My friend is addicted to vicodin needs HELP fast can someone tell me were to get help He has no insurance?

Question

I really need to help my 62 yr friend; he suffers from arthritis is taking vicodin. he is now addicted His Dr. stop all his medicine He is now having a very hard time dealing with out His pills has no medical benefits at this time, but he is in the process of getting his medic-cal needs the help now.
I live in
Wilmington, CA

Answer 1

Most Counties in California have Health Departments. Look them up under local government in your phone book. I know in Riverside County we have free service for mental health care for low income residents. I assume most other counties have this available. Explain your friend's situation to them and they will refer you to the proper facility. He should go into rehab asap. You are a wonderful person to help this poor man out. I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 2

Just continue the treatment. Addiction is a learned problem. People will mistake dependence with addiction and there after classify them selves as an addict. Now you mention he is not getting any medical benefits from the treatment and in that case then treatment can be discontinued but it will have to be taperd. If he is getting a benifit from taking them then have him find another doctor that will give him more Vicodin. He should also not have a problem getting methadone for the actual pain. Check him into the ER before you allow him to go through the withdrawls. This in itself could kill someone of that age (no offense) SOMETHING THAT IS VERY IMPRTNANT THAT YOU LEFT OUT IS..IS HE ABUSING THE VICODIN AND THEN.. if so that could still be confused with someone desperate for relief. There may not even be a problem here...

Answer 3

County of Los Angeles

I don't now a location near Wilmington, but there are locations all over LA County. Look up LA County Mental Health. For example there is one on Live Oak in Arcadia. If absolutely necessary, he can just go there.

As an alternative, call the supervisor's office, for that area probably Don Knabe, and ask them where.

Or an emergency room.

Treat it as a medical emergency and don't let anyone make him be ashamed.