“A Different Approach for Different Folks”
(or How to Prevent Drug Use in a Mentally Challenged Child)

As the parent of a mentally challenged child, it might be easy to assume that the element of chemical use and dependency is non-existent. This would be a perfect example of “stinking non-thinking”.

Because my child is considered a high functioning MR, I feel strongly that it would actually be easier for him to be drawn into the drug-culture more so than a lower functioning mentally challenged person. Low functioning MRs are usually more quiet and withdrawn, making them much more unapproachable. My child, on the other hand, is extremely social and is on a mission to bring as much joy as possible to the people he has contact with on a daily basis. In this quest to be well-liked, my child becomes more accepted in the world of “normals”.

Furthermore, my child learns best with the help of visual aids. My child makes observations by seeing how people act, therefore I seize every opportunity to point out people to observe who are clearly under the influence of some mind altering drug and/or alcohol.

“ Ewwww, that’s yucky, Mom!” is the usual reaction I hear. “I don’t want to be like that” and the door of opportunity swings widely open to instruct on how to avoid becoming a “Dopey Do-Badder”.

My child has also developed a keen dislike for the hospital which most likely results from my being hospitalized in the past. I have explained to him that persons who become dependent on those “feel good” drugs end up in the hospital for long periods of time and that the “feel good” part is actually a trick to make you sick.

We also have someone in our family who is recovering from chemical and alcohol dependence and my child remember all too well when this relative was a horrible person due to their addictions before they received the help they desperately needed. A very dear friend also has had problems with alcohol. Because the ugliness of addiction as affected the lives of people we love, my child knows first hand that this affliction doesn’t just plague “bad” people but the best of people - ones we love and admire. That is precisely why we do not accept anything to eat or drink from anyone we do not know and trust.

I thank God every day for the blessings of being my child’s mother. It is my duty as a Christian and as a mother with a special needs child to provide education and information my child needs to make good decisions when faced with a dilemma. My child depends on my good decision making and in return, it is my child that keeps me being the person that both of us can love and depend upon.

Phase V client at Walker Recovery

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