Hello all. I just joined the boards today. I have a question (or 10 or 15) I have been taking Vicodin for about 3 years on and off (mostly on) But I have never upped my dose, run out before my next appt. etc.... Trust me I am NOT saying that my body and even my mind is not addicted to them. From all I have read I am more than sure they are. I can go more than a day and have no withdraw tho. I think that is a good sign.
Ok.....just trying to give you all the back ground. My husband started seeing my Dr. for Back Pain and began receiving Vicodin as well. Maybe 2 1/2 years now. I saw where I wrote in my journal 2 years ago that he was running out way before the script was due. For the past 6 or so months I have been watching him (he keeps his pills in a back pack that he won't let out of his sight) We still have our younger children (11+7) at home and he claims that is why he keeps them this way~ *OK, I may be slow but we keep ALL other meds, knives, sharp pointy things up high and forget it. I never saw him take the butcher knives to and from the bathroom just because he was being such a good dad. I also realised after awhile I was beginning to run out of my vicodin (all other scripts I take never ran short) or 10 -20 at a time were missing (even blamed my older kids (sadly accused them to their faces) Starting to figure out what was going on I found his truck keys early in the AM Oct. 31st I got my hands on his bag and found out this....
2 bottles of pills (Vicodin) dated for the 19th Oct. for 240 pills 10/500 APAP
On top of that I found out he is now getting Morphine from our Dr. (just this month) I went strait to Rite Aide and had them print out a sheet for the last 2 years of what he got. There were only 32 Viconin in the bottle by the way. The second one was empty.
Needless to say I made him an apt. for that afternoon (Dr. was more than happy to sqeeze us in) I am sure he was thinking law suit ~!!!! LOL
When I read the sheet from Rite Aide it turns out he was getting scrips for 120 Vicodin for a 20 day supply. (That is up untill 2 months ago when he started him on 240 pill for 30 day supply *strongr pills* I might add) Then the Morphine.
Turns out he was taking likr 17-18 Vicodin, 1 Morphine, 1 Zoloft + I think maybe one more. I can't remember. My head began to swim at this new info.
I am NOT judging I promise. I love him and It just hurt me to think of what he is going thru. I ofcorse pulled them right away and made him go *Cold turky* it has been hell the past few days but seems to be getting a little better.
I just want to know how long the detox. period lasts on this amt. of drugs being taken? Any ideas? I obivously don't trust our Dr. now. Thanks somuch for your replies.
BY THE WAY Last summer I did dabble in mixing some other meds with my own *Just to do it to feel good* So PLEASE BELIEVE ME when I say I AM NOT JUDGING HIM. I know how easy it can happen. I spent years drinking and long before that I did worse drugs. I haven't drank (ok untill 3 nights ago *didn't get drunk * LOL) in 2.5 years or done any thing else.
I love him and want advice to help me help him. He realy is a good dad and husband when he isn't doing this kind of thing.
Thanks so much~
Erin
Wow, Erin, that's alot of meds to be taking. Have you considered rehab for him?
Or perhaps talking to the dr about how to safely come off all this.
I know it can be done ct, many of us have. Does he have serious medical conditions that enabled him to get such high doses? I'd say make some phone calls and see if this is safe. there's a thread on here telling about otc meds that help with wd. I would really hate to tell you something that would be wrong. If I were you I'd make some phone calls in the morning and see what you can find out.
All in all, he's a lucky man to have an understanding wife like you.
Love, Kat
Or perhaps talking to the dr about how to safely come off all this.
I know it can be done ct, many of us have. Does he have serious medical conditions that enabled him to get such high doses? I'd say make some phone calls and see if this is safe. there's a thread on here telling about otc meds that help with wd. I would really hate to tell you something that would be wrong. If I were you I'd make some phone calls in the morning and see what you can find out.
All in all, he's a lucky man to have an understanding wife like you.
Love, Kat
Dear Kat,
Thanks so much for your reply. (I am afraid I could have offened other *no one else replied* I hope not)
He does have lower back prob. Nothing major tho. I have arthritis all over my body (why I was given script)
I took him to the Dr. The day I yanked them. Dr. said no tapper....*cold duck baby*
So, needless to say, he hates me now. He just let here screamming on his way out the door to work. I did give him 1 at 11:00 when he got up. (again, my mistake) It misguided him into believing I will do it all of the time.
I am soooo lonely I just cry alot. *Not feeling sorry for myself* our relationship has always been this way. I used to blame myself for drinking. I drank (1-2 times a week) for the first 14 years, not that he didn't once and a while as well.
He has such low self esteme. He thinks I hate him. Truely if I hated him, I had a 110,000.00 life ins. pollicy on him. I would have sent him to 6 more Dr.'s LOL I could use the money. But, I want him.
Strange how he can't tell.
