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Addiction to Drugs/my husband is addicted to cocaine
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Question
I just found out yesterday that my husband is addicted to cocaine. We have an 11 month old son together. I was looking for my sons piggy bank and got in to my husbands car and found it in the back seat, missing $50. My mother in law and I were both missing quite a bit of money but didnt think this was what was going on. When I asked him about the piggy bank he broke down and said that he has been using cocaine for a while now. We went to the hospital to get him help and he went in to a rehab but did not want to stay the night. Now I am disgusted, and I cant even look at him anymore. I want to know how I can help him stop. Should I take our son and leave?
Well if you read my profile and the questions I have answered you will see I am a big advocate for getting the heck out! Addicts (as I was) will never love anything more than the drug. The fact he didn't care enough to stay in rehab is a sign itself. You can not help an addict, that have to help themselves. Your first thought now should be your child. If he does (after you leave) go to rehab it will take 1 to 1 1/2 years for a full recovery. It took me almost 2 years to be able to walk away from drugs. It doesn't happen overnight and all addicts relapse. All with the exception of 2% of the population. Pretty low.
I know you love him but he loves it more than you or your child-I speak from pure knowledge. Let me know if you have further questions.
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Answers by Expert:
Veronica C. Yost
Expertise
I will NOT provide information on how to PASS A DRUG TEST SO DO NOT ASK ME!! I can provide information regarding crack addiction, drug user life style, why they do what they do, visual differences between crack and crystal meth, what effects crack has on the body (long term), what crack looks like, what to expect when someone stops/starts using, effects after drug use has stopped, how long it REALLY takes to recover, what family members can expect of their loved one during drug use and recovery process, why recovering addicts sometimes turn to alcohol or pot, how to talk to your children about this drug before they ever touch it. I won't answer obvious questions about how to make or use crack. I won't describe how to make crack pipes but I will help a parents, guardians or family members identify a pipe, paraphernalia and the drug itself. Since pipes can be very sneaky looking and sometimes without a smell I will answer those questions also.
Experience
I spent many years addicted to drugs and have been clean and sober since 2007. I had a $1000 a day habit and spent over $70,000 in one year on crack. Coming off drugs and alcohol was the most difficult thing I have ever done. I also feel extremely blessed in that it was a drug dealer that actually started me on the road to recovery. It is a daily battle that never goes away. Only 3% of the drug population that quit crack (without rehab) actually stays off the drug. I have been clean for more than 4 years. I believe everyone is different regarding treatment and if possible should consult a physician.
Education/Credentials
My life is my experience.
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