TOUGH love.
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It's a concept many have heard of and often find hard to implement.
However, that was the message presented by Peter Lyndon-James, a former meth addict and dealer, who now runs the country's strictest and successful rehabilitation centre, during a free workshop in Leeton recently.
Mr Lyndon-James spoke bluntly about his background, saying he was dealing up to 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine every day and was in trouble with the law from the age of eight.
From his experiences, he tells participants how he was able to get his life back on track and offered some vital advice when it came to dealing with family members, particularly young people, who are addicted to drugs.
"Basically, you've got to cut the cord and let them go," Mr Lyndon-James said.
"If you're judging them and criticising your child or family member, it's only going to make them go further down the rebellion path.
"It's hard, but they need to hit that rock bottom and decide for themselves that they need help.
"I know, I've been there. Criticising and telling them what to do doesn't help anyone.
"Parents need to stop enabling their children. I see it all of the time. It's not helping."
Mr Lyndon-James' seminar at the Roxy Theatre was well attended by all facets of the community, as well as by councillors and mayor Paul Maytom.
It was made possible thanks to the staff from the Leeton Community Op Shop, who deal with addiction, drugs and the associated consequences every day through their work with residents.
Mr Lyndon-James said his aim was to equip parents, family members and the community with the knowledge of how they should be acting around someone they know who may have a drug addiction.
His "tough love" approach may be difficult at first, but he said it was a necessary pain.
"Have a burger with them, have a coffee, talk to them, but walk away," Mr Lyndon-James said.
"The more you push them, the more they will turn to the drugs. They feel like they aren't good enough.
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"You might walk away sad, but we need them to come to the realisation they have a problem. That's when they come to us."
He said his main message was "not to enable" a drug addict.
"That's the main thing I want to get across," Mr Lyndon-James said.
"I think the message was very well received in Leeton.
"The feedback we've received has been fantastic."
For more information about his work visit www.peterlyndonjames.com.au.
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