Need advise

[thewife168]

I'm trying to figure out if my husband has a dependancy problem with vicadin.  He's been on this stuff since 2005.  It started out 1 or 2 at night for pain.  Now it's 1 or 2 four times a day as needed.  I'm not really sure if he takes more than prescribed because he has 3 different bottles in the house now, some are fuller than others.  I think he also has a bottle at work.

Lately our marriage seems on rocky ground.  Its been coming on, slowly getting worse and worse.  His moods are unpredictable. He can go to work in the morning and be fine, come home at night and unload on me about stupid stuff.  Almost as if he's looking to pick a fight. And I think what the hell did I do, I haven't seen or talked to you all day!!!This is very much out of character.

I'm also wondering if long term use of vicodin can effect a mans ablilty to perform sexually. By this I mean gaining and maintaining an erection.  something else thats highly unusual.

Maybe I'm drawing at straws here as to what could be the cause of these problems.  Then the other day it just hit me, maybe it could be the vicodin.  I hate to even bring it up to him if it doesn't sound like a possibility because I know it will only cause an argument.

Can someone out there who's been through this tell me if I may be on to something here?  What do I watch for?  Or is it even possible to suffer ill effects from it if your taking it by rx.

[nursegirl6572]

I have to agree with the  others.  His behavior and patterns sounds very much like someone with a problem.  Even if he isn't abusing the Vicodin for a "high", at this point....this lentgh of time being on them...he is most likely needing to slowly increase his dose, just to keep withdrawals away.

Only you know the best way to approach him about this.  Of course it goes without saying....when you do....make sure he knows that you are in his corner, and want nothing but to support him and help him in any way possible...both for HIS sake, and for the sake of your marriage.

Best of luck to you...I hope he handles the convo well.  Many don't, at least not the first time around.  Keep us posted.

[sotired109]

I feel for you my husband and I are going thru the same problem with pain killers........  He got the prescription because of surgery and now it is just an issue.    We have a child and one on the way, and after a month of suspecting that there was an issue I finally just asked him and he came clean and admitted he had an issue.    The first thing your husband has to do is admit he has an issue before he can tell you.   And to be quite honest the mood swings are just going to get worse along with the chills and bathroom issues.  Its not easy............good luck to you.

[tomskat]

Yes yes yes he has a problem!!!! Yes, also he may be coming off it which is causing his mood swings. Being female, I don't know if it affects men's abilities, sexually. I think it does. Stay here on this website...you will get so much support and answers. Hey-maybe have your husband get on here? just a thought.....good luck to you

stay in touch and be strong.....anne

[dominosarah]

Sounds like your husband is addicted......the moods were an indication and then when you mentioned the sex that was a dead give away.....not to mention all the bottles of pills.  Does he have an injury or why is he taking these?