When we first were together I was afraid he was a sex addict *not kidding* now because of the pills he can hardly do it at all. And after thinking about the "Cold turky" He actuall does it every month because he runs out 2 weeks before his script is due. Believe me it has been going on like that awhile now.
Thanks so much again,
Erin
Thanks so much for your reply. (I am afraid I could have offened other *no one else replied* I hope not)
He does have lower back prob. Nothing major tho. I have arthritis all over my body (why I was given script)
I took him to the Dr. The day I yanked them. Dr. said no tapper....*cold duck baby*
So, needless to say, he hates me now. He just let here screamming on his way out the door to work. I did give him 1 at 11:00 when he got up. (again, my mistake) It misguided him into believing I will do it all of the time.
I am soooo lonely I just cry alot. *Not feeling sorry for myself* our relationship has always been this way. I used to blame myself for drinking. I drank (1-2 times a week) for the first 14 years, not that he didn't once and a while as well.
He has such low self esteme. He thinks I hate him. Truely if I hated him, I had a 110,000.00 life ins. pollicy on him. I would have sent him to 6 more Dr.'s LOL I could use the money. But, I want him.
Strange how he can't tell.
When we first were together I was afraid he was a sex addict *not kidding* now because of the pills he can hardly do it at all. And after thinking about the "Cold turky" He actuall does it every month because he runs out 2 weeks before his script is due. Believe me it has been going on like that awhile now.
Thanks so much again,
Erin
Are you kidding? You can't offend anyone here when you're being honest. I suggest you talk to a doctor for precaution sake. He most likely can quit c/t. That's a lot of dope hence I suggest that he seek some face to face help with the emotional and pshychological baggage that comes with this. This isn't all on him either, you have to start taking the necessary steps to get yourself clean so both of you can be functioning parents and providers for your little ones. I was in the same boat. When I quit my previous profession, I was a little lost as it was the only thing I ever did so I was a stay home Dad for a year and my wife was working. I thought I was super Dad with all the pills and don't get me wrong, you can be a good parent on the pills for a short time but there is always a price to pay. When I quit, I realized just how hazy life was and how much better of a parent I am today, clean and sober. You own half of this problem, so I would help your husband to an extent, but you really have to concentrate on yourself first. You might think you were taking the prescribed amount but trust me, you're hooked and you're an addict, no question about it. Secondly, I would obviously get rid of this idiot doctor and start seeing a new one. All the best and I wish you guys a smooth and painless recovery. Your children will benefit the most from this.
Good for you Erin. He's going to need help - lots of help and support. Right now the best thing to do IMO is stay focused on getting him thru the first 7-10 days of wd's. He should start to feel better at about 2 weeks I would guess.
While this is going on can he get to na/aa meetings? Or a counselor? Lots of times our drug use is directly related to something that happened earlier in life, and it sounds like his low self-esteem is something that needs to be addressed if he's going to move forward and stay clean.
Also, you'll need to lock your pills away, or hide them someplace where he can't get them. He's going to have some tough days ahead, and his addiction will have him wanting pills.
He's lucky to have you.
Jim
While this is going on can he get to na/aa meetings? Or a counselor? Lots of times our drug use is directly related to something that happened earlier in life, and it sounds like his low self-esteem is something that needs to be addressed if he's going to move forward and stay clean.
Also, you'll need to lock your pills away, or hide them someplace where he can't get them. He's going to have some tough days ahead, and his addiction will have him wanting pills.
He's lucky to have you.
Jim
I was not offended just confused I cannot say that I too would not be pissed if you took my pills too and you are still taking them that would actually really piss me off if I was him I am not saying you are wrong I am saying that is how I would feel (you said he was mad) didnt you get mad when your pills were missing? Anyway it is always very hard to quit together everytime me and my ex tried to quit one of us found a reason to use again and the other was waiting to say if you can I can I have medical problems too and it was always like a dog chasing his tail .This is absolutely going to be rough as he// you better lock those pills down or you may be the one that ends up getting your pills yanked just speaking the truth be careful with this he sounds really pissed .Can you kick the habit after him? Do you think he is going to quit I mean I had alot of people I bought pills from .Anyway good luck I was not offended I just figured you would not want to hear this but it has always been MY truth .Good luck really and keep coming here for support this is an excellent place to get much needed support and guidance Welcome sorry if 'I made you made I am just giving my honest opinion
Erin
The problem is, if he isn't willing to admit he has a problem there is nothing you can do for him. He has to want to get clean. Another thing, I know when I was using if I thought that someone in the house had pills, or was taking pills, there is no way I could have quit. If you are taking his drug of choice it is going to be difficult for him to understand why you can keep taking them and he has to stop. I'm not saying you should stop. I am telling you how an addict thinks.
If he does admit his pill intake is out of control and wants help, have him call his doctor for advice. That's the safest way. Or he could go to a detox and admit himself.
