How do I tell my Boss he is addicted to Vicodin

[Shadow888]

My Boss is a great, smart, guy, and doesnt realize his behavior is now causing us to loose business, not to mention his health.  He doesnt finish any project we start, sleeps til noon, and gets in the office sometimes by 4 pm when we close at 5pm.  

I dont know what to do, I do know all of our co workers have lost respect for him because he blames every mistake
he makes on them.  Usually while he can barley speak, and while he falls alseep standing up, even on a job site.
I let his Dr, who has been prescribing the vicodin what is going on, and now he switched him to oxycodine.
For back pain?  Now he is worse, and still insists on going bowling.  doesnt seem like a back injury to me.

Im angry, frustrated, and scared we are going to lose the business.  Most of all, scared I will be going to his funeral.
Can someone here who knows how to help, give me any advice?

These doctors are creating more addicts with their prescriptions.  These drugs are dangerous, super addictive, and yet the doctors hand them out like candy.  These doctors should be held responsible.

Just a note to the very strong, courageous people that are trying to get off of any prescription.  God Bless you and I hope you finally can be free of these drugs.  
If I find any info that may help with the w/d I will post.
Take care

[PromisedLand]

I was once addicted to Xanax..one night I took a couple, drank some wine, smoked a little and went to bed way to late..Next morning I had an exploratory interview with a senior manager in our division and let me tell you I blew it.  Bad.  And I know why and down the toilet went the Xanax and the bud and this then younger man's eyes were opened.

I'd show up to work when I felt like it...10-11AM when we started at 8..I managed a department of 20 people and had 2 supervisors and a secretary in a highly stressful job.  I made it through OK (didn't get the job I was going for) but I learned something, and I only have God to thank that my boss stood behind me and supported me.

I'm not sure it was right to call his doctor (unless you are involved as Vicki inquires) but it is going to catch up with this man, hopefully not too late..but HE has to realize he has a problem...you may try the closed door approach and have a chat with him about your concerns...if he has higher ups, they are going to notice as well.

Hoping for the best.

Jim

[vicki595]

Hi and Welcome~
First,let me say this:  Some are always quick to blame the doctors. You need to remember that every presciption comes with dosing instructions. If a person takes more than prescibed,it's not the doctor's fault. Some folks need pain meds and take them appropriately.  That said...Your boss is the one who has to want to stop and has to first admit he has a problem. You can't make him.  Have you talked to him?
Did you tell him you called his Dr.?  Unless you're in an intimate relationship with your boss,I think you crossed a line there...
There's really not much you can do other than speak with your boss and voice your concerns.  Are you financially involved in the business investment wise?
He may actually have a back problem but his high usage is masking the pain.  I know it's a sad situation but there's really not much else you can do.

Vicki