How to Help a Spouse

[AddixWife]

Hi...I'm new to the group and come looking for help with my husband's addiction to vicodin. He's been taking them for a hereditary back problem; however, he doesn't have medical insurance and, thus, no doctor. He gets them on the street. He's admitted that he takes too many, but insists they are taken for pain. I know better. While I have no doubt he has the pain - I know he takes WAY more than anyone needs for pain. Does anyone know of places that can help treat someone who has this problem, but doesn't have insurance?  Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[fishmeal]

Besides the fact the mind can create pain to get the drug phycosomatically, he is probably at least very dependant on the drug... I'll bet the street drugs are very costly... going to a doc and paying for one visit, then getting some suboxone would be about the same $.  I'm not sure what suboxone costs but I think it is expensive.  The thing of it is though is that it will take away the cravings and withdrawal symptoms.... and working on it is no problem... I actually like it better than working on hydros cause they don't work anymore anyway.  Funny thing is that when I stopped for over 30 days back when then got a script of norco 10's, I was up to 9 a day in one day.  You would think the dependancy would wain a bunch...NOT!!  Here is a link to the site:

http://www.suboxone.com/

It has a search engine that you can type in your zip code and find a doc near you... make sure you call around and find out if the doc is going to write a script or want money for an out-patient program... which you don't want cause once on the sub, your husband will not need anything... trust me on this cause I'm on it and have no need for vicodins or norcos... it is the farthest thing from my mind!  It even scares me a little because it is so strong!  If he does end up on it, make sure he is into the withdrawals... I waited about 18 hours from my last dose to my first 2mgs of suboxone.  Even if the doc prescribes 4mgs 4 times a day, start out with 2 cause it probably is overprescribed and is very very strong.  Some of us are used to taking a handful of pills and then trying to take a quarter of a tablet is... well wierd!  So trust me on this... he can always take more.  

Hope this helps... Fish

[fishmeal]

More about the suboxone site....they have three little videos with real people and real experiences... I feel that they are on the level cause I know what suboxone can do.  I will say this though, I am now dependant on the suboxone and don't know when I will be coming off.  I found a doc that believes in a long extended taper and I always wonder about the $$$$ coming his way and going to the drug companies...  it amazes me that this drug is so finely talored to my addiction.... the way I feel when I'm on it is ... well... great!  Not really high but... no need for pills... that's the weirdest part... how they can talor drug so finely???

[FLaddict]

I don't know where you live but, I know here in Tampa there are pain clinics that accept cash and work with  people.. Getting into a doc to decide how his pain actually is would be a good step.. Self medicating issues like this generally makes them worse.. Brain thinks the pain is worse than it is sends signals of pain.. What it is really lacking is the natual pain killers your body produces.. Kind of like being really thirsty but your body thinks its hunger..
Welcome to the site. We have other family members of addicts here so you will fit in just fine..
Hope this helped some...

[Marce4]

Hi and welcome!  Does your husband freely admit he has a problem?  If not, you can only talk to him and support him but he is the one who has can make the decision that he needs help.  You may want to look into group support like Naranon or Ala-anon....they help the loved ones of addicts and help you cope with the addicted.  
Peace,
Marcie:)

[AddixWife]

Thank you all for the responses and information.  He does realize that he has a problem; although I don't think he's willing to concede a real addiction.  I've ordered and received the subo literature and he has at least read it.  He is terrified of the w/d symptoms, as he has twice been w/o the V's and suffered horrendous flu-like symptoms.  The first time we ended up in the ER, not realizing until later that it was withdrawal.  I'll keep working on him, but I know I can't force him - only be supportive and firm.  I'm going to keep checking here for more information, you guys are great!  I hope everyone is doing as well as can be expected and everyone has a great day!  Thanks again!! -Katie