How do I help my brother??

[bigsister11]

My brother is a addicted to Vicodin and I he is having a serious withdawls and thinks he needs keep taking them to ease the pains, says he can't get out of bed has a runny nose much, aches and pains. What can I do tell help?

[worried878]

take a look at the thomas recipe in the health pages..it could very well help..plus encourage him to MOVE..stay busy if his mood will allow...movemnt produces much needed endorpiins..tho he may not feel up to it..have him walk around the block..then faster etc...he will feel so much better after doing so u wont even have to keep encouraging him to do so..he needs those endorphins right now

[salsinator]

Bigsister, thanks for posting.  Being the big sister and being there for your brother for support is one of the best things that you can do for him.  Depending on how much your brother has been taking, the typical withdrawal for Vicodin will last anywhere from 4-7 days.  He will start to feel better on about day 3 and will improve daily.  If you have a dotor that you trust, they can prescribe some clonidine, which is normally for high blood pressure, that will help with the jitteryness and feeling of jumping out of his skin.  Imodium helps for the runs and the runny nose is something that he will have to put up with for a few days. Also, some exercise and warm baths will help.  If your brother truely wants to get clean and feel better, tell him to stick with it and if he is up to it, post on this site.  There are lots of people here who have been through exactly what he is going through who are here to help.  You are taking the first step by reaching out for help.  I wish you nothing but the best.