Gift for a loved one with a drug problem?

[chiefmickeymouse]

It's been a hard year, and two family members have gotten themselves in trouble with drugs. These are adults, and both have been in treatment but I don't know what to do about gifts. Other family members have said not to give money (although they both need money the most) because they might buy drugs with it. I thought about gift cards...I'm not sure. It seems even those could be used to buy drugs if you tried hard enough. Any suggestions?

 

[eliza61]

How about a gift that is not brought. One of my siblings is a recovery alcoholic and I gotta tell you when he was off the wagon, giving him a gift was the last thing on my mind.

Anyhoo, I never gave money (still don't) but I would invite him over (soberity being a must) for a good dinner. things like that.

 

[shells4]

+1 on no money or gift cards. What do they need? Can you buy them a bag of groceries, stock their freezer, Prepaid phone, clothing.....I'm sure there are many gifts that would be helpful to them.

 

[chiefmickeymouse]

Those are all good ideas, but these are people who live in a different state that I do and I won't see them at Christmas. Maybe I should send a warm jacket or something like that.

 

[LuLuO]

I wouldn't send anything that could be returned for cash or store credit. I would send them homemade baked goods - cookies, breads, etc.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Those are all good ideas, but these are people who live in a different state that I do and I won't see them at Christmas. Maybe I should send a warm jacket or something like that.

Just send a card with a hand written note.

 

[CurlyGirl]

Magazine subscription? Local newspaper subscription?

 

[denisenh]

It's been a hard year, and two family members have gotten themselves in trouble with drugs. These are adults, and both have been in treatment but I don't know what to do about gifts. Other family members have said not to give money (although they both need money the most) because they might buy drugs with it. I thought about gift cards...I'm not sure. It seems even those could be used to buy drugs if you tried hard enough. Any suggestions?

how about an inspirational book and a soft music CD or aromatherapy heating pad or other environmental relaxation tool? a self teaching meditation book or yoga instructional? start them towards healthy living and alternative ways to deal with sadness/stress etc.
or gift cards or certificates to local healthy restaurants.

 

[Art 1]

They will sell almost anything, including food. Whatever you get remove all the tags and don't give them a gift receipt.

 

[LuLuO]

Just send a card with a hand written note.

This is the best idea of the bunch.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I like the idea of baked goods and/or other homemade items. I might stick in a daily meditations book geared towards 12-step recovery. They're not preachy and are readings that anyone can enjoy and learn from, but it might be a nice gift idea for them.

It's great that they have gone to treatment, but treatment alone will not keep them sober. Unfortunately I know firsthand about drug abuse (pills) and stay clean and sober myself with the support of my family and friends, 12-step meetings, and daily reading. I've learned that life without crutches is WAY better and more fun than my life before. My bottom was not low, thankfully, so I don't have any lingering health consequences, but your emotional (and not co-dependent) support will help. It's great that you're putting thought into getting them something they need and can't easily sell for drugs.

 

[MrsDuck]

I wouldn't send anything that could be returned for cash or store credit. I would send them homemade baked goods - cookies, breads, etc.

This.

Or, just the card.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I am with the note and baked goods people.

Dh cousin has "issues" too and we talked about it and said if we sent her money she would just use it on alcohol etc.

So we just sent her an encouraging note and card.

You are thoughtful for thinking of them.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

This is tough because they are out of town. For my brother I bought him groceries and we had him to our house for dinner once a week. I was going to suggest some kind of food of the month, but I did not even think that they could re-sell this. Because of this I would go with the homemade baked goods. I would skip the motivational type of card/book. My mother sent these to my brother and he hated them.

 

[Kellydelly]

Well what do you usually send these adult relatives that don't live in the same state? Are these siblings? If not I am thinking don't send anything . Or send a nice food gift.

 

[mefordis]

I think a food gift would be nice. Tea or Coffee gift basket. Zingerman's has a lot of nice stuff:

http://www.zingermans.com

 

[Bluestars]

You could make a gift basket with items like snacks, popcorn, candy, homemade cookies, body wash, maybe a $10 gift card to a place like McDonald's or Subway, a throw blanket, a T-shirt, or similar small items. If the items were all inexpensive, but things the person would use, I think it would make a great gift.

Also, a gift card to a grocery store might make a good gift.

 

[101DalmFan]

I think a small box of homemade cookies or fudge or something like that, accompanied by a card and a handwritten note wishing them well for 2012 and beyond, and perhaps another note that a donation has been made in their name to a local (or national) charity. Maybe one that deals with recovering addicts.

I'm pretty sure it will mean the world to them to know that you're thinking of them during the holidays and haven't just forgotten them or written them off.

 

[burnurcomputer]

If you can figure out what utilites they have, you could pay a portion of a bill that is due or upcomming. Its not that hard to figgure it out

 

[Swan4Me]

Well what do you usually send these adult relatives that don't live in the same state? Are these siblings? If not I am thinking don't send anything . Or send a nice food gift.

I agree-my siblings and I dont exchange gifts anymore

So why are you worrying about it?