My mother is addicted to painkillers, muscle relaxers, and sleeping pills.

[ohkthx]

I'm 18 years old and I've had to deal with this for about 2 - 3 years now. She was married to my stepfather for 12 years and he is an alcoholic. She finally was fed up with it and got a divorce. She has deteriorated (sp?") disk (Lumbar) and takes Soma for it. The problem with this is that there is only like 2x a year when her back goes out. She takes way too much. She gets prescribed 120 a month and by the 6th or 7th day all 120 are gone. When they are gone, she orders more from the internet. About 180 more I think. She is also prescribed Ambien for sleeping. She will take more than she is supposed to and then try to fight it (in a way) by trying to smoke a cigarette. She drops the cigarettes and I'm afraid that she is going to set the house on fire. I have 2 brothers who don't pay attention to this behavior and only I stress about it. Her friend was found dead July 2007 in her apartment from an overdose on pills and alcohol. I guess she just hasn't learned. I'm actually crying while typing this because I have been upset for the past few hours.
I just want to leave so bad. I don't have a job (which is the biggest reason I'm still living at home) and I think the only solution would be for me to get a job but I want to be able to have my animals with me. I really just want to say "f*** it all* but I can't for some reason. I just want to make sure she's okay but she doesn't make it where she is.
I know I'm going to have to move on with my life but I always want to make sure she's okay. She's also always telling me to mind my business and to stop being her mother.

[StillHaveHope]

I can totally sympathize with you. I am going through the same thing to a certain degree and have also been crying for the last few days.
I have been dealing with this with my mom for 27 years now. She is living with me but everything else is the same. She has burnt caropet, blankets, clothes, you name it she has burnt it by falling asleep with a cigarette.
The biggest mistake I made is letting her live with me, she has been there 2 months.
All I can say is, do everything you can do to get out of that toxic situation. I know your animals are important to you as mine are to me, but with this, you need to think about yourslef. Maybe there is someone who would take them for a little while until you get on your feet?
I really suggest going to alanon, or ACOA. In situations like this of course your going to worry about her and want to make sure she is ok, but don't make my mistake! You come first!! Understand there is nothing you can do to help her if she doesnt want the help. Powerlessness is the most difficult thing, I know. But you have to accept that and hope for the best. The only thing you will accomplish by trying to "be her mother" as I have tried, is hurting yourself. Your too young to have to deal with this. No one should have to at any age. Get out, and start your life. I am not saying leave her and never look back. Just don't obsess, stop by, call and say hello, let her know you are there for her when and if she wants help, thats all you can do.
Look for a support system. I wish i could say it gets easier, it doesn't. But by focusing on you and your life, you can avoid a little more hurt and pain. It's never easy, but especialy when it is your mom, you have a feeling of obligation. Don't play into that.
I wish you the best, Ill keep you in my prayers.

[Sassy]

Oh how I know what you are going through. I am a educated wife and mother. I love my family very much, but there was a time, not so long ago that it seemed I loved the pills more than I loved them. I would take whatever I could get my hands on, mainly lortab and ambien. It was so bad that I wrecked our vehicle 4 times in one year due to this addiction. In two of the accidents, I was totally asleep and had no idea what had happened. By the grace of God and my husband, I stayed out of jail. I love my family more than anything in the world, but once addiction takes a hold of your life, you become a totally different person. I have lied and stolen (medicine from other people) to support my habit, but I finally hit rock bottom.

All of my addictions began innocently enough, but with my personailty, once they took hold, I was totally under their spell. I personally wrote a letter and distributed it to all the physicians in our town. In this letter I requested that I not be prescribed any form of narcotics or controlled substances due to my addiction. This has been embarassing for me, but extremely helpful. This is something to consider if you are truly serious about kicking your problem. Another thing I found to be useful was a book written by Rick Warren. He is a great inspiration when things are difficult. I pray for anyone who is struggling with an addiction and for their loved ones as well.