brokenheart

thanks to all of you.

I decided to call Narcanon Rehab and Prevention. I have talked to one counselor and am supposed to talk to an interventionist today.

I believe that it would be better for him to make the sincere decision to get help instead of cooercing him into going.

This program includes suana several hours a day which they claim takes all of the drugs out of a person's system, thereby taking away the craving, all of this over a period of time of course. The expense is about $6,ooo/month. I don't have that kind of money lying around. I have less money today because I have an AS. I will have to take out a loan if we go this route.

It is worth every penny and then some if it works, but what if it doesn't?

marle

If it doesn't then you will probably be less likely to help the next time. I had contacted them and they refused to take my Blue Cross insurance and they kind of hounded me. Called 3 times. That is when I decided no. You have to do what you feel comfortable with. We all need to try before we say enough. Hugs, Marle

lightseeker

this isn't a judgement of whether Narconon is good or bad because I really don't know anything about it other than it is associated with the Church of Scientology. I explored that route for awhile before I was able to figure that fact out.

So sorry that this struggle is going on. Until someone wants it - it's hard for recovery to take. My RAH's husband sent him to numerous rehabs - none of them worked until he was ready..........

Hugs - Donna

brokenheart

I'm beginning to get the same feeling about Narcanon. I made the initial contact about a year ago. They sent me literature and frequent informational emails. The literature states that it is based on the works of the same man who founded the religion of Scientology and that it does receive financial support from the religious organization but is itself a separate public not-profit organization.

I have received two phone calls since I called them a couple of days ago. They are quite convincing. Both counselors I have spoken with were former residents.

No matter how great this place is, I can't help but be reminded that even though I want it with all of my heart, it will more than likely not help my AS at all if he doesn't want help.

He may agree to go, but if it is not really his choice, then he will probably end up right back where he is today.

I think maybe I find the answer; then I get a reality check.

tropikgal2

brokenheart. NO amount of "sauna" will take the drugs out of a person's system. Sweating IS a way to eliminate toxins, but most drug molecules must be broken down by the liver and excreted through urine. Taking away the toxins will not eliminate the cravings. That takes self-work and counseling.
Of course the counselors are very convincing--it is how they get paid. Sorry if I sound cynical, but I think that the way rehabs have sprung up all over the place is circumspect at best. Sure, maybe they help some people, but to the tune of $6000.00/ month (or more?) ??? If your AS REALLY wants to get better, he could do it via a much less expensive program. He could even do it by just going to a 2 week detox and then follow-up with Nar-Anon meetings every day and a sponsor. Thousands of people have stayed clean that way and it is free.

lightseeker

oops! What a typo.....I meant my RAH's family -not his husband! - sent him to recovery......

brokenheart

Tropik, everything you say makes sense. I have tried to rationalize it that way myself. Then I find myself wondering if I am just trying to save myself some money at the expense of my son's recovery. It makes me feel better just listening to you guys say it too. Then if I turn Narconon down, I won't feel so guilty.

My next question I guess is should I go through with giving him an ultimatum of getting help and staying clean or getting out of my house?

hope213

(((((brokenhearted)))) thinking of u today.

marle

Brokenhearted, The last time my daughter thought she wanted help she tried to convince me that she needs to go to one of those fancy places in Florida or California. I knew she was quacking. If she had really wanted help then a detox and NA meetings and maybe joining the Substance Abuse forum would have been cheaper. I sent her info on Suboxone and she claimed she called some doctors. The problem with Suboxone is that opiates are not the only drugs that she uses and so I doubt that any doctor would have given her the Sub. She probably would have sold them on the streets to get money to buy her drugs anyway. It is true that unless an addict wants recovery, then you are just throwing good money after bad. Hugs, Marle

jeepgirl

Hi Brokenhearted,
I am sorry you are struggling right now. I am the mom of a 21 year old heroin addict. I would let your son know that you would help him with treatment if and when he wants it, but I would not pick the treatment for him. Let him search it out, decide what he wants to do.
I would also, when YOU are ready, have him move out. I know I had to be ready.
One of the MANY things that we tried was an addiction specialist(MD). He happened to mention that Narcanon was BS in his opinion and to stay away. Don't know any more then that about it. We say him privately, but he was the head DR. of a well know established rehab. My daughter is currently in her first week using a methadone clinic to sober up and satisfy parole. It would not have been my choice, but it is not my battle.
(hugs), Jeepgirl

jeepgirl

PS - what got me "ready" to "let" her move out? She left with our checkbooks and credit cards, cameras, etc.... be careful...
jeep

brokenheart

I asked about Narcanon in the Substance Abuse forum to see if anyone had any concrete info on it. JFYI, the links posted and PM'd to me were very eye-opening. Needless to say, I will not be sending my AS to Narconon.

Thanks to all of you for your input here.

My body aches at the thought of the life he is living, the dark thoughts I have when trying to envision what he is doing at any given time.

I would love to be the one to eradicate drug addiction from the world, but if someone else beat me to it, I would whole-heartedly cheer them on.

You guys are a blessing sent from above to calm my soul.

marle

I was just thinking about the expense of rehab. Narconon told me it would cost $20,000. I don't remember the length of stay. But I know that when my daughter went to Brighton Hospital near Detroit they charged my insurance over $5000. That was for a 5 day stay. So the $6000 doesn't sound so bad for a month. Marle

brokenheart

Wow! $5000/5 days? For that price, they should have guaranteed a lifetime of sobriety!

Thanx Marle