Nyquil abuse and changes in behavior

[Shutterbug]

My husband was a recovering alcoholic up to about 2 years ago.  He began abusing over the counter medication, unbeknownst to me.  As the abuse got worse, the signs became apparent.  He was always sneaking into the bathroom or rummaging in a closet, etc.  His drug of choice is Nyquil and I have found over twenty bottles strewn through my house over the last month or so.  His behavior has changed radically.  He has become nasty and impatient, he often hibernates with a headset and CD, no one likes to be around him.  Could you tell me what's going on? An important side note:  my husband is bipolar and is treated with Depakote(he sometimes hides his meds) and Prozac Weekly.  He explains that the Nyquil rests his mind which I think is understandable (but misguided) for a bipolar in manic phase, but obviously not the best choice for controlling his disease. His spending habits are still out of control.  Before he was diagnosed and treated for bipolar, he landed us in $30,000 debt. His habits improved when he began his  medicine regimen, but returned when he started abusing over-the -counters. He has recently experienced mild seizures while sleeping.  I have begged him to seek help.  He tells me that I exaggerate his condition.  Also, he has developed a very large lump (emlarged lymph node)on his neck which is being biopsied next week.  These things may not be related, but because of the damage that alcohol is capable of, I wonder if they are.His psychiatrist is very concerned as is his family.  I repeat:  What's going on with him?  How will this disease progress?

[minime]

Just keep in mind what you've been through and how horrible it was.  You are nearing the light at the end of the tunnel and you can't go back now.  Keep telling yourself the pills might make you happy momentarily but you will eventually have to go through all this again.  It would seem that the threat of that would be enough but I have relapsed so many times so it didn't always work for me.  Also tell yourself you will be much better equiped to handle all the other issues like the kids and husband if you are clean and not all fuzzy.

One thought though and I talked about it in the first thread, Suboxone is now out and it can be used as a maintenance drug.  I truly believe that some addicts NEED opiate maintenance.  For me I've relapsed too many times to count, and I was so sick of failure.  Now I'm taking one pill a day and I don't have any desire (at least not much) to take anything else.

Are you positive there are no meetings in your area.  I thought they were everywhere.  You could call the NA or AA hotline and talk with someone.  They have volunteer staff available to talk 24/7.  Good luck and hang in there.

[minime]

It's a heavy burden taking care of someone else's kids and it is very good of you to try so hard.  It doesn't sound like he appreciates it and it doesn't sound like he backs you up when you do try to discipline.  Is he an addict also?  I'm sorry I can't remember if you said he was.

[Vicqueennomore]

The above post is open for anyone that has help or advise or anything to say as I am very desparate, there are drugs in my house and if I can justify any reason to take them, I will. Please help....

[Vicqueennomore]

I am posting here to you too susie cuz it said the above post is full.
I really had a rough night last night. I snapped at my BF, the kids and told my BF that I don't think I can be here and deal with his non-caring of my addiction and taking care of kids that don't listen. (They are a little less disiplined than most due to only one male parent for a couple years-their mother is a town tramp)I have come in here and cleaned a very disorganized house and cook good meals every day instead of spagetteos and tried to disipline them and for the last 30 days try to stay clean, pills and alcohol (last recovery from pills ended in a cross-addiction to alcohol and try to recover from flu/strep. (I feel like a whiner but my God how much can one person take)I lost it big time when he just thru the pills down right next to me and he is wondering now what the hell got into me and now waiting for me to decide whether I want to be here or not. I love him, I really do, he's been my best friend for at least 3 years but that was while I didn't have the responsibility of his 3 kids and now of staying sober. I am so a wits end, I don't know if I am using my recovery as a cop out to dealing with the relationship and it's baggage or what???
I tried to find an AA or NA meeting in my area and the closest one is almost an hour away. I just got laid off so I can't afford counseling....this forum has been my only blessing and support, please stay with me.....

[feelsobad]

You have definatly chosen the right path. The pill path only takes you further from the "real" you. Finished!! put it well. You didn't quit for lack of funds. You quit for you and your family. That is one of the srongest motivators. There are plenty of rich pill poppers out there. They are still nothing more than rich, sick, pill poppers. The life you have chosen will lead to real riches. Just hang in there it will get better. Be prepared to realize you may have changed after letting go of drugs. They have a way of doing some re-wiring to your brain. But I came out of it with much more compassion for others. And being able to truly feel others pain, grief or happiness for tht matter. Hang in there. With the support of your family you should weather this well. In a few weeks you will compleatly over wd's. Although you may need something for anxiety. It seems to be one of the lingering effects of a brain with no opiates stirring around. My doc put me on ativan, it has been a God send. I suffered needlessly before swallowing my pride and going to a shrink. This med for me, is a miracle. It gave me my life back afer thinking I had permenatly damage my emotion regulators.

Gods speed in your recovery
feelsobad

[HarleyCat]

Hi, Darlin'  How are you?  I am soooo PROUD of you!!  You are the queen of quitters.  You are so cool.  You are the bomb!  hee hee  Did it make you laugh?  Don't forget to do that, along with eathing well, lots of hydration.

Have a fabulous day tomorrow.  Just think, by this time next year, you will be celebrating an anniverary!!

Love ya, Connie