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My A has had severe back troubles..stenosis, which I guess is very, very painful. He had a series of injections into his back which may have eased his pain somewhat, but not entirely. He was given vicodin for the pain, which scares me to death. He has not ever been addicted to drugs as far as I know, but I am no fool. An addict is suseptible whether it is alcohol or prescription drugs.
Yesterday I returned home after having enjoyed a day of MahJongg. He was ready to go out to supper. There was just a slight hint that maybe, just maybe he had been drinking. I am always suspicious whenever he acts the slightest bit strangely. His speech was a little "slurry" and his eyes had that glazed look I know so well. "OK," I thought. "Here we go again."
As we were eating supper he told me he had been in agonizing pain and had taken three vicodin tablets. I don't know what strength they are, but I do know the dosage is one at a time. He hasn't taken any since. Ok, ok, I am getting to the point.
Isn't vicodin extremely addictive? I am so dumb about these things. How long does it take for a person to become addicted to vicodin? I cannot and will not monitor him. It's up to him to control himself. I just want to know what I can expect. I asked how many he has left. His answer was, "I don't know, but the doc said he will fax a new prescription when I need them." I think I see a red flag waving!!!!!! YIKES!!
Diva
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"Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." Desiderata
I'm not sure about vicodin. My A used to take lorazepam when he was anxious or nervous at work. He was sure he'd get that way whenever he had to present to a group of people, so instead of the prescribed one-a-day, he would just take three or four. When he got home, I'd be amazed he could stand up, let alone drive 20 miles on a freeway. He told me it made it feel like he was drunk... just another method to get to the same result. It was hard to tell if he'd been drinking or had just taken the pills - but then again, he would always do them together.
I think you are on to something! My husband is addicted to pain medication. He has been taking perscription drugs for pain for over three years. He has taken Vicodin, but because of his back injury, he has moved up to stronger meds. Vicodin is not the worst he can be on, that is for sure. A lot of people can take the medication without having problems, but after taken for a long period of time, it can be addicting. I am not an expert, but have educated myself so that I can understand what is going on with my husband. I do know that Oxycotin is an extremely addictive drug and my husband had a lot more addictive behaviors when he was on that. That may be one you want to encourage your husband to stay away from.
Since it sounds your husband has valid pain from a medical issue, I do not see the problem with being informed about what is going on. I have been involved with my husband's care, so that the doctors are aware of what is going on here (he hasn't always been clear with his doctors). If I had not been involved, I do not know where things would have led for him. I am certainly not encouraging you to blindly take my advice of being involved. You have to do what is right for your situation. My husband and I are very open about these things now, even though it hasn't always been that way. Of course, they have to allow you to help. I tried to control his medications for a long time, thinking that was going to do the trick but until he decided to take control, as with any addiction, things did not get any better.
You are right, addictive behavior is similar, no matter what the addiction. You are right to be concerned. Ask a professional, maybe even your husband's doctor about your concerns so that you don't have irrational fears. I know I had a lot until I learned more about it all.
You can also encourage him to see a pain specialist at a pain clinic. They are very strict about their refills and closely monitor their patients. That is the kind of program my husband is in now. His neurologist over medicated him so it was a blessing to be referred to a pain clinic. There are also nonnarcotic medications that are especially good for people who have addictive tendencies. This is what my husband is working towards.
I hope that I have been helpful. Keep working your program because if you are good, no matter what the addiction, you will have more peace. Please let me know if I can answer any more questions. I would love to help anyone I can, knowing how difficult it was to go through it on my own....No question is too silly. If you are thinking it, I probably did too!
Hang in there. I am praying for you and your family!!!!!
I think you are right to be wary - addiction is addiction. Does his doctor know that he is an A? If he does, then it would be reasonable to assume that he prescribes the least addictive effective medication, and monitors it. However, if the doctor is not aware that there is any reason to be careful, he might not be.
Vicodin is VERY addictive. Diva, we all work this program to keep us on track whether the A is using or not. I know its hard but try to keep the focus on YOU. He is going to do what ever he is going to do and we all know relapse is possible at any moment; this is part of living with this disease. I am sorry that this is happening for you. My A is currently on a pain med kick, too. Fortunately I am not living with him. Yes, his doc writes out perscriptions like crazy- don't all doctors, pretty much??!! anyway, you need to keep your attention on you, not him. He is going to do what he is going to do. I am keeping you in my most positive thoughts, dear Diva. Hugs and love in serenity, J.
I think it is so so so hard to live with an active a. I lived ate and slept this for 7 years. Now I cannot imagine how I lived with the constant guilt, suspicion, waitign for the stuff to crumble, lies, financial disasters, chaos, friends who lived with us, his family who were also alcholics and more. I also think I knew with a sinking feeling when stuff was wrong and I really did not want to acknowledge it. That was and is a very very very difficult way to live. I can dress it up but now I have no idea how I did it. No wonder I ended up completely worn out.
