ADDICTION

Fifty-eight year old "Ronald" was referred to hospice because of prostate cancer. Ronald recently moved back in with his wife, "Inga". They have been married for over thirty years, but have been separated for eighteen months due to his addiction to methamphetamines. Because of Ronald's recent diagnosis of cancer, Inga allowed him to move back home so that she could help care for him.

Inga says that Ronald has been using drugs for over thirty years. He is on disability because of his addiction. Inga has her own house cleaning business and works three days a week. She feels that she can care for Ronald with assistance from their two adult children, who have agreed to help as needed. She also plans on hiring an attendant to supplement the hours the two children are not able to cover.

Ronald looks twenty years older than his stated fifty-eight years. He has lost all of his teeth because of his drug use. He is on a soft diet because he cannot wear his ill-fitting dentures.

Inga feels obligated to help Ronald. The two children are willing to help their father in order to support their mother. Ronald has lost the respect and love of his family. Ronald has lost so much more, but still continues to use drugs. His addiction is that strong.

Using drugs is the life that Ronald knows. About once a week, he disappears with his drug buddies and will be gone for three days. He returns home dirty and disheveled with no explanation to where he has been. Likely the only way he will stop his drug use is when the cancer gets to a point where he can no longer walk and is unable to leave the home.

Hospice may discharge him as he is not following the plan of care. That is one criteria that patients agree to when they are admitted to our program. It is difficult to help someone when they won't help themselves. Sadly, addiction is a family disease.


ADDICTION

He's been using for years.
It's apparent he still is.
He says he's been clean for months,
but his behavior exposes the truth.

He disappears for days at a time.
No one knows where he's gone.
He returns home disheveled and dirty.
It's easy to figure out why.

He has tubes that need to be sterile;
bandages that need to be changed.
He's been on hospice for less than a month.
He's missing for much of that time.

One says you have to hit bottom.
He's definitely on his way down.
There's not much else for him to lose.
He's already lost
his job; his health; his family.

He's miserable when he's home.
Withdrawal leaves him nauseous and weak.
He's risking it all for some feigned pleasure.
Sadly, methamphetamines are in control.

Addiction.