Husband Says No To Treatment

My husband decided against treatment after telling me yesterday he would check himself into a treatment facility. I am not disappointed but I would like an answer to a question.  

My husband is a crack addict who claims he is attending AA/NA meetings and working with a sponsor to kick his crack addiction.  My husband was prescribed hydrocodone for back pain and never informed the doctor that he was an addict.  

My question:  If you are attempting to get clean and sober, would any sponsor or AA/NA members encourage my husband to continue to take hydrocodone for his back pain?  Hydrocodone is a narcotic and my husband states and I quote "my sponsor said, man its OK to take your pain medication so long as you follow the instruction correctly and do not abuse the drug."  Does this does not seem reasonable to me or logical.  

[IBKleen]

You asked this question yesterday:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Addiction-Substance-Abuse/Question-about-addiction--hydrocodone/show/1011002?personal_page_id=596872&post_id=post_4707862

I realize you only got one answer but I can pretty much guarantee the answer will not change from any member here.

He is lying.

[dominosarah]

Sorry to hear he didnt go to treatment.  I have a hard time believing that his sponsor would tell him that.  If he is going i wonder if his sponsor even knows about his hydro use.....just my opinion.  Remember to take care of you......hope you are doing well today      sara

[discretekarma]

I think it sounds reasonable.  Addicts are going to have to take pain meds from time to time.  I am addicted to Oxy's and I still had to take them after I had back surgery.  I can't say whether he's in pain or not but I don't think there are many sponsor's that will tell someone they can't take pain meds if they are prescribed for legitimate pain. I bet you could talk to 10 different sponsors and get 10 different opinions.  

[DeltaRedd1984]

Thanks to all of you for posting.  You are right IBKleen I wanted to get more responses to my question.  I know the answer but still have problems accepting it.

[IBKleen]

I understand. This must be so incredibly hard for you. It is just heart breaking to see someone throw their lives away like this.

I so hope you are getting help for YOU and taking care of yourself.

Hopefully some day he will open his eyes before it is too late.

[Allicat0117]

It took my family atleast 2 yrs to get my dad to go to rehab. He has to want to get clean..no one ever "wants" to go to rehab, but some will eventually give in and go. My dad had to hit rock bottom and still took a few weeks after that. We did not give up on him. Just depends on how much you can tolerate.. My dad  will always be my dad(thats why I didnt give up on him) .., but you can leave your husband. Stay true to yourself. YOU come first in YOUR life!

[imanaddict]

I can't say whether or not a sponsor would say something like that. I've never been to NA or AA, but I can't imagine a sponsor giving his/her approval! It's possible, I guess. Especially since he's in NA for crack and not pills, but it still doesn't sound logical.

You could call his sponsor and ask!

[mr.lucky66]

It's a complicated question and should be answered by a competent detox doc.  You may want to put him in a private outpatient detox which costs much less than impatient and often have better detox docs.

[IBKleen]

I have been in the fellowship since 1987 and I sponsor myself. NO ONE in the program would give that advise. My own sponsor would tell me to sit in the back, shut my mouth and listen. That is also what I would tell the ladies I sponsor.

[BizzzEB]

Get yourself into a good alanon or co-dependants group.  The best thing you can do  is get support.  You will find all your answers there.  Most of us have a story to share that is just like this one.  The good news is you are not alone.  hugs
www.al-anon.alateen.org/meetings/meeting.html

[DeltaRedd1984]

I am in an Al-Anon program and I do have a sponsor.  I also attend AA/NA open meetings.  Addicts are notorious liars.  My husband was in an outpatient program but was asked to leave after he tested positive.  

Right now I am separated from him and I am experiencing growing pains.  I liken this pains to childbirth.  I am trying to recreate a new me.  At times, I fall but I get up, dust myself off and continue down the road that will lead me to recovery.  

Thanks for allowing me to share on this forum.

[dominosarah]

I am glad you are here on this forum and in a recovery program.  Addiction affects everyone in the family.  Keep moving forward in your recovery.  You are whats important.   sara

[tylersblueeyedmama]

I am so sorry to hear that!  You are truly an amazing person for being as strong as you are!  I wish you the best of luck and please keep us posted!


Take Care,

Kel