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What happens when your sweet, funny, smart, enthusiastic child turns out to have a mental illness? Where do you go for help? Who do you turn to for advice? And what if those institutions and experts fail you and more importantly, fail your young adult? What happens when everywhere you look for help or support you come up disappointed and alone? 

In today’s episode we hear from a couple whose family, much like any of ours, has been turned upside down because of a drastic change in their son’s mental health, subsequent drug issues, and the failure of our mental health systems that we assume are trained well enough to handle these challenges.

It is a silent struggle we bring a voice to today.   The Holtons bear their souls, recounting their son Patrick's descent from youthful athleticism to one ensnared by the clutches of dextromethorphan abuse.  Sometimes called Robo-Tripping.  The drug of choice is Robitussin, easily accessible over the counter to just about anyone.

Their narrative addresses the sometimes treacherous waters of the healthcare system, the cold reality of guardianship rights, and the isolation that so often accompanies mental health crises.

The Holten share their story in hopes that it will help other families with a young adult facing similar challenges.  They suggest support networks such as NAMI and and the necessity of perseverance when confronting mental illness and substance abuse. 

Their experiences shed light on the significance of seeking the right medical advice, staying the course despite heartbreak, and cherishing the moments of joy amidst the pain. 

Links: https://www.nami.org

A big thank you to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.  Send your thoughts to [email protected] and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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