Need advice

[arizonadiva]

Hi, I believe that my boyfriend is addicted to hydrocodone (vicodin), but used to be a heroin / cocaine addict.  He went through withdrawal symptoms before, and told me that he "weened" himself off, although I believe that he's still taking them.  What are the true symptoms that I should be looking for?  He's losing weight, sleeps a lot, and appears anxious all the time....any help would be appreciated...

[arizonadiva]

Thanks so much everyone...to comment on some of the comments made to me, my boyfriend is now smoking, something that he did lie to me about before.  It's amazing to me the similar stories - especially the trips to the grocery store, which he does Quite often, but I know that it's lies because he forgets what he told me he was going to get and often repeats it.  All this time, I thought that there was another woman involved.  Since we don't live together, I have noticed that he's getting non-chalant on bill payments, but asks me to pay a bill for him here or there, when he's never asked me before.
I will check for the eyes - never knew to look at them (thanks).  I really appreciate all of the support on this - I've been dating him a long time now, and I want to be in it for the long haul.  His best friends are a lot of the guys that he went through rehab before with, so they have NO idea that this is going on with him, so I have some sympathy for him on that note also......

[random288]

some of the things you have described remind me of when I thought my ex was using again, he was taking random trips all the time to the store or making up stuff  It was really odd, he was smoking cigs a lot too and lieing about that too, he def. lost a lot of weight and was sleeping a lot was anxious as well.    sounds like he needs some help.  remember that addicts lie a lot when they are under the influence so just be aware of that.  what about money?  do you notice money missing that is a sign as well.

I'm sorry good luck!  I know it's no fun, I just broke up with my ex 2 weeks ago and we were engaged.

[thisissohard]

Sorry- just read that he's constipated- sure sign that he's using. once he stops he will be throwing and then it just comes out the other end!

[thisissohard]

One more thing, I also slept A LOT more the first month and a half while going through withdrawals than I did while on the medication.  I'm still sleeping more as my body gets back to normal.  I also struggled with anxiety.  Just based on the little you wrote, it sounds an awful lot like what I experienced when I stopped taking hydrocodone, and it doesn't go away over night.  It's a long process, if he has quit, you will need to be patient with him because he's struggling, and the lack of support could very well push him to start using again. I had to quit while my husband was away because i knew he wouldn't be tolerant of the withdrawals, and I would be going right back to my Dr for more meds!

[thisissohard]

Quick note regarding the weight issue. When I stopped taking hydrocodone I dropped A LOT of weight due to the inability to keep anything in my system.  Even eating food HIGH in fat, I still dropped a good 10 lbs if not 15, and this is over a 2 month period. As has already been mentioned, weight loss can also be a sign of withdrawals.

[road2recovery]

late nite runs was what i did alot...always to the grocery store..It sounds like when he was throwing up etc, he was going through w/d's and then probably got back on and that is why he is constipated..Pupils will give it away, if they are very pinpoint, that is a sign of using...
I am so sorry u are having to go through this, we hurt the ones that loves us most...I lost alot of weight when using, and have gained some from being clean...I would just sit him down and tell him that you know, and go from there..
I am wishing you luck!!!
r2r

[arizonadiva]

Dove,

I have asked him in the past, and he told me that he'd "weened" himself off.  I've talked with narconon counselors who told me that it's virtually impossible to ween yourself off, plus I've actually seen the pillls after his "last" dosage.  This is a burden for me because yes, I have very strong feelings for him - I also know that when he admitted his addiction to me, he told me that I was the only person that he's told - that means that his kids, etc., know nothing, even though to me they have surely seen his weight loss.  Also, even bringing the subject up is met with attitude, which makes me back down...

[dove3053]

Why don't you just look him in the eyes and ask him if he is still using? That way maybe you will get an answer from the source. Also, by asking him you are letting him know that you suspect and maybe get things out in the open. I know it's not easy to confront people with something like this but tell him you need to know because it has been bothering you. I feel for you that this is a burden you have taken on and I guess it's because you really have feelings for him.

Good luck,

Dove

[arizonadiva]

Thanks - I kind of figured that he is still using, but you still hope against all hope.  I also suspect that all his "late night runs to the grocery store" are to find more pills.  His constipation is really bad, because he uses enemas alot.  I know that you don't know, but will the pain pills continue to suffice, without going to "harder" drugs?  Thanks again for your comments...

[GoingToMakeIt]

It does not sound like he is clean. Constipation is very common for any opiate use. Typically sleep evades the person withdrawing for many weeks.

[arizonadiva]

Thanks for answering...when he went through withdrawal, he was throwing up, the whole nine yards...I now see twitching of his legs, and like I said, sleeping alot, constipation, etc.  His weight is normally around 165 - 170, he now hovers around 145.  

[avisg]

welcome,
most of time  when people think the person is still using they are correct ,yes losing weight ,sleeping alot and being anxious can be sings of usage ,they also could be signs of WD.However he has a history of drug  addiction. Did he go threw any withdrawal...complaints of RLS,body aches , fatigue ,diarrhea, possible depression?