.
To answer your first question, I suggest a family support program such as Al Anon or NAR Anon. These programs are designed to address the feelings and hopelessness associated with family members of addicts.
However, I am curious about the diagnosis of permanent brain damage. If the addict is still using, then it seems premature to make that diagnosis. Also, in my experience, most doctors are ill equipped to assess addiction health. I've known several who were sure in their assessment, only to learn of a surprise when the patient was seen by someone who is qualified with addiction. Perhaps I am speaking out of turn on this - but feel obligated to share.
However, I am curious about the diagnosis of permanent brain damage. If the addict is still using, then it seems premature to make that diagnosis. Also, in my experience, most doctors are ill equipped to assess addiction health. I've known several who were sure in their assessment, only to learn of a surprise when the patient was seen by someone who is qualified with addiction. Perhaps I am speaking out of turn on this - but feel obligated to share.
