09/16/2023
In another group I follow, a desperate and loving mother experienced the straw that broke the camels back regarding her son who is in active addiction. Her action was to cut off her sons medical insurance which was how he was receiving his prescribed medications, which he was using them not as prescribed. There’s a lot to unpack here. The mother’s actions are 100% out of love, fear, and desperation. But doing so, she potentially created an even more harmful situation for her son. Her son is prescribed a plethora of different medications (that is a separate issue) with one of them being a benzodiazepine (benzos). This is the harmful part…stopping use of a benzo “cold turkey” or without a proper medical detox and taper can be FATAL. Unlike other substances where the stoppage of use and detox is uncomfortable (putting it mildly) the withdrawal process from alcohol and benzodiazepines can be fatal.
As a professional in this field, I strongly encourage family members who may have a loved one or a friend that is in active addiction to educate themselves through classes, meetings, podcasts, etc about addiction, effective communication, and treatment options for themselves and their loved ones. This can save a life.
There are many different options, I am a personal fan of CRAFT. If you would like more information about this group or any other resources or information to help yourself and those you love please reach out, you don’t have to take this on alone anymore.
Peace, love, and sobriety ❤️
