#methfree

As I’ve stated repeatedly, everyone is different, so it is beneficial to look at all different suggestions of how to assist a loved one dealing with an addiction to meth. St. Jude Retreat House feels that addiction is not a “disease” as some people may believe. They tend to focus on an educational theory and look at addiction as behavior and a choice. Ashley from this Retreat House recommends that the main idea to keep in mind when talking to a loved one on meth is to be nonjudgmental. Come into the conversation with an open mind and no intent to putdown or argue with the person using meth. An intervention, in her opinion, is counterproductive. It can make the addict feel attacked and cause them to get defensive. She feels that it is better off doing a one-on-one approach and to make it more about the patient than the supporter. “Are you truly happy?” is a relevant question to ask the addict. If they admit that they aren’t happy, this can lead to them opening up to you or other progressive steps. If they claim that they are happy, then you can dig deeper and find out what they find desirable about their lifestyle and build a trusting relationship with them that can lead to eventually helping them. St. Jude’s also thinks that the family and friends who are close to the loved one should know what kind of treatment will and will not work for them. This Retreat looks at 12 step programs as out dated because they haven’t changed since the 1930s; however, this doesn’t mean that 12 step programs doesn’t work for some people. Those who have tried 12 step programs and haven’t been able to stay clean often end up turning to St. Jude Retreat House for help, but just like 12 step programs, St. Jude may not work for everyone. Researching the different treatments available helps me decide which ones I think would and wouldn’t be successful for Chase. Making a list of the best treatments for him and then sharing it with other people close to him to decide the ultimate one will be helpful before we talk to him about sobriety.

After talking to Ashley from a rehabilitation center called St. Jude Retreats, I have realized how important boundaries are when dealing with family or a friend using methamphetamine. She informed me that an important part for the supporters is setting boundaries that are right for them. There are no particular rules when creating these limits, it is just whatever if comfortable for you. Boundaries can’t be wrong.

In my situation, Blain and I have trouble telling his dad “no.” We love Chase so much and don’t want him to end up leaving us out of his life, so we frequently drop what we’re doing to help him out. We give him money, gas, and food whenever he asks for it with no hesitation. I now recognize that boundaries are needed in our relationship. Blain and I will have to discuss the problems and boundaries we should set, then let Chase be aware of them. This 


A subject that I frequently come across while researching how to help a person using methamphetamine get clean is blame. Friends and family typically blame themselves for their loved one’s addiction when that should not be the case. People can feel like “if I did ______ then they wouldn’t be on meth” or “if I didn’t ______, then they wouldn’t have to turn to drugs.” Blaming oneself for another person’s actions is just not fair to anyone because WE don’t control others decisions. Realizing that an addict has the choice to use and that it’s out of the loved one’s control can be hard to accept, but needs done for both parties to move on.