Drug Addiction Stories

By March of 2007, Lydia was living a life she no longer recognized.  Her husband was never home, they argued over money, and if she didn’t get to it first, Peter would spend the majority of his dwindling paycheck on cocaine and liquor.   By July, Peter had moved out and Lydia struggled to pay the bills and raise David.  Peter didn’t stop by much anymore and when he did, he looked terrible.  She knew he was spending at least some of his nights in a homeless shelter.

How could life have taken such a turn?  Not even a year earlier she and Peter had been happier than they could have imagined.  Now, she never knew where he was and life was a struggle at best.  She decided she was going to have it out with Peter and try to get him to get some help.  She called a rehab center and talked to a professional about it first.  She felt she had to do something to put their lives back together.

When Peter did come over, she sat down with him and took his hand.  “I want you to get help,” she told him.  Over the next two hours, they talked, shouted, and cried.  They discussed everything.  At first, Peter was reluctant, but then he started to talk.  By the end of the evening, it was Peter who made the call to the rehab center and started asking questions.  The next morning he checked into rehab.

Several weeks later, thinking he had his addiction beaten, Peter checked out of rehab.  The first few days at home were great but then he started hanging around his old friends again, and within two weeks he was back on cocaine.  Sometimes, it happens that way.  If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.  Lydia didn’t wait to confront him this time.  Within a couple of days he was back at rehab.  This time he really applied himself and he worked hard to beat the addiction.  Through holistic healing, time, and treatment, helped Peter to become free of his drug addiction, but he knew it would be a lifelong decision not to use cocaine again.  It had to be for his sake and the sake of his family.  Now Peter is working his way back up the ladder at work, but they did let him come back.  He never believed he could be this happy again, after cocaine, but he was.  He and Lydia had their whole lives to look forward to now.

Sometimes the signs of drug addiction are misleading because they can mimic those of stress and tension.

Over time, drug addictions change people’s personalities to the point where you barely recognize who they are anymore.

But, with some reasoning and careful deduction, you can spot someone who may be becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol.  A general change in demeanor is often the first sign that trouble may be on the horizon.  There are other signs to watch out for as well.

Moodiness. Sudden changes in moods can be an indicator that drugs are involved.  If a loved one is irritable for any length of time and then suddenly appears happy and carefree, drugs may be the reason.

Secrecy: Does your loved one suddenly disappear into their room or away from home for short periods of time with no explanation?  It could be because they have gone to get a dose of their drugs.  They will try to be as secretive as possible about this but it becomes fairly obvious over time.

Temper flair ups: If a drug addict has to go without their drug for any length of time, they can become very hostile and irritable.  They shout and lash out verbally at the smallest provocation.  This is a big warning sign.  If it has gotten to this point there may be a major or full blown addiction.

Money problems: If money seems to be disappearing, or your loved one seems to be out of money a lot more often, it could be that drugs are behind it.  Most people do not start out spending a lot of money on their drug of choice, but as their dependence on the drug grows, so does the amount of money it takes to satisfy the drug craving.

Over time, drug addictions change people’s personalities to the point where you barely recognize who they are anymore.  The drugs begin to take control of the person’s life. It is important to watch for the signs of drug addictions and to move quickly if you suspect someone you love may be addicted to drugs or alcohol.  Denying the problem never helped anyone.  The more people pretend it is not happening, the worse the addiction gets until it affects everyone around the person with the addiction.  Get help, and get it now.

When someone we love is hurting, as with a drug addiction, it is natural to want to help. In fact, most family members would go to any length to help someone they love beat drug addiction. So, it is not the lack of concern but the lack of knowledge that prevents getting real help for the person addicted to drugs. Finding out someone we love has an addiction can stir up anger in ourselves. Anger is natural but it will not get you too far with the drug addict. Overall, being honest about knowing about the addiction and trying to stay positive is the best thing you can do.

"It never helps the addict to cover up their addiction."

It never helps the addict to cover up their addiction. It never helps to hide their actions while under the influence of drugs. It must be made clear to them that the only way to a clear and better life is by ridding their body of the drugs. Hope IS waiting on the other side. Never let the drug addict drags you down with them. As hard as it is, you must maintain as much normalcy in your life despite what the drug addict does. This does not mean you should not be supportive. Offer them all of the help you can…to get clean! Outside of that, do not let them drag your life down to their drug addicted level. Drug addictions destroy entire families and entire communities. It is only by helping the addict see that there is help and there is hope that they can break free of the addiction. Their addiction only allows them to see the pain and misery. This is part of the addiction. Keep telling them that they can be happy again once they are free from the addiction.

Loving a drug addict is never easy. There is pain involved and it is difficult not to let yourself be dragged down into the pit with them. Ultimately, they must make the decision. Be there for them no matter how many times they try and fail, as long as they keep trying! The biggest way you can help is by letting them know you are there when they decide they have had enough. Also be clear that you will not lie or cover up for them and they must take responsibility for their own actions. It isn’t easy, but it is the only way to help an addict see what path they must take.