I would be keying Vicodin and alcohol into a search engine just to see what comes up. Usually you can then see what Vicodin is made up of etc. I know exactly where you are coming from you are not monitoring. Since you will be living with the person taking this medication you have every right to find out how it affects him mentally and physically. Sending hugs. ((()) Leo xx
My ex (husband at the time) was sober 2 years (no program) when we were in a car accident and he shattered his elbow. They gave him Vicoden before and after the surgery. He took it as prescribed and within 3-4 months was back to doing his drug of choice (alcohol and crack). When he got sober after that he told me that when he took that first Vicoden, it was like something switched on in his head and the next logical step (in his mind) was going back out. I think it opened a gate that he had closed for a time. Vicoden they say is just as addictive as heroine and any addict taking any mood altering substance is bound for relapse unless they have some strong recovery and people with them. Sure, keep the focus on you but do not deny what you see to be true.knowledge is power.
Yes vicodin can be extremely addictive. Hubby knew a girl in rehab who was addicted to pain killers and any other perscription drug. She use to take up to 30 pills a day. A combination of percoset, vicodin and anything else. She has never been able to stay sober and is now in jail for at least 10 years. (Sad story.) When hubby was preparing to have his foot surgery, they first perscribed vicodin (1 tablet, 2x a day) and when he took it, it was like he had been drinking. They switched him to percoset (same dosage) and it didn't have the same affect. Technically, it's a stronger drug. The reactions to it may be different. Not all addicts become dualy addicted. Hubby got off the pain killers as soon as possible. I don't like the idea that the doctor is willing to fax a perscription to him. In our state, you need the hard copy of it in order to fill it. Not a fax or copy of any kind. Call your pharmacy and ask what the law is. If this doctor is doing something illegal, then that's not good. But as you have said, it's hubby's choice to take whatever he wants. After all, an addict is gonna do, what an addict is gonna do. Nothing you can do about it.
Love and blessings to you and your family. Kiss the animals for me!
Live strong, Karilynn & Pipers Kitty
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
Thanks for all your replies. Christy, I went to the website you offered, and found it very informative. Thanks. SOme of you reminded me to keep the focus on myself. Yes, of course I do that; but still I have concern for him. I think if we get to the point where we have no concern, then we've gone too far.
He has had no vicodin since the incident I wrote about, and I am hoping he realized the effect it had on him, and has chosen not to repeat that experience. We'll see....*sigh*...
All of you have a good day,
Diva
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"Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." Desiderata
Get a grip Tugboat. I am not obsessed! Good grief, can't a bit of loving concern be voiced without it being assumed that the concerned person has a sick mind? This is what annoys me about people who have no credentials and make diagnoses about others.
Furthermore, you know nothing about my "husband". He isn't, you see. You know nothing about his past, his present or his future which is obvious from your assessment of his condition.
Now I see 'enabler," "co-dependent," and "denial"" flying around the room. I understand those three demons, have dealt with them, and have eliminated them from my life. So swat them down before they land on and contaminate my ham and cheese sandwich.
Leave it alone.
Diva
-- Edited by Diva at 12:29, 2008-02-09
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"Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." Desiderata
Quickie, in my prayers Diva, Vicodin is additive. Prescribed dosages should not be exceeded for a reason...that is not in your control so I hope he has thought about that.
I have severe back pain, and have steroid injections and pain med and attend pain management programme. I have to be careful to go with what the consultant tells me and NOT exceed the dosage.
I am NOT an addict, however I make a point of not having anything addictive if there is an alternative and I react badly to morphine and any of the morphine family.
Lots of love as you look to you and I hope you have a good weekend. Got to stop now before I fall of my chair. Just picturing you in your beautiful sancAGGGHHHH.
Just picturing you in your beautiful sanctuary. Hugs, HB
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"The highest form of wisdom is kindness." The Talmund
My AH's relapse started when he was prescribed pain medication after surgery. He was clean ten years and thought (against my advice) that he could handle it. I am scared to death of these painkillers - can't take anything like that myself - as well as sleep medication. He mixes stuff up and goes into these coma-like states where he can't function at all.
Please pray for me. I don't know how much more I can take.
Aloha Diva!!...you pushed an old recovery awareness button for me. When I didn't know and what suspicious about whether my alcoholic wife was or wasn't drinking I was sure to occupy my whole day with the situation until I heard at a meeting, "What I don't know can't hurt me but what I suspicion can kill me!!"
I stopped it all quick because of the promises of unarrested disease...Serenity, insanity or death.
You are part of the solution and if you are concerned you can tell him and his doctor and then?....let it go.
