Families & Friends Of Addicts Support Group

5 days in detox and is only in outpatient? She was evaluated and the recommendation was outpatient? I know that the outpatient program she's in is 5 days a week but, to me, it doesn't seem enough - especially since she was in detox!!

I'm also surprised that you have the power to keep her in the house and have the power to do so. Does she attend AA meetings outside of treatment? Isn't that included in the treatment program? My son, 16, was required to attend, at least, 3 meetings a week when he was in intensive outpatient treatment. Currently, he's in residential and will be released soon...so the AA meetings will be crucial to his sobriety.

I do want to add that I really feel for you. I understand the numbness. Do you attend Al Anon or are you seeing a drug counselor for help? I saw one and she was awesome ....got me through a very, very rough time. She eventually recommended Al ANON. It could help you to be with people who've been there or are going through it right now, too. You need support.

It has been tough. I want to hug her and kick her in the behind at the same time. Yes, 5 days in detox. She had been using Oxycotin/painkillers for about six months or so she says. She is required to attend three NA meetings per week, 5 days of outpatient and a couple of individual sessions. I have taken away driving, banned all visitors, got rid of cellphone. How much do I do. The therapists says I am doing too much? Am I?

Personally, I don't think you are doing too much. If she were doing inpatient rehab, they would be making her do a whole lot more. My son went off to college and never drank or did drugs prior. He went out of state. Long story short, he graduated, was arrested and spent l year in rehab. (He detoxed from booze on his own and from meth while in jail). He is now doing his 6 month after care at the same rehab center, but not living there. He attends 5 meetings a week. While in rehab, he had to work to pay for it himself and they were teaching him how to live a normal life again not just getting him off drugs. Outpatient would never have worked for him. He also was moved 5 hours away from his "friends" so that he was not near anybody that he knew. He is now 15 months free of drugs and over two years free of booze. He will fight this addiction (meth) for the rest of his life - daily. Sharon

I have a feeling that she is in outpatient rather than inpatient because your insurance has deemed that is what they are willing to pay for, not because a doctor thinks its what is best. You could try going to battle by calling the insurance company and see what happens.

Are you doing too much? I don't know. As far as freedom, as she is 18, its not yours to give. You can stop paying for her to have a car todrive, car insurance, etc. At some point, you have to let her out of the house, and if she has had no freedom, she may just rebel and go right back. Can you try to encourage her to find a part time job or something constructive... would she go to church?

I think it would be really helpful to you to go to Alanon. You will find support and good advice on how to cope with situations that are beyond your control.