For those of you who don’t already know, my son Justin (18) has been battling a life-threatening drug addiction for the past three years. It has torn our family to shreds and demolished his self worth and life in more ways than I can share. I never knew how bad addiction could be until it happened to my son. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone and I do mean ANYONE. Especially my precious baby boy.
The good news is that after hitting rock bottom about two months ago, he agreed to go into rehab which is where he has been for the past 30 days. When he went in, I was afraid he wasn’t going to take it seriously and was just doing it for reasons other than to seriously get clean, however, from the first weekend visitation, I knew he was a changed boy! He took everything so seriously and has learned more in a month than most people learn in years of experiences! That rehab center may have just saved his life, in fact, I’m sure of it!
On his last weekend there (last weekend), they had their annual alumni picnic and I took some pictures of the family and will share those below. Then I’ll tell you how he’s doing now that he is home!
This first picture shows the very first genuine smile I’ve seen on his face in at least three years!
Uh oh! He caught me taking pictures of him! (This look on his face is priceless!)
Mommy and Justin 
Hugging my baby!
Grandma!
and Poppy!
There are no pictures of Tyler because he was too sleepy to get up and go!
A little squirrel eating cake!
Here is a short little video, notice the frosting on the little squirrels whiskers! LOL
So the great news is that Justin got his 30 day chip/key chain yesterday and is going to an NA meeting every day! I have never seen Justin so serious about anything in his life, he is determined to live a sober life and I couldn’t be prouder! This is not to say that he’s having an easy time because he is NOT. He is having a VERY difficult time with triggers and people, etc., but he is OVERCOMING them. Please pray that he continues to overcome these situations every day, because this will be a lifelong struggle to stay clean. I’m learning alot through him and the others that I’ve met through the rehab center and I’ll tell you that as a mother, I can’t imagine anything more heartbreaking than to watch your child struggle with addiction.
I’d like to do a card shower for Justin so if you are interested in sending him an encouraging card, please leave a comment or email me at katdriggers@msn.com so that I can give you our mailing address. (I’d appreciate any cards at all!)
So thank you for caring and asking about Justin. It means a lot to me that you all care so much. Those of you who know him, remember the sweet boy he was…well, that sweet boy is back! He’s fragile and scared but he’s back! For those of you who pray, please continue to pray for him daily as he will need your positive thoughts and prayers. We all do! Love you all!
And last but not least, THANK YOU GOD for giving me another chance with my son!
Have a great day everyone!
Hi Kat,
It’s Pam from Yahoo Scrapbook Rooms, I follow you on Twitter too.
I had no I idea your son was going thru this, I’m so sorry but am very glad he has gone thru the rehab and the good news that he’s doing well.
You’re a great supportive mom and can see you love him very much. I’ll be keeping you both in my prayers.
Send me your snail mail address if you can, I’d like to send him a card.
Good thoughts & wishes coming your way,
Pam
Hi Kat!
Tell your son congratulations. It is one day at a time and sometimes, it’s one hour, minute, second at a time but he can beat the demons. My husband went into rehab 15 years ago when our daughter was 5 months old. She is 14. He is sober. Our life is so much more than we could have ever dreamed of because he decided he and his family were more important than getting high. Was it hard? Yes, for both of us. But he made a determined effort, found new friends, found a hobby that he loved (he races motorcycles – can’t do that high), and learned to love being at home.
Justin, if you are reading this – just believe. Even it is for today only. Just believe. We are proof!!
God bless!
I am visiting your blog and happened on this old post of yours. I know too well about a child that is addicted. My only daughter has been going thru so much and been on and off her drug of choice (meth) off and on for almost 10 years now. She will go quite a while without abusing, then go for a few months of getting high. It is a terribly thing, and it tears me apart, but I continue to try and help her see her way to being clean forever.
Take care!
~~~Momma Rock