Parental Detox

Alex has been locked up for a little over 2 weeks. Between jail, and detox I hope he is settling down. When he got out of detox and I took him to the residential center he got a couple of weeks in jail for dirty UA. This last weekend he was transferred out of the jail an into the residential center. It's still a part of the department of corrections but I think of it as jail in a dorm room. They seem to have programs to help if he wants help. I personally feel that if he doesn't want the help and truly doesn't want to change then the next stop is probably a full blown prison. He'll be in the residential center for 6 months

Here is more info about the Johnson County Residential Center at this link: http://corrections.jocogov.org/adult/residential.shtml

It takes a while for Dad and Mom to detox from the situation too. I honestly believe addicts have absolutely no concept as to what their addiction does to those people close to them. We are living in a toxic environment. Maintaining healthy relationships with other family members, friends, and with each other is a struggle. Luckily we have good support when we need it but for many it is so hard to relate to as what it is like having a child addicted, unless of course you have been there. And I wish no one had to be there.

I'm not looking for sympathy and I don't want this to sound like a pity party but we have been through a lot in our lives. The deaths of parents, long term illnesses with cancer of family members, loss of multiple jobs due to plant closings and downsizings and the typical trials and tribulations of everyday life. Absolutely nothing has been as devastating as this issue of addiction.

I read a blog of an addict that I follow. I am angry and left a comment that probably she will be angry about. This addict is honest and states she really doesn't want to quit. But when she got caught by the law she calls good old mom to bail her out. Mom has to front $5000 for bail and then she has the nerve to ask for more money so she can get another fix. I guess each person has to make their own decision but if you want to use, don't call "us" when you are in trouble. Sit in jail until your court date and leave us alone. But this is what I meant earlier when I said addicts have no concept as to what they do to those around them, and I don't think they care.

Like I said, Dad and Mom are detoxing now. Dad is going on a motorcycle ride in less than 2 weeks. Leaving on Friday after next. If anyone see's a big red Harley heading south towards Springfield, MO and on though Arkansas to Memphis and east to Tupelo and Birmingham AL, and back up through TN and KY then back to KC. Give a wave and stop me, we'll have a coffee.