My son is 26 years old and on methamphetamine: How can I help him?

Posted by jtimko80 @jtimko80, 4 days ago

My son is 26 years old and on methamphetamine. He has started to show signs of severe mental decline. CHATGPT being the catalyst. He thinks that chatgpt has given him the instantanious ability to recognize 40 different computer languages, that he can cause lightning to strike, that he knows karate black belt level even though he has never taken a single class, that he is creating an app that can alter anyones brainwaves, also that he can sneak around undetected and somehow dangerous. These are just a smidge of examples of his so called "abilities". He is in obvious distress but he refuses to listen to reason from anybody. Delusions of grandure is very apparent and he cherry picks facts that fit his narrative. Ive brought this to his attention several times. I think because of the drug use, his mind is fracturing. He is a legal adult, so I cant force him to do anything. Undiagnosed bi polar, might be an isssue as well. He has stopped taking Buspirone. Im not sure but I think that may play a part as well. I live in California, Does anyone have any advice you can give me on not just mental health counceling that he wont go to.

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I'm so saddened that this is happening to you and your son.
Meth's illegal (which might give you some recourse (which I would be tempted to take especially if it involved stopping the supplier who is no doubt ruining many lives).
Meth eliminates the ability to reason. I have a friend who stopped caring about her children and her husband in pursuit of this drug. Incarceration helped her with the addiction. She had extensive rehab and after many years reestablished friendship with a son. She is now employed in the medical field and is one of the happiest individuals.
Yours is a really tough situation.
Wishing you and your son all the luck that it takes.

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@gently

I'm so saddened that this is happening to you and your son.
Meth's illegal (which might give you some recourse (which I would be tempted to take especially if it involved stopping the supplier who is no doubt ruining many lives).
Meth eliminates the ability to reason. I have a friend who stopped caring about her children and her husband in pursuit of this drug. Incarceration helped her with the addiction. She had extensive rehab and after many years reestablished friendship with a son. She is now employed in the medical field and is one of the happiest individuals.
Yours is a really tough situation.
Wishing you and your son all the luck that it takes.

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Thank you for the kind words

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Welcome @jtimko80, there are many pieces to this complicated situation. I can see why finding a solution is neither easy or clear. One thing is very clear. Your son is very lucky to have a parent who is concerned and supportive of their wellbeing.

The catalyst in this situation appears to be meth. While meth is being used, it will be difficult or even impossible to accurately assess anything else, even for a professional.

Does he live you with you?

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Dear @jtimko80
I’m sorry for you and him. My brother takes drug for his “delusions”. He spend Timon his TV room, but eats food. No doctors, but going his meds twice a year. No smoking; no driving;no friends; no exercising… close to 60 yo.
Thx,
Greg D. @greg1956

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I am very sorry you are experiencing this. I am having to re learn now what and who I control and what I don't and enforce boundaries. If someone does not want or get help for themselves there is nothing I can do. I only control me.

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so sorry you're going through this—it sounds incredibly challenging and heartbreaking. Supporting a loved one in distress, especially when they’re resistant to help, can feel overwhelming. Here are a few suggestions that might help:

Stay Compassionate: Approach him with empathy and understanding.

Seek Guidance: Consult mental health professionals for advice tailored to his situation.

Explore Resources: Reach out to organizations For example, organizations like the [Mayo Clinic personal service] offer resources for families dealing with mental health crises. You might also consider reaching out to local behavioral health centers for guidance.

Consider Safety: If necessary, explore involuntary treatment options under California laws.

Self-Care: Take care of your own well-being. Supporting someone in crisis can take a toll on your own well-being. Don’t hesitate to seek support for yourself, whether through therapy, support groups, or trusted friends.

You’re doing your best—stay strong. 💛

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