Originally Posted by
biminiblue 
I wanted to add...I had severe migraines for 25 years. I never took narcotics for them. If she hasn't seen a neurologist, that might be a start. The narcotics cause rebound headaches, so now there isn't really any way to separate the causes from the narcotics. It's possible the daughter has inherited that tendency, migraines among female family members are common. Narcotics are not the solution, there are specific non-addictive pharmaceuticals for migraine. I spent a lot of time at various doctors, hospitals, and psyche specialists before finding the treatment that worked. So this "headache" excuse is just an excuse.
I agree with Thomas that inpatient care is the answer, but you can't make that happen. Keep working on the custody thing. My heart breaks for both those kids - what an awful life. They aren't throw-away people.
She has been to one of the best hospitals in our area with my mom, she had to take a 3 hour drive to get there. This was years ago. They were willing to put her into these pain management classes but she didn't want to do that. They have explained rebound headaches to her so she definitely knows what they are. They have even given her these shots every 3 months that are supposed to reduce her headaches by numbing the nerve. She is just flat out addicted and in denial, and I understand that those rebound headaches must cause painful discomfort but that's no excuse to not go and get help for the root problem, which is addiction. She doesn't want to help herself for whatever her reasons are, so that just means she doesn't want to help her daughter(s) either. I am going to really push for something to get done this time around.
I am so frustrated and angry with her but at the same time I just want her to get better.