Pain Pill Addiction: Methadone Detox Facts

Question: Pain pill addiction?

(Posted by: AL on 2008-08-18 13:46:34)

My husband broke his heel in Febuary and has been using pain pills for pain relief. I feel that he now has an addiction because I caught him snorting them, he has severe moodswings and depression when he does not have them. I would like some advice on what to do. Thanks

Posted by: DAWN P on 2008-08-18, 14:03:01

Well your feelings are right. For one thing he is abusing the pain med is a fashion not intended by his doctor. So now your in for rough road what to do ? you can try talking to him but i don't see that working he's not going to admit he's using pain meds for a high and he's is going to give you every excuse he can think of to convince you he's not addicted. that puts you in a horrible spot. I've heard that doctors can now treat opioid dependance right in the office you may have to resort to calling his doctor and talking to the doctor yourself -- heck i would if that was my husbend -- nothing would stand in my way of saving someone i love with all my heart -- make the tough calls and get this man off the pills this is August if he's still having problems with that foot maybe you should go see the Dr. with him ???

Posted by: ms.lix on 2008-08-18, 14:07:18

Most people see pain pill addictions as less threatenng compared to other addictions..that is wrong ! My best advice is this.. try to reason with him im sure you scared and concerned for his well being, but remeber when dealing with people with addiction you must always show compassion and love..yelling and negative only gives them an excuse to continue feeling sorry for themselfs and thus forth enabling their condition. He very well is in denial of the whole situation its a very commen thing.. show him that he doesnt need these drugs to continue his life... that he lived fine befor without them..maybe compromise with him at first and slowly lower his dose and over time wein him from them...worst case senario you`ll have to try to reason with him to check himself into a rehab..however im sure that with the right guidance and your love and reasoning he`ll turn around...hope this helps hun.. best luck for the both of you

Posted by: cynical14ever on 2008-08-21, 12:32:59

You don’t say what pill he has been prescribed, but yes he is abusing them. Whether he is addicted or not, only he knows the answer to that question. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do other than encourage him to talk to his doctor about a plan to taper off of them, go cold turkey, or go on Suboxone (depending on what pill he is taking, how much, how often). And, you can also encourage him to see an addiction doctor, join AA or NA, and seek therapy and counseling. Don’t look for him to be open and honest when you ask questions, once addiction takes over insanity walks in and he will do whatever he has to, to protect his drug use. Don’t take it personal, because it isn’t, it’s just the way it is. You can express your feelings and set your boundaries (ones you are willing to enforce). But, don’t have expectations of anything you may say making a difference. You can’t reason with him, you can’t force him, you can’t beg him, and you sure can’t love him clean. You can’t save him. Period. Only he can save himself, with the help of professionals and others who have some degree of sobriety themselves. This isn’t yours, as much as you love him you can’t fight this battle for him. You can support his recovery, but not his addiction. What can you do? Educate yourself on addiction, the drug he is taking, read all you can on codependency and enabling. Anything can become an excuse to use. Don’t live your life walking on eggshells watching to make sure each and every word you say is loving and full of compassion, that’s crap, nothing you say or do will make him use or not use. You can take care of yourself, get some face to face support through AlAnon or NarAnon and work on your recovery, yes YOURS. Addiction is a family disease.