Jasmine2011

I am the aunt of a 17 year old boy who is very much into drugs and alcohol. He inhales keyboard cleaner cans, does cough medicine and today his father found a needle in his bag. All along he has been denying heroin until his father found the needle, then he admitted to smoking, not shooting up. He has become quite the liar.

He was staying with his mother (my sister) but then she just couldn't take it anymore so now he stays with his father

Long story short... he doesn't want help, he doesn't think he has a problem. His parents are at a loss. He quit school and lost two jobs.

What choices do they have for a 17 year old that refuses help.

Thank you in advance

Aegian

Hi Jasmine,

A lot of that is going to depend on where they live. The EU has much different options than Singapore or the US depending on their laws and the medical system in place.

Jasmine2011

We live in New York State. No one seems to be able to do anything.

Seren

Hello Jasmine, Welcome to SR!

You have found a wonderful place for support among people who truly understand.

I think the link below may be helpful reading for you. It's a list of classic threads for parents of addicted children. I hope that you find it useful.

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...s-addicts.html

Welcome, again! HG

Jasmine2011

Thank you for the welcome HG. I will pass this along to my brother-in-law.

I guess there really isn't much one could do, it's so sad. He will die if this keeps up.

least

I would think that because he's under 18 there might be legal remedies the parents could take, tho I don't know the laws about that. I'd suggest the parents talk to a lawyer to see if they have any legal grounds to intervene.