DEAR AMY: I have an adult son who grew up with ADHD, learning problems, poor social skills and rejection by peers. When he hit adulthood (he is now in his early 40s), he developed addictions to alcohol and hard drugs. It seems clear that his earlier problems are factors in his current problems. There are also possible genetic factors. Knowing this makes it incredibly difficult for me to decide how to respond. I know he has been through so much pain. He has gone through rehab, detox, etc. repeatedly, and sooner or later he relapses. I believe I must make a decision soon to withdraw my attempts to help, hoping he will "hit bottom" and thus become motivated to help himself. My therapist leans in this direction.
But what if he overdoses, commits suicide or goes into a deep depression (which runs in our family)? Can I live with this? Baffled Mother