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Addictions

Tripping and Slipping

Answered by Jim LaPierre, LCSW, CCS

Question

Is it a big deal if a person is tripping and hallucinating when they stop taking coke? My brother is talking to our dead mom as if she were here in the room with us and he can see her. He is getting off coke now first but I think he was just on a monumental binge since he has to check into jail for 4 months in 2 days and that is why he is getting off coke now.

Hi there and thanks for your question. It's great that your brother is off coke but I think you have every reason to be concerned. Having run into some pretty significant and objective problems, he stops using one drug, does another, and is coping poorly. Treatment on an outpatient basis would be the starting point I'd recommend and I'd strongly urge him to consider NA and attending a few meetings with an open mind. Please take very good care of yourself as you live with these warranted concerns. It's heartbreaking to experience the powerlessness that goes along with this type of powerlessness. Please get support for yourself from family and friends. Whatever you're feeling about this is understandable. Good luck and blessed be.

About the Expert

Jim LaPierre

LCSW, CCS

Brewer, United States of America

Specialties

Anger Management, Gay Lesbian Issues, Spirituality, Divorce, Compulsive Disorders, Trauma and PTSD, Life Coaching, Addiction or Substance Abuse, OCD, Mood Disorders, Parenting, Domestic Abuse or Domestic Violence, Anxiety or Fears, ADHD, Impulse Control Disorders, Relationship Issues, Women, Loss or Grief, Eating Disorders, Depression, Finding Your Purpose in Life

License

my_license #LC9830