Dear Amy: I am a woman in my 40s. I am very successful in my career and life. My mother is in her 70s. She is very unhealthy – she has always been unhealthy (mainly due to lack of exercise and improper diet).
Due to health issues, she has recently been prescribed opioids.
My opinion is that she uses them as a crutch. Instead of eating right and exercising, she takes another medication.
When I told my father, her caretaker, about this, he became furious and accused me of being a drug addict (yes, I smoke weed sometimes).
I think opioids are horribly dangerous, but I've seen too many people overdosing on them to be satisfied.
What should I do if something happens?
– upset
Concern: You seem to be blaming your mother for health problems that you think can be solved with exercise and diet.
You don't mention being a doctor or nutritionist, but you actually don't seem to know what your mother's medical issues are or why she was prescribed opioids.
Your attitude is actually similar to your father's.
You assume she is addicted to opioids and he assumes you are addicted to marijuana, when in reality you both may be using these substances in appropriate doses.
If you want to make a decision, you should learn about her condition and treatments and help care for her.
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