Vicodin Addiction

[Sugo]

My son has a "Ruptured Disc" in his back.  This happeded 2 years ago.  He now has a Vicodin addiction problem.  He is depressed and has developed panic attacks and breaks out in hives daily. He has managed to hold on to his job, but recently broke up with his girlfriend and had to sell his house, give away his dogs and feels like his life is unraveling and there is no way to pull up from this.  What are the right words to say to him to encourage him to seek proper help?  He feels like this is his life and nothing will change.  He has really changed this year.  He is 29 years old.  It is so sad to watch.  What can I do?

[Romany]

You're in a tough place. You could tell him that you love him and you want him to get the help you think he needs. That there is a life outside of the cycle of addiction. That we are constantly re inventing ourselves and this may be his time to shed his skin, it's painful, but it's natural and it's the only way to survive. This may be an opportunity to rise like a phoenix from the ashes. He may be very afraid of life with out the vicodin for many reasons. If your family is spiritual, you can lean on that. You can attend Alanon or Narcanon  meetings. You can try not to enable him, but still support him. You can see if locally there is an intervention program. You can tell him how painful it is to see him feeling like his life is unravelling. I'm not a professional, just offering a little support.

[thelida]

Hey, you should (if you have not already) try posting on the addiction forum at this site.  It gets way more activity than this depression forum, and there will be more people around to give you advice and support!

[gabriela8]

I was addicted to vicodin for two months because of a health issue.  I looked in the mirror one day and my eyes had a void inside of them.  I knew it was the vicodin.  It numbs the pain of the world out.  And also the physical pain you may be in.  I quit taking if after I looked at myself that day.  If your son is still in pain, it is kind of hard to suggest to him to stop taking it.  No on should be in pain.  But if he is just using because he is depressed, he needs help.  Vicodin is very addictive and your life can pass you by before you realize what has happened.  Talk to him and give him all the support he needs.  My boyfriend recently left me, so I understand that pain he might be in.  But the only way he will get better is if he has clarity.  Let him know his life is worth more than how he is living it right now.  Let him know he is not alone.  

[HelplessInOnt]

Sugo buy your son the book called The Secret by Rhonda Bryne, that is one of more inspirational feel good books I have ever read and it also gives you such a feeling of power..Hey it is worth a try and might get a little smile out of him...........Good Luck

[HelplessInOnt]

Sugo buy your son the book called The Secret by Rhonda Bryne, that is one of more inspirational feel good books I have ever read and it also gives you such a feeling of power..Hey it is worth a try and might get a little smile out of him...........Good Luck