Hello,
After much pain and heartache, my husband admitted himself to outpatient rehab last week. He will be going to a gr ou p session for 5 days a week from 6 to 9 and seeing a doctor once a week. I am so proud if him for taking this step and am trying to stay positive. Tonight, I heard the back door open (a sound I am familiar with and associate with his use). As I walk into the living room he says, I was looking for weed to smoke but I guess that might not be a good idea will it? I tried not to get angry but I was dumbfounded. Can someone please give me insight, I don't know if he was going to smoke an d I caught him or if he really second guessed himself. I know relapse is always a part of recovery, but I never k ow what my reaction should be. His drug of choice is opioids.. not weed. I just think he still doesn't get it...
I knew someone who was desperately trying to kick heroin and to help themselves out would smoke the leaves from the weed plant. It did work for some time but after 3or4 months they got back on heroin. My mother and I both know a few ppl who have kicked heroin by over loading themselves with methamphetamine. Because heroin is tougher drug to use then methamphetamine. Even though they have a new habit ,they lost the heroin habit. Sorry I couldn't be more help.
Dear Chris,
The great obsession of every abnormal drinker, pothead, or addict - is the idea they can resume usage like it was in the early days (when it was fun, and the highs were great). This is a notion that must be destroyed. It takes a lot of time to work a good recovery program. This is up to the addict/alcoholic - and only them. There is nothing you can do, except learning to set and enforce boundaries.
For you, Al Anon or NAR Anon will provide good orderly direction on how to live your life on life's terms - without the behavior or another person dictating your emotions (up, down, or sideways). There should be a meeting near you. I have dozens of friends who cite their everyday sanity and happiness on these programs. Please don't try this yourself. This message board is a good first step, but it is no substitute to working a good family support program.
The great obsession of every abnormal drinker, pothead, or addict - is the idea they can resume usage like it was in the early days (when it was fun, and the highs were great). This is a notion that must be destroyed. It takes a lot of time to work a good recovery program. This is up to the addict/alcoholic - and only them. There is nothing you can do, except learning to set and enforce boundaries.
For you, Al Anon or NAR Anon will provide good orderly direction on how to live your life on life's terms - without the behavior or another person dictating your emotions (up, down, or sideways). There should be a meeting near you. I have dozens of friends who cite their everyday sanity and happiness on these programs. Please don't try this yourself. This message board is a good first step, but it is no substitute to working a good family support program.
One more thought:
I know the personal stories of about 250 recovering alcoholics and addicts. 249 of them were tempted with, or actually did, weed as an "alternative" in early recovery. I don't know a single person who was "successful" with this approach. Very quickly they were back to old habits, only this time the habit has gotten worse - which is a marker of the disease.
Again, Al Anon or NAR Anon are essential for you if you plan to stick with this relationship.
I know the personal stories of about 250 recovering alcoholics and addicts. 249 of them were tempted with, or actually did, weed as an "alternative" in early recovery. I don't know a single person who was "successful" with this approach. Very quickly they were back to old habits, only this time the habit has gotten worse - which is a marker of the disease.
Again, Al Anon or NAR Anon are essential for you if you plan to stick with this relationship.
Thank you both for your replies.
I know he is trying and it is extremely hard work. I have also.realized I have a lot of work to do on myself. I think loving an addict is one of the hardest challenges life can throw. I am going to take one day at a time and try to stay positive. I always struggle with support and enabling. I know he is ashamed and holds a lot of self hatred. Hopefully this rehab program will jump start his recovery.
I know he is trying and it is extremely hard work. I have also.realized I have a lot of work to do on myself. I think loving an addict is one of the hardest challenges life can throw. I am going to take one day at a time and try to stay positive. I always struggle with support and enabling. I know he is ashamed and holds a lot of self hatred. Hopefully this rehab program will jump start his recovery.
I don't know you but your story sounds so close to mine. I hope your husband can get help thru out patient but my husband tried out patient three times. He had been snorting for a year. It wasn't enough for him. IMHO. out patient doesn't seem effective enough for heroin users. This is only my opinion, and I hope things are different for you, but trust your gut. I went against mine for far too long and it didn't benefit us. Good luck on your journey. My husband finally entered out patient and has been clean since July 5. This is the hardest thing I have ever dealt with so if I can help you in any way, please reach out.
I too struggle with support and I see his self hatred. One thing I am slowly starting to see though is that while he is ashamed of his use, it won't keep him from using again. It just seems to make him continue to lie. I feel like loving a heroin addict is as painful as being one. The entire time they are using and we are worried and losing sleep, they are still out using.
This is what Narcotics Anonymous says about alcohol and other substances :
http://www.na.org/admin/include/spa...0it%20Works.pdf
Nar-Anon can help you get your life back and deal with your addict partner.
All the best.
Bob R
http://www.na.org/admin/include/spa...0it%20Works.pdf
Nar-Anon can help you get your life back and deal with your addict partner.
All the best.
Bob R
