Loved one and relapses

[o4wgrrl]

My boyfriend has relapsed on Vicodin at least 3 times that I'm aware of since he first revealed that he had a problem about 7 months ago.  What scares me the most is that I can't really tell when he's using, so I don't know about the relapse until suddenly he's in withdrawals--either because he's run out or has conciously made the decision to quit.  Last October his withdrawals were so terrible, he ended up in the hospital and stayed for a few days to get his blood pressure under control. He was seeing a therapist regularly and seemed to actually enjoy talking with her (he doesn't share his emotions very easily with me or his family) but it's getting expensive for him and she also suggested that he go to group meetings--which he doesn't want to do.  I think he may even be on this forum, but I don't know for sure, so if he reads this I guess he'll know I'm looking for help.  I want to be able to help him through this struggle, but he hides what's going on so well...his use, relapses, and even when he's clean he hides his internal struggles very well.  We make plans for our future together--buying a house, etc but I wonder if anyone out there can give me reassurance that he CAN beat this.  Can a multiple "relapser" truly quit without going to counseling regularly and attending a group?  Can they taper on their own and truly get well?

[Rose703]

Yes he can quit on his own. Now the ideal situation would be for him to go to N/A or some people swear by the AA meeting even for pill use. I personally can't do something like that due to a physical disability which limits me on activities. I have used this forum and will continue to do so for my continued need for support. I'm 22 days clean so I haven't had a long time under my belt, but many ppl have relapsed and have then been able to get clean and stay that way. Addiction is a disease and I think if you went to Alanon it might help you to have a better understanding of your b/f and also help you sort through your own feelings.

[addictedme]

Yes he can quit but unless he has aftercare its doubtful that he"ll stay quit.I found direction thru the na program but there are other ways available. You (yourself) may want to try nar anon or narc anon,,programs for the familys of addicts. Its possible that seeing how serious you take this will give him a little motivation but recovery for him must be done by him and he"s gotta want it,,gl