how long do withdrawl symptoms hang around

[ditch16]

I recently learned my husband has been taking oxy for several years now...after a terrifying situation...he went cold turkey, started seeing a dr....going to NA meetings, but being out of town on biz he relapsed so he could "function".

I am just now getting into counseling for myself...as I have no idea how to handle everything going on in my head. I don't want to say the wrong things to him...I don't want to force him for fear of pushing him away, but I know that I can't live the rest of my life like I have the last few years (our relationship suffered due to changes in him - due to the drugs...I just had no idea he was even taking them - I always attributed the "symptoms" with something else)...

My question is - how long do the withdrawl symptoms last....he did go cold turkey - lasted just over a week...but said he needed something to be able to "function". He suffers from a couple chronic conditions that give him pain daily - but I also read that one of the withdrawl symptms was muscle and joint pain.

I guess I'm trying to find out if the pain he's feeling is more related to the wirthdrawl or if it is actual pain from his disease.

[Allicat0117]

It is merely impossible to overcome an addiction alone. It is imperative that he has a support system and a good plan in place. Which is sounds like he did...and you are being supportive (but i realize you have to draw the line somewhere for your sanity and well being). You need to know that relapse will happen along this road to recovery. It is more common than not. I have relapsed. I am addicted to lortabs. You also need to know that the physical w/d will last a week or 2. However, the mental part will last much longer, and that part is the most  difficult to overcome. Everyone always says that it is so easy to quit..the hard part is staying clean. You pretty much have to teach yourself how to live again and you also have to rediscover the new "you". And that is difficult as well. read as many posts as you can on this forum. It may give you a better understanding on what goes on in an addicts head. I really do wish you the best of luck. If you ever need to talk or have anymore questions you can send me a pm. Do you think you can get your husband to at least read some of these posts?

[ditch16]

Thank you for your reply.
I'm saddened today - think he took a step backward...saying that he doesn't want to do the "dr" thing any longer...and I'm afraid that this is not going to go away if he does it on his own.

But that is prob. for a different post....and I'm exhausted from today...and long day tomorrow...

Thank you again.

[Allicat0117]

There is definately LOTS of pain when going through w/d. It actually worsens while detoxing. I am not familiar with oxy's so I cant offer you much more info. I am sorry to hear about your situation. There will be some people around this evening that can give you some better advice...but I do know about the pain and its bad! Good luck to you and keep posting...you will find alot of support here.