How do I get him to understand norco addiction?

[addictbysurprise]

Okay, so I told my boyfriend everything and he is trying to be as supportive as he can.  The problem is that he doesn't understand addiction to pain pills.  He keeps saying "mind over matter," and doesn't realize that my body is adjusting to tapering off the norco.  I am extremely emotional and when he is around, I get even more depressed because the vibe in the house is awkward, I think because he just doesn't know what to say.  We have a child together, so him staying away for a while is not an option.

[GarbageAddict360]

So there are meetings called NARANON that deal with family members affected by addiction.  They are not the addicts, but the people who live or love those addicted. These meetings are as common as NA meetings and they are truly a godsend.  I know that my mom wouldn't have the understanding she has of addiction if it wasn't for these meetings.  There is also a Forum on here dedicated to living with an addict.  If your boyfriend doesn't want to do the "in person" experience, he has the choice of talking anonymously. He will be able to talk and ask questions to people of all walks of life and really gain understanding of what you are going through.  I hope this advice helps and know that you can always come here to get the support you need :o) - Kelly

[kyle505]

That's me...Just a nice guy, mostly.

[Life360_Dave]

that was a nice jester Kyle!
dave

[kyle505]

OR...send me a personal message. I was on Norco too. And I've been addicted to pain meds for over 15 years. I'll be happy to answer any of his questions. Maybe getting info from another person/addict will help. Just a thought.

[kyle505]

You've got some great advice. All I can add is the obvious - if your boyfriend has never had a substance abuse problem, then he'll really never understand addiction. Does he drink or smoke or eat too much? If any of those apply then that may be a way to help him understand your situation.
My wife is one of those weird people who has never abused anything in her life. Her family is the same way, so seven months ago when I told her all the secrets of my addiction, well, it took her a while to understand what I'd told her. She's supportive, but because she's not an addict I have to go to meetings and post on this forum.
Anyway, try the drinking or smoking angle. Maybe he has friends or family who smoke and have tried to quit, etc.  And how about getting him to read the posts on this site? He'll see that people from all walks of life, ages, social situations, are addicts. Who knows. Good luck.

[vicki595]

Wow steedo!  Good point!

I'd get him some books on the subject. There's actually a book called: Addiction for Dummies. It's pretty good!

[Life360_Dave]

Good way to put it and is right to the point!
dave

[steedo]

mind over matter is like saying the body shuts down after a rape and you won't get pregnant.

[Life360_Dave]

I just had to say that saying mind over matter is a very unloving statement!!

[Life360_Dave]

Just tell him that this is one experience that you have to go through yourself to understand. Tell him your sick and your body is trying to heal itself with your help. Tell him that when he gets sick does he want you to say "mind of matter". Tell him if he cant say something supporting not to comment at all about this. You were yourself before you met and and your still that person even when your with him. Be straight up with him as will only make your recovery worse.