Long Term Effects of Oxycontin Abuse

[GeriP]

I have recently discovered that my 23 year old son is addicted to this drug.  He is in the mental health unit of a prison awaiting trial for crimes commited while under the influence of this drug.
He is being treated for hallucinations, anxiety and panic attacks, and general depression.  I do not know the names of the drugs he is being given but he is slowly returning to normal.
The doctors do not know if these symptoms will be re-occurring, and what the long term effects are going to be.
i am trying to find out what I can do, and can be expected in the future.  What are the chances of beating this????

[Cindy]

Dear Frank,

We are disappointed in your attack on Dr. Steve.  He has donated countless hours and expertise to this forum for the past few years, asking nothing in return.  

We don't think you realize that there are thousands of people who visit this forum, without posting and find it very helpful.

We would have preferred to have you work with Dr. Steve & Med Help to improve this forum, rather than opening your own forum.  However, we wish you well and would appreciate it if you would not use this forum for free advertising of yours.  

Cindy Thompson
Med Help International

[kstuebin]

I thought what Frank said was very well put.  Even restrained, given the cavalier treatment we've received from Dr. Steve. And I would venture to say the overwhelming majority of the people posting and lurking here agree with him. The problem is Dr. Steve is not helpful.  He's not even here most of the time and the truth is sometimes lives hang in the balance. Literally. We have no other way to let people know that there is an alternative except by posting our URL. And they want an alternative. If you truly care about the people here and their recovery, you will let us advertise our forum.  If one person commits suicide because they couldn't reach someone here or their post was deleted, wouldn't that bother you?  It would me.

[jule1]

Hi Geri, I don't have any experience with Oxy but have learned a lot about it from being on this forum.  It is a drug from heaven or hell depending on its use.  Its sad that so many people have had such great relief from chronic pain but its so easy for others to abuse. I hope the drug companies find a way for it not to be abused I know they are trying.   I just want to send you a little cyber hug and tell you that you are a wonderful mother!!!  Your son is lucky to have a mother who cares.  I am a mother of a 20 month old little boy so I can appreciate other moms love!!!  I hope you aren't too hard on yourself and I wish the best for both of you.  I don't have a lot of wise adivice but here is your hug and I will always be an ear here for you if needed (((((((((((((HUG))))))))))))!!!!!  Your new friend, Jules

[jule1]

Congratulations on staying clean a week that is a big step!!  Keep reminding yourself everyday that you have come so far and that should help the dragon as wizard used to say.  It sounds as if you are having anxiety though do you have any therapist you could see or at least talk to about this?  I am proud that you are trying to work through our language barrier for help it is frustrating for all of us.  Do you understand us more than we understand you?  Keep on taking it one day at a time as they say that makes so much more sense to me now than ever!!  Julie

[GeriP]

Thanks for your kind words.  I have been reading everything I can find regarding Oxycontin.  I know it's all up to him, and right now, he still needs to take that first step.  It's just very painful to have to sit on the sidelines and watch him slip further and further into the abyss.  Several people are trying their best to convince him to "see the light".  I just hope it's not too late.

[crookie]

How your son goes from here depends mostly if not entirely on him.  He's young, which is a good start and if this is his first imprisonment it may shock him into doing something about his drug use.  Again, it really depends on him and his attitude towards it all.  You could maybe learn up some more about drugs and be willing to discuss family issues or other issues - if he raises them.  But look after you too.  All the best.