Tapering question

I'm trying to help my boyfriend taper. He was up to 4 80mg of oxy's per day when he came home from a trip a month ago, now he is down to about half a 40mg a day. He went through some really bad withdrawals when he couldn't get any 2 weeks ago. He is over many of the worst physical WD's, but he can't sleep and he really hates not sleeping. He is out of them right now, and I would like him to quit completely, but I know he is tired of the fight.

He's been addicted to this for about 3 years, when he started getting it for free from a cancer patient. When that ran out he started buying, but he's out of money. I know he's tired of the game - half of the time he is sick from either taking too much or WD'ing.

I can't believe this stuff is legal. I've never seen anything so devastating to a strong, smart, healthy person. It has taken his life away. We both wonder if he will ever be happy again.

[LeaAnn807]

Honey, I know all too well about being sick from taking too much or WDing!  It's a miserable existence.....MISERABLE!  The only way out is to stop completely and not give in.  When the insomnia is bad, that seems to be the worst time for everyone.  I am having trouble with it some now.

So, I'm confused.  Is he "out" of them or are you helping him to taper?  There are many people here who can help give you advice, but we have to know exactly what is going on! : )  What I mean is.....he isn't over the wds if he is still taking them...see?  

[vicki595]

Hi~  You can't believe this stuff is legal?   I can't believe that you live with a guy who got them for free from a cancer patient!!!!

Your boyfriend needs to get into a treatment program. Fast!  There's only so much you can do.

Good luck~
Vicki

[avisg]

Its not the pills fault your bf is an addict if it had not been this med it would have been another he needs to continue to taper down if he cant afford that when he is going to have to ct ... He also needs to either get an addiction doctor or look into meets na/aa or for that matter both ..you are putting the blame in the wrong place .there are MANY people that need strong meds because they are in unbearable pain ..If you are going to be with him I would look into ALNON meetings it will help you understand addiction alot better too.

[abritt121222]

yeah the stuff needs to be legal cause just like you said he was getting it from a cancer patient  and if it wasnt legal someone with a terminal disease like cancer would have to suffer but just like avisg said its not the pills fault the pills are a very good and very effective medical took if used the right way and for the right reason because sometimes they are the only things that can take away pain and also like avisg said let us know exactly what is going on and we can help you cause i am also confused by your post cause if he is still taking 20mg he is not even to the worst of the withdrawals yet im sure thats not what you wanna hear but it is the truth

Good luck
Abritt

[problemboyfriend]

One week later, and again he is out. But i am worried he will buy them if his junkie has them. I caught him trying to cut a deal last night with a neighbor. The stuff is so easy to get - it seems everyone has them to sell.

Doctors give these out so easily. I know so many people who had a little pain and the doctor gave them a prescription right away. They don't even fill them, or if they do don't take them. It's happened to me, too. I get a little dental procedure done and I'm handed pain pills right away. Pain is natural. Sometimes it is good to live through it.

[avisg]

yes they do but alot of states are doing there best to crack down >however they have a long way to go .What effect is it having on your relationship with him??

[ready2bfree49]

I have been exactly where he is.....for me personally it was the worst thing physically I have ever been through...he literally feels like he is losing his mind right now....that is also ALOT  to be taking daily.....I chose methadone and 7 yrs. later ( due to alot of procrastination) I am trying to stop taking it now. Methadone is a really ggod drug to get off of opiates with BUT if he chooses to do it, DO NOT DO IT FOR LONGER THAN A MONTH AND DON'T GO OVER 40MGS. A DAY...I wish I had used it to just get thru the detox ..... and, the best thing you can do for him is to be there for him but leave him alone at the same time cause as I'm sure you've already experienced he is probably in a really bad mood. The worst for me was the restless leg feeling and the feeling of your arms drawing up ( I don't know what else to call it...) If you can get him some xanax that would help alot .....Good Luck to you and him both....it's a really hard place to be for both of you.....

[ready2bfree49]

* the best thing for him to do is to go into treatment of some kind because if they are that easy for him to get he will not stop.....I promise you no matter what he says ( he may really mean it when he says it ) he will not be able to stop if they are that easy for him to get....the detox is too bad. Look online for rehabs in your area that are goverment granted...there is one here in Tenn. that is free for up to 21 days for people with no ins. they are out there but you have to look.......hard.