In southwest Florida, the mother of a kindergartner named Hope is in court fighting to keep her daughter from foster care after allegations were brought up against her regarding substance abuse in the home. Her voice quivers as she fights back tears and says “I quit using for my daughter. She’s my whole world right now.” This is not the first time she has been in this predicament and sadly, this is not the first time that little Hope has seen the inside of a courtroom. It is clear that this mother has been struggling with drug addiction and was able to find a reason to quit; however, she is in the same place again, facing the same consequence. When asked about the drugs and needles that were found in the home this time around she said, “I wasn’t under the influence of anything except my prescription.” It seems that if a doctor prescribes someone a pill, then it is legitimate; however, many of these prescribed pills are quite addictive and abused by those that fall into the pill trap. Judge James Seals of Lee County, Florida reports that he has witnessed many parents fighting for their parental rights after charges were made against them for child neglect while being intoxicated by prescription pills. It is essential to treat prescription drug addiction because it is a complex process that incorporates several components such as:
- Detoxification
- Medication Management
- Individual and Family Counseling
- Relapse Prevention
