Should I be worried about my husbands addiction?

[unrested]

My husband just came to me last night to confess that he has been taking and addicted to Oxy Contin. He said he has been taking them everyday for the past two years. He was never prescribed these drugs so I'm not sure how he got them in the first place.  Well he said that he has about another two weeks supply left and he wanted to confess to me because he was scared of the effects this would have on him when he was out. He said he took quite a bit at first about two years ago and about the last month he has been trying to "ween" himself off of them because he knew he was growing short of them and wouldn't be able to get anymore. I'm just worried that this is going to really affect him in a bad way. What should I expect to happen when he is out? Is there a risk of some serious health problems? He said he didn't think he could quit "cold turkey" because he might have a stroke if he does. I'm really naive when it comes to this stuff and I just need a little peace of mind. Can you tell me what could or may happen if anything?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Yes, you have to worry about his health, and he should not stop cold turkey.  Almost every major hospital has a detox unit that can help him, and he may be able to do it as an outpatient if he starts working on it soon, so call your doctor and make an arrangement to have an appointment with a detox specialist. This is serious business.

[ontherecord]

oxycontin withdrawal is a lot like heroin withdrawal, and may actually be more serious and last longer too.  2 years of use is a very long time.  Tapering has to be done gradually, and under close supervision.  Depending how much he was taking, this could be done inpatient (at a rehab clinic) or outpatient (under the care of a licensed physician).  Not going to be easy, but very possible if he is resolved.  Either way, cold turkey is not recommended.

[unrested]

Is it possible to be able to sort of "rehab" yourself? He said he wasn't taking large doses. He said something like 5 miligrams or something like that. He said that other people that get addicted to oxy contin take like 90 miligrams or grams I'm not sure what the dosage is but his is alot less than "normal" adicts.

[ontherecord]

Look up "Oxycontin withdrawal" on your favorite search engine and you will find tons of useful information.  Depending on what you find out about various dosages, you can then decide whether self-rehab is plausible or whether your husband would be better off with professional help.

[unrested]

Thanks! I appreciate it. Now I am just really nervous and worried. I am not used to having to deal with things like this. Everything has always been pretty "normal" and "safe" in my life.

[anglbebe12]

I know people who have had to go through withdrawal and I have gone through withdrawal myself.  It doesn't matter how high the dosage is that your husband is taking.  It's not just a physical addition, it's an emotional and mental addiction as well.

I think the best and most effective way to get through this is to get professional help through a detox program.  They provide the help your husband needs.  I would also suggest some joint counseling so you both can get through this bumpy ride.  

I wish you both the best of luck!

[val 49]

This is a very nasty business, having been with my brother who went through withdrawal in detox, twice, with oxycontin.  I think there is no way he should be doing this without going into detox and he will need additional treatment after that. This stuff is hard to kick, and is an epidemic in some parts of the county.

[Movo]

Hi,
I just posted "Withdrawl or illness" & waiting for a reply. I was taking Oxycontin & other pain meds for years and I'm just getting through a violent illness that I'm guessing was withdrawl from the meds. after surgery.

I also recommend you get help through detox or a physician. If not, a major concern is dehydration. If he begins vomiting non-stop, go to ER. I wish I had instead of waiting & then my blood vessels collapsed making it difficult to get IV fluids. I have never been so sick in my life.

I hope this helps. Good luck to both of you!

Movo