Hydrocodone addiction

[papagallo]

My wife, a 46 year old stay at home mom, has taken antidepressants times 15 years (Effexor now), and about 6 years ago started taking hydrocodone every day for back pain. She has told me that the hydrocodone sometimes makes her feel "out of control" and anxious. Also makes it hard to focus and depresses her sex drive. She has gotten very emotional, angry and tearful when she used up her prescription and had to wait a couple days to refill it. Recently, after a stressful move (we moved to a new house), she hit me in the face. She's never done that in 11 years of marriage. She is concerned that she may be addicted. I believe that she is.  Two weeks ago, she "loved me." Now, she is demanding a divorce. We have a 10 year old son and a marriage that is worth saving. I don't know what to do. She refuses to see a psychiatrist to do a med check and monitor what she is taking. She won't see a regular doc for that either. Those pills are destroying her ability to enjoy life and participate in a marriage. I love her, but have not been able to persuade her to get help. When I try, she gets defensive and goes into denial. I am more than ready to hear some good advice. Thanks.  

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

The hydrocodone is not making her feel out of control. She is experiencing the first stages of withdrawl from the hydrocodone. You are correct. Those pills are taking her enjoyment of life away. Look up "anhedonia" and see if that sounds familiar at all. Effexor is one that also can be a problem. Not in the addictive sense, but for sure psychologically. Lot of alternatives are available though. You really need to get honest with her and encourage her to do the same with you. Surely would be good if she would consent to a friendly evaluation of her meds. Do not be confrontational. We addicts don't care for that blunt an approach. But with a ten year old boy you got a lot to keep going. So does she. Best of luck to you. And her.

[worried878]

Do you have any idea how much she is taking each day and if she is taking anything else other than the effexor and hydrocodone?  Is there any way you can check to see what all she is taking?