TDS How do I go about telling my naive family about my habit?

[Username123]

I've been doing various drugs for years of all kinds. I've been chipping opiates the past year, though recently, since I've been bored during the summer, this has led to cycles of binging and wd, and then reusing due to the insane boredom and depression after the physical withdrawal is gone.

I think it may be time to get on subs, though my habit is not very serious. I've been prescribed a wide variety of anti depressants including MAOI's, and actually managed to convince a psychiatrist of a bupe script for depression, which he couldn't provide since he wasn't DEA licensed.

Anyways, I do have another psychiatrist I occasionally visit (but can't until school starts, since it's provided by my school for free) who I'm sure would now prescribe me bupe. I think it'll help me balance out my habit and perhaps let me focus on other things in life. I've also thought about getting on oral selegiline. Given the U.S. has no financial backing for moclobemide that isn't really an option.

Now, my family is completely unaware of my drug use. They think I occasionally smoke pot, but that I'm rather innocent, particularly since I don't drink, and have a high GPA studying Chemistry at a good school, with no problems. They overlooked me smoking pot in high school since I kept my GPA at a 4.0 then. A lot of my family members are medical doctors, none specialize in psychiatry in addiction, but I'm sure they would know what bupe is. Also some of the older members of my family occasionally smoke opium, particularly those still back in Iran. I've had a family friend whose practically an uncle tell me opium was his favorite study drug.

But I just wouldn't know how to bring this up to them...

"Hey guys, I know I seemed fine and healthy and am still doing well in school, but I'm on a drug for opiate maintenance now because I used heroin a bit too often". It'd probably crush my mother's heart. They probably wouldn't trust me anymore.

I could maybe just buy subs on the street, since they're available and not too much more than a script would cost. But then I wouldn't know what to do when visiting family.

I just don't know what to do at this point.

 

[spork]

Maybe write a letter and give it to them and then discuss it afterwards. It might be easier to get out all you want to say in one shot this way. Your family might be a little upset, but they'll probably be happy that you're getting help and might be more understanding and supportive than you're anticipating.

 

[thedawn]

I know these things can be difficult in different cultures.
but this is one of those things that normally goes well.
your family will be grateful that they have such an honest,stand up son.
give them a little bit of time to adjust though.you have been lying to them I'm guessing.
wishing you the best of luck.
you are doing the right thing.

 

[Username123]

Thanks for the advice.

I'll try writing a letter to my uncle--he's the patriarch of my family and an MD, and perhaps the rest of my family later. He was the only one who knew when I was on Nardil/phenelzine and would back me up with bullshit excuses when I refused to eat or drink certain things due to it being an MAOI.

Visiting my family in a few weeks, will not go on it until after that because then I'll at least have a full semester to mull over how to go about it.

 

[herbavore]

^ that sounds like a really good idea and you are lucky to have such a kind uncle. Good luck with it all. Have you ever tried to approach the boredom and depression in your life without drugs--either prescribed or not?

 

[Username123]

I enjoy natural science and math. I never have problems with drug use when classes are in session. It's really the only thing that helps my boredom and depression. The summer's and breaks are always the hardest times for me and when I succumb to lots of drug use. I've went all of the most recent fall semester sober (including alcohol and pot, but not caffeine and tobacco--my uncle also smokes cigs with me, and doesn't care about it though he's a MD), and last semester I was only using heroin once every 1-2 weeks at most. No stimulants either. Occasionally low-doses of ketamine as well since 100mg will help a bit with my depression for a few days to a week. Unfortunately ketamine is difficult to find for me.

 

[SilverFeniks]

Wish I had some advice for you, but I've been hiding my drug use/abuse for 11 years now.
My parents met as DEA agents (no joke) and are lifelong drinkers, they simply wouldn't understand. My only sibling is of the opinion that cannabis is a terrible thing (never having used it).
Between my fear of / inability to be honest with Doctors, and a career with no tolerance for any sort of substance abuse, I've been on the losing side of the battle for quite some time.

I got straight A's in University as well, but after years of continued usage, my intelligence and self control are just distant memories.
I definately encourage you to take advantage of whatever assistance/support you can get from your school; carrying addiction beyond youth into middle age is a terrible way to live.

 

[mrflowers00]

just sit them down and tell them you need help that you have tried to stop on your own and that just didn't work