My experience with Jack:

I found that It was very important to keep a very open, non-judgemental conversation and relationship with my loved one as this helped me find the right treatment that he was willing to try and saved me a ton of time and money from finding treatments for him that he was not willing to partake in.

You may find that treatment with another prescription opioid may be more well received by your loved one rather than complete abstinence programs depending on the severity of their condition and if they are misusing opioids.

The reason I have taken this approach is because after 15 years of following this Hit Rock Bottom Mentality than finally being told to let Jack die by a trained professional, I noticed the repeated pattern of relapse in my loved one with all abstinence programs that he was wholeheartedly partaking in.  In Jack’s case, there was a pattern of abstinence for about 3 weeks, relapse, crime, jail and then just a repeat of the same thing upon his release.   I found this pattern to be commonplace with those who have severe Substance Use Disorder, coexisting mental illness and sometimes actual physical pain that requires opioid pain management.  Treatment Facilities would cost around $10,000 per month.  That is a lot of money to pay throughout a lifetime of relapse particularly if your loved one is not ready to make that change.

Now Jack no longer commits crime and is living a much better life and is able to take care of himself and his daily tasks and we are able to have a great time together.

There is a light at the end of that Tunnel if you are willing to let go of control stemming from Fear and replace it with Love and acceptance which brings collaboration to reach a better outcome and have a better quality of life with your loved one wherever he or she may be in their drug misuse.  Everyone is different and one size does not fit all for treatment.  Talk to your physician or healthcare provider to see what options will work for you or your loved one.

Make sure to take care of yourself in the meantime.