My 29-year-old Son is Addicted to Prescription Drugs and Currently in Jail - Should I Bail Him Out?

by Donna
(Indiana)

Do anti-depressants really work or do we just create a new breed of drug addicts? When my son was 25 years old a doctor decided that he was suffering from anxiety. Well from anxiety to addiction ...

He lost his family due to the addiction, and in the past year has spiralled down the ladder of life. Arrested 3 different times for prescription drug charges - I am furious with him and with doctors with television commercials that advertise these miracle cures.

And now that my son is in jail again I don't know if I should bail him out. I have done it before and it hasn't helped but to leave him there until he is arraigned could do more damage. If anyone has any thoughts I am open. So my question is should I bail my son out of jail or let him deal with the consequences of his actions?

Answer

Hi Donna

Gosh, that's a tough one. Your son most definitely needs to start experiencing the severe consequences of his ongoing addiction if he's ever going to reach a place where he's ready to admit to his addiction and get proper help.

Yet, as you say, leaving him in jail could do more harm than good? But then again, could it really because how much worse can things get for him? Maybe some time inside will help open his eyes to what he's become and that it's time to start turning his life around ...

You could possibly consider agreeing to bail him out on the condition that if you do he goes straight into a long-term drug treatment program - even get the judge to make it a formal condition of his bail. He clearly needs help and maybe this is an opportunity to get him some. I would think in his state, you should try for a program closer to 90 days than the typical 30.

It's really shocking how easily potentially devastating and dangerous prescription drugs are simply prescribed without second thought. Prescription drug addiction is such a massive problem and doesn't get nearly the attention it deserves. I really hope everything works out for your son. Let's pray this is the wake up call that will get him to change..

God Bless