Can anyone give us some advice on which type of treatment is best for heroin addiction? It's overwhelming, trying to find a place to send our 21 year old son with no money and so many different approaches to recovery. He is ready and wants to go. Any state better than another? Thanks
I think what your asking for is an opinion. I'm sure there are many, including mine.
What I would suggest is that you compile all the options and then ask your son which one he believes would be the most effective. In the long run, it is his belief in a program that will lead to the best choice.
My personal opinion is that long term residential treatment is necessary to rise above heroin addiction. However, in truth, that is what worked for me. At the same time, the first program I entered didn't work at all. I don't think I was ready. The second one did. I suspect there are people who have quit who didn't go through a long term residential program.
I'm not sure how many free programs there are. It seems like most of them are pretty high dollar. Delancy Street is still free. I know Delancy Street works for many. I'm not sure it would have worked for me.
Namaste,
diane
What I would suggest is that you compile all the options and then ask your son which one he believes would be the most effective. In the long run, it is his belief in a program that will lead to the best choice.
My personal opinion is that long term residential treatment is necessary to rise above heroin addiction. However, in truth, that is what worked for me. At the same time, the first program I entered didn't work at all. I don't think I was ready. The second one did. I suspect there are people who have quit who didn't go through a long term residential program.
I'm not sure how many free programs there are. It seems like most of them are pretty high dollar. Delancy Street is still free. I know Delancy Street works for many. I'm not sure it would have worked for me.
Namaste,
diane
Hi ya. I'm pretty new to all this stuff but does he want to go or are you going to have to make him go. It would make a big difference in my opinion.
Hi Diane, If you feel comfortable, what is the name of the second place that you went to. My son is going on 25 and has been doing heroin for 7 years. We are in the process of doing an intervention and I am looking for suggestions for places to have him go to. Thank you for any responses. His Mom
Salvation army, the program is free, long term, very all encompassing they work, they get individual and group therapy, meetings, counseling...
It is a step up program you earn more and more privileges as you go, running usually 6 months and they on to sober housing in the area...
He is old enough, being 21 but he will have to detox before being let in, out of the acute sickness of wd, but that can be done either at home or by checking into local area program, or just showing up in the er and saying the right things, they will make him wait but will get to him in time...
He needs to make the call!
Programs are only as good as the willingness of the addict...
Ready is ready, not ready is not...there tend to be many different levels of done and over...mostly it is something that will make sense to him as he goes through the process and never something that can be predicted beforehand.
I would worry more about getting yourself some help so you don't become like most parents part of the problem not the solution....again not so easy, it is much more than alanon naranon mettings it is a change in thinking, lots of faith and letting go...
He is 21, a big boy now and most capable of screwing his life up all on his own just as he can find a way out.
Believe in him!
It is a step up program you earn more and more privileges as you go, running usually 6 months and they on to sober housing in the area...
He is old enough, being 21 but he will have to detox before being let in, out of the acute sickness of wd, but that can be done either at home or by checking into local area program, or just showing up in the er and saying the right things, they will make him wait but will get to him in time...
He needs to make the call!
Programs are only as good as the willingness of the addict...
Ready is ready, not ready is not...there tend to be many different levels of done and over...mostly it is something that will make sense to him as he goes through the process and never something that can be predicted beforehand.
I would worry more about getting yourself some help so you don't become like most parents part of the problem not the solution....again not so easy, it is much more than alanon naranon mettings it is a change in thinking, lots of faith and letting go...
He is 21, a big boy now and most capable of screwing his life up all on his own just as he can find a way out.
Believe in him!
The second place I went to is closed, so a mute point. It was modeled after Walden House. I looked at Walden House recently and I didn't seem to be free anymore, though I cannot swear to that.
Someone else mentioned the Salvation Army. I think that might be a great program for someone who is either open to or has strong Christian beliefs.
If not, I do believe that Delancy Street works. Very hardcore though.
Namaste,
diane
Someone else mentioned the Salvation Army. I think that might be a great program for someone who is either open to or has strong Christian beliefs.
If not, I do believe that Delancy Street works. Very hardcore though.
Namaste,
diane
http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/
He,only 21- - its a good time to get treatment , the years can go by quick
all the best,
jack
He,only 21- - its a good time to get treatment , the years can go by quick
all the best,
jack
Thank you everyone for your responses. I don't think the Salvation Army would be the place for my son because of Christian issues. Have you heard of Mountain View in Conneticut or Caron Foundation in PA?
I use to go to meetings but now take care of my mother in my home. I need to go back to meetings. I will ask someone in my family to watch my mom so I can go.
This disease really eats at every thread of the family and more. I have to go now. A new situation/problem has developed. My best to all. His Mom
I use to go to meetings but now take care of my mother in my home. I need to go back to meetings. I will ask someone in my family to watch my mom so I can go.
This disease really eats at every thread of the family and more. I have to go now. A new situation/problem has developed. My best to all. His Mom
You poor mom. I hope things got a little better with your other situation.
Caron is in Wernersville, right? I don't know anyone that went there though.
How about Eagleville? That's in PA as is Livingren.
If he went to detox in Philly and there's one that would scare the heck out of him I think and then he could go on to a recovery house here. There's one up by Byberry and I think State Road. It's all men. They help you find a job. You're there for a long time.
I'm sorry I can't think of the name of it, but will look for you. Again not sure if the location would be right.
Caron is in Wernersville, right? I don't know anyone that went there though.
