PUT DRUG MONEY TO BETTER USE

Heart to Heart is a column for individuals and families struggling with
addictions. It appears on the last Tuesday of each month.

Dear Heart: I am 20 years old. I have lived with my boyfriend of 1 year and
my 3-month-old son. I am a regular pot smoker and I smoke several times a
day. I used to drink but am unable to control it. I constantly fight with
my boyfriend over stupid small issues that get turned into huge fights
where he leaves or we scream and it really gets out of control.

There is no physical violence involved. I feel irritable when I don't
smoke. I think this may be the cause of some of our problems. However, I
don't know what to do. I don't have the money to pay for counseling or any
of that stuff. I want to do what's right for my son. I want a healthy
relationship. I want a family. Reading your articles made me think that
maybe weed is the reason nothing is going right in my life. I feel like I'm
calling for help and everyone hears me but they just pass by leaving me
feeling helpless, confused and depressed.

I can't live like this anymore. With my financial condition being what it
is right now, can you suggest anything I can do? I am all ears.

- - Jennifer

Dear Jennifer: How much money do you spend on pot? Stop buying pot. Now you
have enough money for the help you need and say you want. It is certainly
the action your son needs and deserves. If you are truly "all ears," then
take yourself to AA and people will stop passing you by. They understand
what you're going through because of personal experience. They have changed
their lives and they stopped the horrific effects their behavior had on the
innocent children and others who tried to love them. This is the only way I
know for you to get out of the hell you are in.