My 22 year old adult son had an extremely close bond with his dog and shortly after it died of cancer he developed an unfortunate drug problem. Not that he turned to drugs just because his dog died but they definitely became somewhat of a coping mechanism. After some time passed and a friendship with a new puppy blossomed, he decided to check himself into a rehab facility for assistance overcoming what eventually became a terrible addiction that he knew he couldn't shake on his own.
He had come to be very close with the new dog and even more so throughout this whole ordeal. Since the facility he chose allows pet visitation, the puppy has become somewhat of a staple in his recovery.
After 2 long months of intensive treatment, he is graduating the rehabilitation program and coming home in a few days and we've all been overjoyed. That is, until his new dog died suddenly today from an unfortunate accident while my son, having no way of knowing, is blissfully counting down the minutes until he gets to come home and be with his best friend.
This is the most devastating thing that could happen to my son right now and we are at a loss as to how to handle it and I'm terrified what it could do to his recovery. I don't know what to do.
Please, PLEASE HELP
Contact the rehab right away as he will need to remain in there while he processes this news. Having his treatment team already established, it will be helpful for them to work with him on managing his feelings and finding coping skills/ strategies for dealing with another loss.
His recovery/ treatment is not over. He is entering a different phase of it.
His recovery will last a lifetime, if he wants to remain sober.
There is always some bad news in life. This is his opportunity to learn how to manage it while entering a sober lifestyle.
Tell the therapists at his rehab facility. He will need Aftercare and the members of his Aftercare program will need to be made aware also.
This is his recovery to manage. He needs to use the resources available to him.
I agree with the others - contact the rehab facility and tell them the news. Get advice from the experts. You might have to go there to be with him when he processes the news but I think that would be preferable to having him learn about it just as he gets home.
I'm certainly no specialist, but I'd say he's in the exact right place to deal with this. Imagine if this had happened AFTER he came home?!? Would he have the coping mechanisms in place to handle it. If you're terrified the answer is No, then he needs to stay put.
Call the counselors at the facility and let them handle it. He shouldn't be dependent on anything after rehab: not the drugs, nor a dog, to help him feel safe and stable. I can see how having a new dog would ease the pain of losing another, but dependency is a different, far more serious, thing.
I'd have a talk with his doctor(s) at the rehab center and get their advice as to how to handle this.
I would call the rehab center and speak with one of the counselors, they will have the best advice.
So sorry, how awful!
Talk to the professionals at the rehab facility so they can help with this.
Call the rehab place and ask to speak with his counselor. So sorry.
Wow. When it rains, it really pours. I agree with everyone's advice below, to consult the counselor as to how best to bring this news to his attention, and request that they keep him at the rehab for a few extra days to cope with this, surrounded by those who know grief and the desire to turn to addiction during such times. They will be best equipped to assist him through this process, and of course, I would make every effort to visit him as frequently as possible so he knows you share in his pain. Very sorry about this, it must be very difficult for you. Positive thoughts and may you all find peace during this time.
