My son’s drug addiction problem

I just discovered that my 30-year old son has been on drugs since his University days. The problem is now seriously affecting his job. Kindly advise me on what to do

Comfort (by SMS)

Young adults receiving addiction treatment should have access to a broad range of evidence-based assessment, psychosocial and pharmacologic treatments, harm reduction interventions, and recovery services.

These evidence-based approaches should be tailored to young adults’ needs and provided in the least restrictive environment possible. Young adults should enter care voluntarily; civil commitment to treatment should be a last resort. In many settings, compulsory treatment does not use evidence-based approaches; thus, when treatment is involuntary, it should reflect recognized standards of care.

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Continuous engagement with young adults, particularly during periods of relapse, should be considered a goal of treatment and can be supported by care that is patient-centered and focused on the young adult’s goals.

Lastly, substance use treatments for young adults should be held to the same evidence and quality standards as those for other chronic health conditions. Substance use might start as a choice, but addiction is a chronic brain disease—not a moral failing. When we judge, people hide.

When we support, people heal.  Addiction is like diabetes—it needs management, not punishment.  Being punitive drives people into the shadows.  Recovery is real and happens every day!