I have a relative who is addicted to Oxycontin. He started taking it for a back injury and it developed in to abuse. He says that when he tries to quit he freaks (shaking, sweating, vomiting) and can't function in any normal manner. He spent two oe three weeks at a well known clinic for detox, came home and started using again. He then spent another 4 days in a different detox situation. (I don't know what happened there) Now he's home and using again.
This isn't the kind of man you expect to this. He's got a beautiful home, three small girls and a wife. He's just hooked on these pills and he's destroying his life and family. As his relative I want very much to help him somehow. Can anyone offer advice? Inpatient treatment for a longer period of time is possible, but other than that? Anyone here ever recovered from this type of addiction? Please help if you can...
He HAS threatened suicide because he says he feels so bad when he's NOT on the medication...His kids need him.
2007-01-23 03:11:25 · 3 answers · asked by kherome 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Look for Suboxone. My husband was an oxycontin addict for years - even to a point of crushing/snorting. He took Suboxone directly after detox and without it, I'm not sure where we'd be. Suboxone can also be addictive, but if he finds a good doctor, he will be closely monitored. The Suboxone will take the cravings away and the edge off. It'll help him relax so that he can focus on the emotional toll and/or financial toll that his addiction took on himself and his family. Doctors have to be specifically certified to dispense suboxone - they have to have so many hours of Drug Rehabilitation education, etc.
Try the Suboxone website for more info. I'm telling you honestly, without it, we probably would not have my husband today. Most insurance plans do cover it and he'll probably need to be on it anywhere from 3 months to 2 years depending on the level of his addiction and the mental/emotional level that needs to be healed.
2007-01-23 03:28:36 · answer #1 · answered by sandyh1977 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oxycontin is a widely used pain pill but IS extremely addictive, easily sold on the streets and is HIGHLY lethal. Withdrawal is like that of heroin. He needs good medical detox and also LONG TERM follow up. In patient detox of 5 days just doesn't make it. He may need long term (30+ days) of rehab followed by Narcotics Anon. He has to be highly motivated as "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink." He has to want this as much as his family does. If he doesn't want to quit, he won't.
You might try talking to his Dr. first. You Can also talk with people from Narcotics Anan. Look it up in the phone book. You may get some good help there.
Most importantly is his family (wife and others) will definately benefi from AlaNon. (phone book). This helps them o be able to learn to cope with their own feelings regarding this and helps to support them while he either continues, dies, or whatever. It is a family illness, not justhisw, and Alanon is for the family to learn to help themselves. Best of luck to all of you.
2007-01-23 03:28:55 · answer #2 · answered by sweet sue 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes,my daughters boyfriend is hooked too. Ultram or Tramadol will help them kick better. Wellbutrin is another way to kick them.It is to hard for a working addict to kick without something.
2007-01-23 03:27:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