Good luck and keep us posted. We're here to help.
The problem is, if he isn't willing to admit he has a problem there is nothing you can do for him. He has to want to get clean. Another thing, I know when I was using if I thought that someone in the house had pills, or was taking pills, there is no way I could have quit. If you are taking his drug of choice it is going to be difficult for him to understand why you can keep taking them and he has to stop. I'm not saying you should stop. I am telling you how an addict thinks.
If he does admit his pill intake is out of control and wants help, have him call his doctor for advice. That's the safest way. Or he could go to a detox and admit himself.
Good luck and keep us posted. We're here to help.
Thanks to all of you. I do work full time and 299% at home nonstop with the kids, I mean I am ok. He is seeing a new Dr. But had his mom make the apt. (she is hooked on everything) So I don't see it ending.....crossing fingers~!
Thank you all realy. I am just woried for him. Now I am driving myself nuts searching everything. I have kept them locked down for a year now(pills) he was taking them all the time.
Thanks again,
Erin
Thank you all realy. I am just woried for him. Now I am driving myself nuts searching everything. I have kept them locked down for a year now(pills) he was taking them all the time.
Thanks again,
Erin
Erin...I might have missed this, but did he ask you to help him? How was he when you took his pills away. Be prepared for alot of resentments. Because you still have yours.
Have you ever thought about if you still need them?
Maybe treatment would be good for you both.
Don't worry about offended people here with your honesty.. It's what's needed to get to the bottom of things so that people can heal.
Cowgirl
Have you ever thought about if you still need them?
Maybe treatment would be good for you both.
Don't worry about offended people here with your honesty.. It's what's needed to get to the bottom of things so that people can heal.
Cowgirl
Dear Erin,
You sound like a good wife and I like your non-judgemental attitude. Plz try to keep that over the long haul--your husband will appreciate it. As his wife, I DO think you had the right to intervene, but as Cowgoil said, get ready for the resentment. Because when the withdrawal goes away, the pain will still be there. I don't know for sure, either (obviously) but, you may have started a trust violation issue as well. I'm a man--this is my point of view as an addict on the outside looking in. Good luck to you and your family.
You sound like a good wife and I like your non-judgemental attitude. Plz try to keep that over the long haul--your husband will appreciate it. As his wife, I DO think you had the right to intervene, but as Cowgoil said, get ready for the resentment. Because when the withdrawal goes away, the pain will still be there. I don't know for sure, either (obviously) but, you may have started a trust violation issue as well. I'm a man--this is my point of view as an addict on the outside looking in. Good luck to you and your family.
Ok, I will try to answer all of that~ *grin* I have severe constant pain in my back hips and neck for years, altho I am alergic to the vic. it has proven the only thing to help. (not a sever allergy) I have to take a nausia pill with it to b/c it makes me sick at my stomach. (Reason, I suppose that I have not become addicted) And personally, I think it was he whom violated the trust issue by lying about Dr's apt's. sneaking around hiding pills. (honestly I was worried about $500.00 he could not account for the morning I went "searching" Sence this post I have found a numbe of phone #'s and even a slip of paper with a hotell and room # written on it that he claims he can't remember what they are. I begged him for over a year now to let me give him his meds. I know he thinks I did this to him. He even said I was causing him to suffer because he is in pain. (I had to remind him we were well past the two week mark when they would have been out because he took them all in the first two weeks any way) That happens every month. (remember, he only had like 32 left and by my calculations he was taking 16-17 a day. He switched Dr's even received a new Health Plan card (not giving me a copy) by getting the new one it rendered our old one useless. I would have (had I not discovered the new one hidden) been responsible for who knows how many dr's bills had I not found it. I am sure he is not going to tell the new Dr what happened. I am hell bent on making everything better. I just don't think he cares any more. He has even ask me twice now to give him some. I am so affraid of what this will do to him, us. We have 4 kids and they know what is going on. Over the last 5 months it has been that bad. Just yesterday I found out he was going to the dr sometimes 2 times a month~! How do doctors get away with this???
Thanks somuch for all the help~
Erin
Thanks somuch for all the help~
Erin
I am a nurse and mother of 3 who got addicted to Lortab 7.5 after my last child was born. The addiction lasted about 1 and 1/2 yrs and I was up to 12 a day. I tried twice to quit cold turkey. Believe me, it is HELL. Especially when you are trying to hide it from people. Chills, nausea, vomiting, headache........I could go on. I relapsed both times. Finally, my boss at work caught on to my sinful ways and I had no choice. I fessed up to my family. I went to a detox facilty and it took 3 days before the bad symptoms went away but probably a good month before I felt my old self again. I honestly believe that you have to be in a structured rehab environment to have a successful recovery. Getting caught was the best thing that ever happened to me and I have now been clean for 7 months. Something I thought would never happen and never would have happened at home.
