Druggie girl drags down my loving son

own life and persevere with his relationship despite all its problems. It must be dreadfully painful for her parents, and you, to see all of this happening and to feel so powerless.

You are powerless when it comes to drugs – there is very little family can do, and often the more they try, the more they feel exposed and exhausted financially and emotionally. The drug taker has to turn their own life around.

Ask your son how he would like you to help. Tell him you love him, you’re proud of him and want him to find happiness.

By the sound of it, he already knows what sort of help his girlfriend needs, and knows how to access it. All you can do is support him.

Don’t judge him or lecture him, it won’t help, you won’t change his mind and it will only undermine his determination. Your fears about a possible pregnancy are understandable, not the least for the health of the child. But again, it is your son’s life, he knows the risks and he has the right to live the way his instincts dictate. Nothing wrong with a few wise words from you but don’t overdo it or you’ll drive him away. There are lots of organisations and charities to help family and friends of drugs users – read up on these and join in. See famanon.org.uk for more.

There is very little that families can do. It is up to drug takers to turn their own lives around