How do I Break the Cycle of Enabling?

by Darcie
(Ottawa, OH)

My son is 29 years old and I have been enabling him his whole life. He is an alcohlic and drug user. He's been in trouble with the law, reckless ops, Dui's, theft, etc. He got out of prison in March and has been living with me.

My family is tired of my enabling and have cut me out of their lives. I have a deadline for my son to leave and gave him choice: homeless or go the Salvation Army Rehab Center. He chooses homeless...but he will not just go away peacefully, he will continue to bug and call me for money and help.

How do I break this cycle, he does not have a job or any money. He did get his GED and has a drivers license and a truck to drive. I would be OK with him staying until he gets a job but the family has deadlines.

What am I supposed to do, just turn my back...there are no homeless shelters in the area I live.