How about Eagleville? That's in PA as is Livingren.
If he went to detox in Philly and there's one that would scare the heck out of him I think and then he could go on to a recovery house here. There's one up by Byberry and I think State Road. It's all men. They help you find a job. You're there for a long time.
I'm sorry I can't think of the name of it, but will look for you. Again not sure if the location would be right.
http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/PrxResults...ia&ZIP=&DBR=100
Many many moons ago I went to a place in PA called White Deer- -pretty nice, but you definetly need a lot of dough or insurance - I had good insurance at the time . I went to Giesinger(sp) medical center for 3 weeks - then to that rehab for 45days
Man that was intense, they didnt have the drugs or know how back then to even make it a little comfortable- anyway I stayed clean for about 3 months after I left before the relapse
Now Im on a methadone program,healthy,got my family back, active in the community, raised a kid- who is now 23 and making me crazy, employable (laid off due to this economy though)- however, all that being said- -I wouldnt point a young 20 something to the road I had to go.- He is way to young to need a medically assisted treatment program- -
Call your local hospital and ask them the best way to go for low cost or uninsured treatment- dont let them blow you off,, ask for a substance abuse counsler
bestofluck
Many many moons ago I went to a place in PA called White Deer- -pretty nice, but you definetly need a lot of dough or insurance - I had good insurance at the time . I went to Giesinger(sp) medical center for 3 weeks - then to that rehab for 45days
Man that was intense, they didnt have the drugs or know how back then to even make it a little comfortable- anyway I stayed clean for about 3 months after I left before the relapse
Now Im on a methadone program,healthy,got my family back, active in the community, raised a kid- who is now 23 and making me crazy, employable (laid off due to this economy though)- however, all that being said- -I wouldnt point a young 20 something to the road I had to go.- He is way to young to need a medically assisted treatment program- -
Call your local hospital and ask them the best way to go for low cost or uninsured treatment- dont let them blow you off,, ask for a substance abuse counsler
bestofluck
If I didn't have much money or insurance and had a kid that was willing to do what it takes to quit, I'd go to a doctor that specializes in addiction treatment and pay for a doctor visit. I'd get him to give me medications to make withdrawals as comfortable as possible then I'd administer those meds to the kid at home while he went through withdrawals.
Then I'd have the kid go to Narcotics Anonymous meetings and do the deal there. It's free and has a good record of success compared to other expensive treatments.
In fact, I might reverse the order and have him go to NA meetings before doing the withdrawal. Yes, I'd do it in that order. Maybe he'd find some additional support there which might come in handy during acute withdrawals.
It all hinges on if the person is willing to do what it takes to get clean and stay clean.
That's just my opinion. Good luck whichever route you choose.
Then I'd have the kid go to Narcotics Anonymous meetings and do the deal there. It's free and has a good record of success compared to other expensive treatments.
In fact, I might reverse the order and have him go to NA meetings before doing the withdrawal. Yes, I'd do it in that order. Maybe he'd find some additional support there which might come in handy during acute withdrawals.
It all hinges on if the person is willing to do what it takes to get clean and stay clean.
That's just my opinion. Good luck whichever route you choose.
My son no longer lives with us. Which gives some peace of mind because I don't see him doped, which really makes me crazy in the head. But thoughts of him are never far in my mind. His girlfriend, also a heroin addict, lived with us for 6 years. They live together now. I believe their relationship is a big reason he is still usiing. I have never heard her say she wants to be clean. She will say she is clean, which is usually not true. My son on the other hand, will say he wants to be clean but its hard. I know its really up to each individual. I feel like he feels trapped by her dependence on him since her family has basically disowned her a long time ago. Like everyone, I could go on and on with all the nightmare stories. But looking back is not helpful. There are times he seems ok but that doesn't last long. His addiction reminds me of someone I knew who suffered a deep depression and discribed it as being in a dark closet and not being able to get out. I feel like he is in a small closet with the real work on the outside and he can't find the door because he brain is not functioning to focus on the answer to reach for the door out. I go back and forth with the idea of this intervention. I guess I fear they won't take the help and I won't be able to deal with the consequences I must give him if he doesn't get the help. His sister is begging me to do it. I just wish life were more simple, ok, peaceful, ok. I just want my son to be ok. We will be offering his girlfriend help also. We will be meeting with the interventionist 3 x's before intervention. The reason we are doing it with a professional interventionist is because we did one two years ago on our own. It turned into an 8 hour ordeal. This time I want a professional to guide the meeting.
Someone mentioned Eagle Hospital in PA. Are you familiar with their program or reputation?
Got to get some rest. Thanks all for your help. Take care. His Mom
Someone mentioned Eagle Hospital in PA. Are you familiar with their program or reputation?
Got to get some rest. Thanks all for your help. Take care. His Mom
I hope you are getting your son on the road to recovery I know the pain you are going thro I just said goodbye to my son as he returns to a life with no job and gf a long time user and him 4 years and counting down the line but still in his 20's and I am terrified seeing the years ticking by and he's tried cold t 3x isn't dumb but surrounded by it even tho tries not to get too involved but I just hate to see him go but when its in your face yes it does drive you as crazy as them don't sleep don't eat think about it all consuming he tried sub for awhile which helped so much started selling it rather than taking it and I guess preferred the real thing again he won't open up so it;s difficult to know what exactly is going on.I didn't realise the Sal Army help with that tho so may look in to that but if they are not ready it's very hard.Just know I am sending you my best wishes and you are not alone
