help with step 1?

[Johannz]

I am new to this site and need some help. I am trying to help my husband/ I am aware it has to his choice, but he has asked for my help and I want to try. He has been on lortabs for about 10 years and our marriage is at stake if he does not get off he will loose me and his 2 kids. Where do we start, I am not 100% convinced that it's that bad, like being addicted to crack or herion,. I don't understand why he just cant quit. Please respond someone who knows what I am going through or what I should do.
JZ

[jlbsdaddy]

Wow there is a lot here. The fact u r here now means u r truly looking to get the answers. I am 3 weeks clean of doing lots of oxycodones for years. Up to 300 mg a day just 3 weeks ago. I did it cold turkey. Not everyone can do that but i wanted to stop using period. meth or suboxone in detox and rehab weren't for me so I locked myself in the house for a week and tried some suggestions from this board... Some detox formulas, suggestions etc.
Thing is this..my wife had no clue for years at least not the extent of my use. When i decided to stop cold turkey i told her everything. I told her I'd be a mess for a good week and wanted her to know why. With her support and now NA I am getting the support I need. Be there for What could be a very anxiety ridden time. Make him aware on no uncertain terms that u r in control and will help him every way.
Heroine and pain meds matabolize the same and an opiate addiction is like a heroine addiction so be careful not minimize this at all.
So... While weening seems to be what people say to do on loritabs, I weened over only 3 days after years of use. I was told no matter how awful I felt I wouldn't die and thank goodness I am here to talk to u and try to help. Step 1 get him to a local NA meeting. Talk to people. Get to hear stories of success. At days end u will have to chose detox clinic or having him deal at home detoxing. It'll suck but no more chemicals. No replacemnt drugs like suboxone and meth. It can be done and u have reached out. U guys will get it done. Lifes tough we have to accept it and realize that we can deal ourselves without drugs. Tell him. It's true.  

[salsinator]

Great post catmagnet - congratulations on your clean time.  You are 100% correct, family support is very important - without support I would not have the clean time that I have.

[catmagnet]

I would encourage him and help him if he's sincere. I took heavy doses of Vicodin for over 15 years and I was the one who turned myself in and went to detox. I have now been clean for 27 days, but it's not easy. Family support is important to both of you...I wish you the best.

[salsinator]

Hi Joanannz,

Welcome to the forum.  Addiction or dependency to Lortab is just as difficult to quit as heroin.  Lortab is an opiate and once addicted one must take it in order to not get sick.  Withdrawal can be very unpleasant, which is why so many stay using.  Is rehab or some form of medical detox something that is available or an option to you?  If your husband has asked for your help and is sincere, then he has taken the first step to admitting that he has a problem.  Has he been up front with you on the amount that he is using daily?  If a rehab program or detox is not an option to you, then a taper before quitting vs. cold turkey would be the best option for his comfort, but it can take some time and he would have to give you the lortab to dose.  If you can give us a little more information there are lots here who have been in the same situation who can help.  In the mean time, there is some good information contained in the health pages, such as the Thomas Recipe that can help to prepare for the withdrawal process.  Usually withdrawal takes about 5 - 7 days, day 3-4 are the worst.