Sons on bubbles

[Liza B]

I have just had a phone call from my 19 year old sons boss, telling me his work has been going down hill the past 10 weeks, he has just gone back to work after 2 weeks off. His boss went through this with his own daughter so he konw the signs.He is lucky not to be sacked, but his boss has a lot of time for him and want to help him. My son has his own flat and his 17 year old brother stays at the weekends, which we thought was ok as he was with his brother, we now think he is doing bubbles as well, he is also working. We're still in shock , you never think it could be yours on drugs. Where do we start to help, do we stop the younger one from staying at his brothers so many questions and no answers.
Anyone going through this or been through it and can give us help. The older son has always been a dark horse, not really talking, not one to open up. We have gone through so much with the other kids and thought we'd got through all that we could and there was nothing else to be thrown at us. never say never. We really don't know where to start.

liza

[bednobs]

I also find it incredibly strange that the boss would phone you. Also, where is the boss getting his information from - is he just leaping to conclusions?

[Liza B]

We live in a small town, where everyone knows everyone, his boss is my elsest daughter best friends uncle and my mate knows him. He only employs a couple of staff and my son has worked for him for 3 years and they get on. He had a daughter who he lost due to drugs, which is why he got in touch with us and I'm glad he did. I would have done the same. A lot of the teens here are taking bubbles, some parents have reported their kids, but because its not banned there is not much the police can do.

[Whoever]

I think, for your son's sake, that he is fortunate that his boss is prepared to be an advocate for him and give him a second chance. Many wouldn't and in the current state of the economy, if he were sacked, he would probably find it difficult to get another job. He would then drift ever downwards, unable to pay his bills, possibly ending up turning to pretty theft to pay his rent, and then being evicted.

Firstly I think you need to get your son over to your house for a long and frank discussion. He will resent it, feeling that he's an adult and that he's entitled to his own life, but he must surely know that his boss lost his own daughter and has bitter personal experience of what drugs can do. I think he needs some straight talking to understand that his adult life is now probably at a crossroads, and he can go up, or down and out. Try if you can to educate yourself more on the drug scene. Your local library may have some informative books, and there's an Al Anon organisation which offers support to the families of those with addictions of various kinds. If there's one local to you, join in. You may be able to get some practical help and support in trying to influence your son to get off these substances.

I would also stop your younger son going over there at week-ends. How do you know that he's not being encouraged into a similar habit? For all you know, he may already be doing so. If he's not, try and persuade him to use his influence on his older brother. He may listen to him, as a mate, even if he won't listen to you.

[droopdrawers]

Heard of this for the first time today reading this post.....until that is I was looking at a local paper on line.

An article saying how this method of getting"whatever it is users get out of it" is rife all over the country.

I was even more horified to see on the same page Google Adds advertising these very same substances.

I have emailed the paper but they are in the business to sell papers so I can't see them being willing to get them removed. I belive these adds pick up subjects such as the adds on the right hand side of this page.

I know first hand what Drugs can do to a family so I sincerely hope you can nip this in the bud LisaB

DD