help

[Loris]

I have a family member who is smoking crystal meth 7 times a day. She hasn't told us she has an addiction - but has told a close friend.

She no longer works, her hair is falling out, she has paralysis of her hands, loss of hearing in one ear, nasal deterioration, no teeth problems (visualy) etc... She says she smokes it in the bathtub - I'm afraid she will drown one day.

Do we confront her or do we seek counseling (intervention) to get her help.

[sparkle]

A chronic heavy-using meth addict can not function well enough for a long enough period to get help for themselves and there is little qualified help available anyway, unless it is through a recovery home. Smoking 7x a day and telling you about it, is is a cry for help in itself. Your family member needs a two week detox to begin with, with round the clock supervision and care. At first it appears that they can juggle things well enough but because of the severe impact on the frontal lobe which controls reason and logic, they will "think" they are doing well, when really their world is falling apart around them.

Your relative is smoking neuro-toxic poisons and they will quite rapidly cause serious health issues, including possible psychosis and even death. This is not a myth. Read all you can, including the stories from other meth addicts and family members on this site and others. Educate yourself and the family on what meth is, how easy and cheap it is to get, and how easily addictive it is. Intervention is often the only solution, but there is hope for recovery.

marilynphoenix@gmail.com
Crystal Clear Consulting

[sparkle]

sorry i didn't answer all of your question. yes you should definitely tell her your concerns, since her appearance and health problems indicate she needs help. engage her friend in this process as well to keep the communication open. Good luck!