Henderson County Stories

Pamela

My son began using opioids at the age of 14. He is now 36. Thankfully, he has been clean for nearly one year, has a good job, attends church and is becoming a role model.

During those many years of drug use, his actions impacted family and friends. I now see I enabled his habit by always trying to help him. I paid his fines, paid his bills, bailed him out of jail, etc. The two years before he finally tried to kick his habit were the worst. He lied to everyone, and he used everyone. He stole my lawnmower, my husband’s tools, televisions, jewelry…anything he could make a quick buck on or trade for drugs.

I think his “wake up call” came when I found out I was sick, kicked him out of my house and finally refused to help him. He and his wife moved away from this county and away from all of his friends. He realized the people he associated with were only dragging him into a deep, dark hole with no way out. I thank God every day that my prayers have been heard and that he is genuinely trying to make a good life for himself and his family.

My advice to anyone who has a friend or family member with a drug habit would be that you cannot help them unless you make them accountable.