Expert: Veronica C. Yost - 3/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have aa question . My mom does drugs what I don't know she says its weed but honestly I think its CRACK . !
Everytime her so called boyfriend comes over she takes the drug . She gets loud &* obnoxious . She gets very talkative . Her mouth looks like its lazy on one side . She sound like she has alergies . She starts to think she's right about everything has mood swings . At one point she's angry the next time she's crying &* over emotional . One time she stole from a cvs store . She starts runing red lights . Please help tell mee what this is or what I can do to help her please . It will be greatly appreciated .

ANSWER: Hello Johanna,
 The symptoms you described could be several drugs.  How long has this been going on?  Tell me what if any drug you have seen.  Is she drinking alcohol at the same time?  Does she sound congested?  I can identify with additional information.  Are you over 18?  The reason I ask it will change how you can help her.

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QUESTION: Well i`m only 15 . &* yea she does sound congested . I have only smelled weed . &* that's the only thing she will confess to taking . Its been goin for maybe a year . Im not sure if she drinks with it . Sometimes I have seen her go a whole three days without sleeping so I know something is wrong .

Answer
Thanks for responding.  
 Crack has a definite smell and it is unlike pot.  She could be using pills on top of the pot.  Alcohol would cause the aggressive and depressed behavior.  The congestion does not come from pills, alcohol or pot.  That symptom does come from cocaine but not all people get that congested sound.  Also, pot and alcohol do not make you steal.  That is the result of a hard narcotic.  

 A problem that I see is you are living in this environment and you know it isn't right.  I don't know if your mother/boyfriend have had other people coming over but that could spell trouble for you.  

 It appears to me that you have a lot going on at home.  I don't want you to get wrapped up in this, even though it is your mother.  I am sure you love her and want to help her.  The only problem is you are 15.  If you were 18 it might be a different story.  Right now you need to worry about yourself.  Some suggestions I have are:

 1: Call a older relative and tell them what is happening.
 2: Talk with your school's counselor.
 3: When they are getting high, call the police.  It is against
    the law to do ANY drug in the presence of a minor.
 4: You could also contact Child Protective Services.

 If it were me (and it once was) I would contact your Grandparent's or Aunt/Uncle that you trust.  If you have nobody to call (maybe your Dad if he is a good person) talk to the school and you will get help right away.  Johanna, when a young person like yourself lives in this environment you run the risk of doing what your Mom is doing.  It sounds like she is battling depression with a bipolar disorder, it's very common the cause of drug addiction etc.  

 Save yourself and you will save your Mom.  Honestly, trust me on this one.  Makes some calls and your Mom will get help:)  Keep me informed!  And contact me anytime.