To spread the word, I wrote about our family’s experience in an article in the New York Times Magazine. I wanted to plead with them not to deny what’s in front of their eyes and waste no time in intervening. I wanted to forewarn other parents, so they’d know, yes, it can happen to you. I didn’t think my son could become addicted, but he had. Like most people I knew, I thought drug addicts were the kinds of people we see in doorways in neighbourhoods most of us try to avoid – people obviously strung out, often homeless and possibly psychotic.

I’d been caught off guard when he became addicted.

This cycle continued for an interminable decade until, after half a dozen treatment programmes, Nic stayed sober for a year and a half. Each time I felt hopeful, but he quickly relapsed after being discharged. Nic’s drug use would be interrupted by catastrophes – overdoses and arrests – and I was able to get him into rehab programmes. We don’t know if your son’s going to make it.” Another ER doctor called one predawn and said: “Mr Sheff, you’d better get down here. Once, an ER doctor called to say he might have to amputate Nic’s arm, which had become infected because of IV drug use. Every time I thought it couldn’t get worse, it did. He broke into our home, stole from us and even from his beloved little brother, Jasper. Nic became addicted, and his life – and mine – went into freefall. He didn’t know it was possible to feel so alive. He now says that everything changed for him when a friend gave him crystal methamphetamine. Nic’s drug use escalated and, by the time he was 17, he’d tried pretty much every one you can name. Wedding plans are finalised but could someone from Caroline's past threaten their happiness?Īlice's enstranged brother Rowan, has installed himself at Mara making the rivalry between the two reserves more intense than ever.What was going on? What I now know is that though on the outside it appeared that Nic was doing well, he suffered inside, plagued by self-doubt, anxiety and depression. Back among the lions, giraffes and elephants, love is continueing to blossom for Danny Trevanion and fellow vet Alice Collins, but will Danny have the courage to commit to her? Throughout the series the pair will face many challenges, not least the pressure of working together and Alice makes some difficuolt decisions about her future at Leopards Den.Īfter a turbulent courtship, everyone's favourite gruff Afrikaner, Anders Du Plessis, is set to marry his beloved Caroline.

Wild at heart cast steve