AboutHector Manuel Rodriguez Expertise I can answer questions about prevention, treatment alternatives, how to deal with withdrawal symptoms and addiction health consequences and/or complications.
Being a former addict myself, I decided to go farther and educate in every single subject about substance abuse such as cocaine, marihuana, crack, heroin, LSD, amphetamines, meta amphetamines, opiates and alcohol among others.
I am prepared to deal with a client from the point of initial interview and guide him or her throughout the whole recovery process from a Counselor's perspective.
Down to earth, professional and dynamic are just a few of my qualities.
I am commited to help addicts at a 100% of my knowledge.
Rehabilitation is for everyone, we all have the right and the power to recover from addiction.
Experience Having the knowledge and experience of the whole process, from living in the streets, my way to rehabilitation and recovery gives me a step ahead among others who have studied this subject just from a classroom perspective and not real life experience.
Besides my own experience I am well educated in twelve step programs and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotic Anonymous.
Note: Please refrain from asking any questions that may encourage drug/substance use as well as other specific questions about "bloodwork" and other drug tests.
For those questions, ask a team member specialized in Chemistry, Medicine, Psychiatry or Pharmacy.
Question Hi Hector
I am hoping you may give me some advice on how to deal with the situation of my 19 yr old using drugs. I don't drink, smoke and haven't a clue when it comes to drugs.
I have tried my best to bring up my son in a Christian way, but when he became a teenager, mixing with the group of mates he hangs around with, he turned his back on God, unfortunately. I've had the usual problems of him binge drinking, missing school on occassion, etc. I managed to get through that difficult phase. One thing I tended to be very sure of and that was he would never get involved with drugs. Last year I noticed him losing weight, he was more moody than usual, lots of arguements, etc. I still never dreamed it had anything to do with drugs. One day I happened to go into his room to get something, and I noticed a rolled up ball of paper on his shelf. I opened it up and saw 5-6 tablets. Something told me they must be to do with drugs. I confronted my son, and he finally admitted it was ecstacy tablets. He had been using them for a few months. He also admitted to trying out various drugs over the past two years, but more as a social kind of activity. I made it clear drugs were unacceptable, and he had to go. After talking to a colleague of mine, he made me see everyone deserves a second chance. I, therefore, had a talk with my son, who said he had felt under pressure, particularly from me, in relation to finding work, problems at college, etc. I promised to ease up on him but he was never to touch drugs ever again. He gave me his word and I believed him completely. Things seemed to improve.
The past few months problems have arisen again. There've been loads of arguements, mood swings, etc. I began to suspect drugs. He kept denying it. Then a few days ago on hearing I was going to do drug tests, he finally admitted to using cannabis 'occasionally'. Not ecstacy. I don't believe anything he says anymore. He hasn't lost weight as such, goes to the gym, and attends college and goes to work. I'm not sure whether to believe he has used the drugs only occasionally, but as far as I'm concerned it doesn't matter if it is so or not, I am against drug taking regardless! He fails to understand this, believing its ok to take drugs occasionally to be 'social'. Of course I have put my foot down, saying I was going to do random drug tests and if one comes out positive he's out! I mean it too. I would appreciate your views on the matter. How do you think I should deal with this? I've also said none of his mates are to enter this house. I know they do drugs.I just thought my son valued my feelings and our relationship more than his mates. Clearly not! I just don't recognize him anymore. I love my son, and have made this clear to him, more than once, but I can't live with a 'druggie'. Please please advise? Thank you, Marguerite.
Answer Hello Marguerite and thanks for your question.
Your son is at a difficult age in life, he is still in the teens and peer pressure is very popular in order to fit in the group of friends.
So far you are acting in a perfect way and set your boundaries in order to live in your home.
At his age is very common to use drugs recreationally but there is the risk of addiction.
All addicts begin with an occasional use.
Keep your Drug Free Home policy at all costs, no matter what, no excuses.
Do the random surprise drug tests periodically.
If he is being responsible with all his duties, it means that he has little time to use drugs recreationally.
When addiction is present, everything related to the addict becomes affected.
Maintain your "drug free" word and communicate with him openly, try to be his best friend so he can feel in confidence with you.
If he fails again, send him to rehab or somewhere else because he knew the consequences of his actions beforehand.
Some times we need to practice some "tough love".
I hope this information is helpful for you and whenever you need to talk, don't hesitate to drop me a line.
