Drugs:
“I'm worried about my nephew's alcohol and drug use.”
Hey Terra,
My nephew is almost 16. He has a blog that he pours his heart into -- and tells all. He doesn't know I read it... or that his parent's do. He drinks quite a bit. He smokes dope, buys cough meds -- all to get high. He is very negative and hard to get along with. His parents have grounded him after finding alcohol in his room.He continues drinking/smoking at home -- while grounded. Seems like this boy is crying out for help. What can I do?
Aunt May
Dear Aunt May,
I'm glad someone in this family is reaching out for help for this young man. He is an addict and he's endangering his life. As a caring adult in his life, you need to help him get it. You say his parents read his blog, can I assume that they are just as concerned about his at risk behavior as you are? Which leads me to another question: how can he be drinking and drugging at home? Haven't his parents cleared all of that out of the house?! If not, why not?
If your nephew continues on this road he will either end up dead or in jail. Nothing will change unless some drastic measures are taken by you and his parents. The boy's got emotional problems that need to be addressed with professional counseling, but he needs to get clean before he can deal with anything else.
Like you, I am very concerned about him. He needs an intervention. To start the ball rolling, I suggest you have a serious conversation with his parents. You need to be a united front... A team working together to save this boy's life. Your failure to get him professional help could cost him his life. Get a referral to a drug and alcohol treatment program from a family doctor or a mental health professional, a school counselor (does he go to school?).
This kind of treatment is covered by insurance. Make arrangements to have your nephew admitted. When you've got it all in place, then confront your nephew with your knowledge of what's going on, your love and concern for him, and your commitment to saving his life. Tell him where he is going (don't ask him if he wants to go into treatment). The adults in this family need to take charge because this boy is making life-threatening choices.
That's the best advice I can give you. How does it sound to you?
In friendship,
Annie
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