Helping nephew (w/response)

July 1, 2012

I need some advice as to how to help my 10-year-old nephew. His mom just showed

me his medication today and it is approximately 10 pills each day.

I'm sorry I don't have all the names, but there were three for " keeping him

calm " , 4 for constant headaches, and 2 seizure pills because she said she

thought he " zones out " sometimes. I don't know if she is getting all these from

one doctor or many, but he seems so drugged to me and he slurs his speech.

Everyone in the extended family agrees that he has never had a problem before

all this medication.

His mom likes him on all these medications because it is easier for her that

way, but it is breaking my heart. They live in a different city, so I don't

know his doctors or teachers etc, but they came to visit today and I can't stand

to sit by and watch. I don't know how to help him if his mom is not willing to

listen. Any ideas?>>

* It's impossible to help a child when the parent doesn't see it as a

problem. It's a terrible, helpless feeling.

A long shot would be to call the family together and set up an intervention

with the Mom. Have everyone tell her what they see. Don't be critical. Do it

lovingly. She will be defensive so it is important to be gentle.

You could also give her a couple of books to read. I recommend:

Mad in America by Whitaker

Your Drug May Be Your Problem by Breggin

Here are websites for both.

Breggin's site: www.breggin.com

Regards,

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