Child is using drugs, lying and stealing- need rec for IOP

[Anonymous]

I have two friends who were sent to military school as punishment -- they both describe it as harrowing, violent, and terrible. I would never send a boy to military school as a way to deal with drug, mental health, or behavioral issues.

[Anonymous]

Stories like this make me feel glad I don't have kids.

[Anonymous]

OP, don’t look at outpatient programs. Look at an inpatient rehab program that lasts at least 3 months (6 would be better). As he nears the end of the program, talk with the people there about what is the best next step for him. Most people cannot get or stay clean if they stay in the same place. They fall back in with their old friends and old habits. So wahetever his best step is after getting clean, it probably can’t be a return to your house and his current school. Maybe that means boarding school or a reform/military program, though I wouldn’t make that my go to. Maybe it means living with a relative in another part of the country. At the very least, it means a different school, different friends, and new activities.

Good luck. OP, the odds aren’t really in your favor. The sooner you start, the more likely it is that you’ll successfully save your son.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stories like this make me feel glad I don't have kids.

Do you post this on every thread? FWIW, this is hard and heartbreaking, but I'm still really glad I had kids.

[Anonymous]

Kids I knew that went to military school continued their drug use in secret and got much better at hiding it behind a facade of politeness and manners.

They also learned how to beat people up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, don’t look at outpatient programs. Look at an inpatient rehab program that lasts at least 3 months (6 would be better). As he nears the end of the program, talk with the people there about what is the best next step for him. Most people cannot get or stay clean if they stay in the same place. They fall back in with their old friends and old habits. So wahetever his best step is after getting clean, it probably can’t be a return to your house and his current school. Maybe that means boarding school or a reform/military program, though I wouldn’t make that my go to. Maybe it means living with a relative in another part of the country. At the very least, it means a different school, different friends, and new activities.

Good luck. OP, the odds aren’t really in your favor. The sooner you start, the more likely it is that you’ll successfully save your son.

While my brother was older when he went for treatment, leaving the immediate area for rehab is vital. He really should have been pulled away in high school, but resources for teens were hard to come by in our area 17 years ago. I strongly suggest inpatient care if possible. Still he needs to want to change, otherwise rehab can be a way to meet other adicits. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

* addicts

[Anonymous]

good luck OP.

you're a good parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stories like this make me feel glad I don't have kids.

Having an attitude like yours when someone is going through a tough time makes me glad you don't have kids too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stories like this make me feel glad I don't have kids.

Having an attitude like yours when someone is going through a tough time makes me glad you don't have kids too.

AMEN!

[Anonymous]

please Consider inpatient rehab. For as long as you can afford it.

[Anonymous]

Do you make him work too much like the OP with kid possibly being expelled from school? Maybe we should stop making our kids work for money. It seems to lead to really irresponsible kids.

[Anonymous]

No recommendation, just support. Listen to your gut that he needs inpatient care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have two friends who were sent to military school as punishment -- they both describe it as harrowing, violent, and terrible. I would never send a boy to military school as a way to deal with drug, mental health, or behavioral issues.

+1 I think military school should be avoided at all costs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What direction did you go in?

DBT therapy program.