i need help

[helpmee]

i think my dad may just be addicted to drugs, it is hard to tell because he suffers from depression and anxiety aswell. not to mention he may have a drinking problem that occurs in bouts over long periods of times. he behaves differently and has mad mood swings. there are times when he becomes angry over minor issues like a messy room and loses it. when he's angry and speak he clenches his teeth almost and it's like he is slurring his words. he wont sleep all night and leave during the oddest hours. when he is awake at night he will get a large amount of food but only eat a bit of it. then he will sleep for the next few days. he can be very paraniod sometimes. he is never wrong and always has excuses for his behaviours. he will say something when he is angry and wont remember it at all, sometimes he goes on about stuff that doesnt even make any sense. my family and i choose to believe it is because he had been in a car accident and maybe a few screws went loose. does anyone know if it is drugs i would greatly appreciate any help i can get

[sara3]

his behaviour is erratic, but it would take a medical professional to diagnose such a problem. how old are you, and what other adults live with you?

[helpmee]

i'm twenty and i also live with my mother.

[sara3]

are there any health professionals involved?

[helpmee]

he spoke to a counsellor regarding other issues but the drug addiction is on the DL.

[sara3]

DL?

[helpmee]

down low; as in no one knows about it, only my family suspects it may exist.

[sara3]

never heard that one before!

have a look here, there are links to local support groups and advice lines. best of luck x

http://www.talktofrank.com/section.aspx?ID=112

[helpmee]

thank you!

[karenmac60]

You said he was in a car accident - did he receive a head injury? Brain injuries can cause massive personality changes and that could account for his odd behaviour. It could also be a mental health issue - you said he suffers from depression, could it be Bipolar Disorder or something? The problem is that because of his mood swings and failure to ackowledge a problem, it would be very difficult to get him to speak to a doctor or other qualified professional who could get to the bottom of things. I wish you all the best.