How can I help my boyfriend with an addiction?!
Question: How can I help my boyfriend with an addiction.?
The issue is, my boyfriend recently admitted he may be addicted to percocet. He had broken his leg last August and was prescribed them for he pain and became dependent on them. He swears he doesn't take them everyday but I know he does more frequently then not just by the way his eyes look. Well now he has come to me for help and support and I would love to help him get through this because it often causes problems in our relationship. Trouble is, I have never experienced what he is going through and I have never had a problem with any kind of drug. I am actually for the most part against drugs so its hard for me to relate to him or be the understanding girlfriend. He complains of his legs being restless at night and his whole mood changes a lot. He isn't mentally addicted he is more like physically addicted. He has brought up a drug called Saboxin that he thinks will help him. My thought on this is, treating a drug by replacing it with another drug.?.?.? I wish I knew more and searching it on the internet hasn't really given me detailed information of people who have used it and their outcome. If anyone has been through this or can shed some light on this Id really appreciate it... Thanks so much!Health Question & Answer
Answers:
I have been through the same horror with my ex for 5 years and the most important thing to keep in mind is that YOU can not change him, he needs to be the one to help himself!! You can always do an intervention with his friends, family and yourself to get him into a detox or rehad center. After that it is up you HIM. Do not give him money, hid your bank cards, credit cards, protect yourself! Drug addicts know how to manipulate, steal and lie like no other. With Saboxins, my ex tried these's as well. What they do it block the effects of getting high, even if he tries to get high. In other words it will get him physically sick if he takes any pills.
What people like these needs is lots of professional treatment, you can not do it. I thought I was and it got me no where but bankrupt and depressed. If he does everything like going to AA or NA meeting and is proactive in his recovery, then there is hope. If not, then move on NOW! Health Question & Answer
What people like these needs is lots of professional treatment, you can not do it. I thought I was and it got me no where but bankrupt and depressed. If he does everything like going to AA or NA meeting and is proactive in his recovery, then there is hope. If not, then move on NOW! Health Question & Answer
Before you do something, make sure you have his doctor's consent about anything since they know what the best thing for their patient. If he's really into that drugs I guess its time for him to go to rehab.Health Question & Answer
A support group would help him more than anythingHealth Question & Answer
Percocet are VERY addictive and going cold turkey is not the answer. You both need to sit down and come up with a plan. Here is what I did with a friend of mine that was hooked on them. First and most importantantly your boyfriend needs to be very honest in how many he is taking a day. If he is lying this won't work. So the best way to get off them is to be "weened" off. Here is what I did for my friend. Let's say he is taking them 4 times a day. Make sure he is taking them spaced out - remember Percocet's do not stay in your system like other drugs they wear off. Divide the 4 he takes over the day so he consistently has something in his system.
Week 1
one in the morning(space these out based on the time he wakes up)
one in the afternoon
one at dinner
one before bed.
Week 2
one in the morning (space out again)
one LATER in the afternoon (obviously (space out the time)
one before bed.
Week 3
one in the morning (space out again)
one before bed.
Week 4
one before bed.
Week 5
Every other day
My friend was weened off by Week 6. Was it easy.? No. He has to be willing to feel some pain - if he wants to get off them he has to do some work. The best thing for you is to be supportive - good luck to you both. Again, this is just my experience - he may need professional help.
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Week 1
one in the morning(space these out based on the time he wakes up)
one in the afternoon
one at dinner
one before bed.
Week 2
one in the morning (space out again)
one LATER in the afternoon (obviously (space out the time)
one before bed.
Week 3
one in the morning (space out again)
one before bed.
Week 4
one before bed.
Week 5
Every other day
My friend was weened off by Week 6. Was it easy.? No. He has to be willing to feel some pain - if he wants to get off them he has to do some work. The best thing for you is to be supportive - good luck to you both. Again, this is just my experience - he may need professional help.
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a pill addiction is very hard to kick. luckily he hasn't been taking then that long. the body is used to having a crutch to fall alseep thats why he feels so restless at night now, tell him to just kind of suck it u for now a couple weeks and he wil be ok there is no need for that blocker drug you mentioned as long as he wasn't hardcore but I do not see how he could have built up such a tolerance for them in such a short period of time.Health Question & Answer
I am sorry to read about your situation. I imagine that you are feeling very anxious. I suggest that you go to an Al-Anon or Nar-Anon (for family and friends of alcoholics and addicts) to find out what you can do for yourself in this situation. Understanding your role in the situation will reduce your anxiety, allow you to seek out alternatives, and will indirectly help the person addicted. These groups are free and you can find the time and place for the meetings nearest you either on their web pages or in your local phone book. Good luck!Health Question & Answer