A Mother's Struggle: Shelly Summers on Involuntary Commitment
Nothing could have prepared me for what he would go through as his addiction evolved. And as his disease progressed, so did my overwhelming fear, anxiety, anger, pain...
Shelly Summers opens up about a particularly harrowing chapter in her life—when she had to make the tough decision to have her son, Joseph, involuntarily committed. In this episode of 'Recovering from My Child's Addiction,' Shelly sorts through the emotional and bureaucratic labyrinth of Joseph's medical and legal records from December 2018, a time when his addiction had spiraled out of control.
Joseph, who has battled addiction since being prescribed ADHD medication nearly a decade ago, faced severe mood swings, non-compliance with his treatment, and suicidal thoughts. Shelly recounts the heart-wrenching process of filling out an affidavit to request his commitment for mental health and drug abuse treatment. Her story vividly illustrates the intense fear, anxiety, and helplessness that parents often feel as they navigate the complexities of their child's addiction.
This episode sheds light on the difficult decisions families must make and emphasizes the critical need for seeking professional help. Shelly's raw and honest account serves as a beacon of hope for other parents in similar situations, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.