Drug Addiction & Rehabilitation

I've mentioned before that my ex-husband had a bit of a drug problem. When I first met him he used marijuana occasionally - on weekends and usually only when there was a party going on. As time went on I noticed he was using it more often but I really wasn't too worried about it.

Everyone told me it was a harmless drug, that it wasn't addictive, that he would stop using it, and other totally untrue things. It wasn't until I woke up around 7am one morning to hear him using the water bong in the kitchen that I realized his problem had turned into a serious habit. I was very worried and I spoke to his family - none of them thought it was a problem and they said the usual, it's not addictive, it's not harmful, it's safer than other drugs. I left him in 1999, we don't keep in touch but recently I heard he had lost his job due to his drug use. He is still using this drug now. His family still do not think he has a problem.

Back in those early days of the internet there were no websites to help find information about drugs and addiction. These days there are non-profit websites that can help you find information and get a referral to a drug rehabilitation program for free. 4rehabilitation.com is one such website. They have so much information there about drugs, addiction, intervention and even offer assessment for free. They have a toll free number in the US that families can call.

When you have a loved one who has a drug problem it can be difficult to know what to do about it. Most families and the addicts themselves tend to live in denial about their drug problem. After all, everyone has their addictions, right? For some people it is coffee, cigarettes, alcohol. But there is a difference between occasional use and real drug or alcohol addiction. Some families hold an intervention. I wish we could have done that. I almost needed to have an intervention with his family to convince them there was a problem first!

Recovery from a drug problem can be a long process and some people will relapse - as we've seen with some famous celebrities lately. Drugs can often be used to hide from a bigger problem like depression or a myriad of other personal issues. If anyone reading this has a drug problem or has a family member or friend with a drug problem, you are NOT alone. Reach out for help today.