[DownTempo]

Hey. I'm posting here hoping that I can get some guidance for my current situation. I am a drug addict. I started doing drugs when I was 14 and I am now 17. I've realized I've become an addict when my parents finally caught me using drugs. I use and absue on a regular basis, weed, ecstasy, LSD, cocaine, and prescription painkillers. I am also on anti-depressants (Citalopram 40mg) and anti-psychotics (Abilify 2.5 mg).

My problem is that I want to quit, but I'm having a hard time fighting the cravings and withdrawls and I just use again. Whatever friends I had won't talk to me because of my drug problem and my parents have stopped trusting me. They call me names like a "stupid stoner" ir a "no-good druggie" and are unwilling to pay for a professional drug therapist or program to help me get through this. I really wand to quit being an addict, but I can't do this alone and no one is willing to help me. What can I do?

[splitimage]

Hi Downtempo,

First off good for you for wanting to stop. That's the first step and it's a big one. And you're right, it's really hard to stop on your own without support. Don't know where you're at, but I'd check out narcotics annonymous or NA. They're meetings are free - they ask for a donation of 1 or 2 $ but if you don't have that it's ok. If you don't have N/A in your area, you can check out AA.

I'm not into drugs - never been my thing, but I'm a heavy duty alcoholic, and I've found AA to be really helpful, although I also went through a treatment centre.

There are also on-line 12-step meetings that you can attend to get support if getting to meetings is a problem for you transportation wise. I really like the board www.sober24.com.

And you can post here for support too.

splitimage

[DownTempo]

Thank you. I've never really known about those programs except for AA. I'll look intobthebones you mentioned. I also didn't know there were online programs that I could attend as well. I've been trying hard to convince my parents that if they want me to quit as well, then they need to help me. Still no luck with that.

[Perna]

I would talk to your anti-depressant and anti-psychotic doctor (and/or pain pills one?) and tell them your problem, ask for their help/recommendation or I'd find/call my community, city, county/borough, or state mental health people and see if they can help.

[NYCDoglvr]

I'm sure your parents will support you seeing a doctor to supervise the withdrawl....never try this on your own.

[madisgram]

hi downtempo don't be discouraged. you have taken a positive step towards recovery by admitting you have a problem. if you can, discuss this with your T, or pdoc, or gp doctor. there are many helpful solutions to help you including drugs to stop the craving. based on your length of drug abuse a professional helping you withdraw is most important too. there are dual dignosis programs and NA to continue you on your journey of sobriety. http://portaltools.na.org/portaltools/MeetingLoc/
even without support from family, your desire to stop can be done. YOU are part of the solution. there is hope. so glad u posted. you can change your whole life for the better. you are not a loser. you are a person who has a disease. we're here to offer our support too. here's a long but helpful article to guide you. i've copied an excerpt here but the whole article is great.

Overcoming Drug Addiction

Drug Abuse Treatment, Recovery, and Help

As you seek help for drug addiction, it’s also important to get treatment for any other medical or psychological issues you’re experiencing.Your best chance of recovery is through integrated treatment for both the substance abuse problem and the mental health problem. This means getting combined mental health and addiction treatment from the same treatment provider or team.

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/drug..._treatment.htm