Addicted later in life

[Summerteeth]

I posted this in the "Family & friends of substance abusers" board, but I think this may be a better place for it. Does anyone else here have the experience of a parent becoming an addict later in life? My father became addicted to cocaine, Xanax and Oxycontin in his 50s. Anybody have a similar experience?

[TiredMama]

Similar but not with a parent. My aunt is addicted to sleep meds, xanax, and trazodone. She is in her 50s as well. Her doctor has prescribed them to her along with many many other meds.

[GiveLove]

I don't personally, but I have known of it happening.

The current troubled addict in my life is my brother, and his addiction (cocaine) didn't develop until he was past 30.

Hugs to you,
GL

[Wascally Wabbit]

Not my parent, but my ex husband. He got addicted at 52 and his life went straight to hell because he wouldn't get help for it.
It can happen at any age.

[Summerteeth]

It still boggles my mind. If you had told me 10 years ago that my dad would turn into a drug addict, NEVER would I have believed you. Crazy world this is.

[DesertEyes]

My ex-wife, addicted to prescription pain pills at 58.

I'm sorry it's happening to your Dad, I know what a nighmare it is.

Mike

[Spiritual Seeker]

My stepdad became an alcoholic after he retired.
He has been sober for 16 mos. We brought his bottom up to him with police escort out of the house, a restraining order, and divorce papers.
He then sought sobriety. There is hope.

[Summerteeth]

he detoxed in december for 5 days, came out and was supposed to do out-patient therapy. he seemed very committed - i believe he really was. before he started the therapy, he began using again (xanax). I don't know if he's on coke again, but still. he probably is. now it's back to square one.

sigh.

thanks everyone.

[ctt]

Originally Posted by Summerteeth

I posted this in the "Family & friends of substance abusers" board, but I think this may be a better place for it. Does anyone else here have the experience of a parent becoming an addict later in life? My father became addicted to cocaine, Xanax and Oxycontin in his 50s. Anybody have a similar experience?

That's what happened in my case. My parents had a perfect relationship until I was 12. My dad was in his 40s and he start drinking more and more. Now he is in his 50s and he is an alcholic.

Because of that, I am a little different from other ACOA.
I have good childhood memories.What it affect me the most was my dating life.

Because he was drinking I neever wanted to bring anyone home or date. But when I finally liked some I rushed into marriage, and after that I realised I was suffering from extreme case of jealousy.

So before I was detached, couldn't comit to anyone and after that I was too onsessed and needy.
Now I am in my 3rd year of marriage, I toolk some medication for 6 months to let my feelings calm down. It says that when you live with your parents you deny your feelings and after that they just come all at once.

Now, I feel much better, better and better every day. I am not jealous anymore and I try to set boundaries with my family of origins. I am making progresses.

[bragi]

Originally Posted by Summerteeth

It still boggles my mind. If you had told me 10 years ago that my dad would turn into a drug addict, NEVER would I have believed you. Crazy world this is.

No kidding!

It still surprises me that I haven't become addicted to anything. My mom has been drinking since I was a kid, and perhaps my father too. Considering how much more likely I was/am to drink, and considering that I didn't realize they were alcoholics until recently, I'm shocked! And lucky!

I was put on Ritalin (and later Adderall XR) by my mom because she thought I had ADD. (Now, I believe I was misdiagnosed , and my "symptoms" were probably caused by my ****** parents.) Anyway, those are stims, and I'm surprised I didn't get hooked on those!

So it's good to know now, so I don't get hooked later in life.

[cen616]

My stepfather's father became addicted to pain pills (not sure what type) in his late 50s. He was about the furthest thing from the "typical" addict character you can imagine. But, a doctor prescribed something and "bam"...there you go. He was living in AZ at the time and going across the border to Mexico to get double fills on his scrips. It didn't come to light until he was hospitalized and forced back to his proper dosage.

I wasn't directly involved in this, so I have little to offer other than, yes, it happens.

[Wascally Wabbit]

My x husband. He got addicted to oxycontin when he turned 50. He had some serious health issues. It totally ruined is life.

[patchoulli]

yes...my father was raised by an alcoholic father with all that goes with it[guns,abuse,no money]. He left my mom for another woman when I was 7 and the oldest of 4 children. At that time I believe, and my mom confirms, that he was a very light social drinker. We didnt have much to do with him growing up, he didn't bother and after all the abuse, we thought living in a basement apt with 5 people was heaven on earth. When I was about 21 he contacted me and my girls and I went to visit him[I was in the process of divorcing my alcoholic husband]...my father was drinkin...a lot. Years would go by and he would call, I would visit him every few years [never trusting him or leaving him alone with my girls], and he was always drinking...He was full blown at about 50...He died of his disease at the age of 67. I was married to an alcoholic at 18, remarried to another one at 36. My fiancee died of a drug overdose a year ago...this site has been calling me...thanks for asking the question and for being here..