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]

Your bf is being extremely insensitive.  Can you get him to read some of the posts here?  That might shed some light on this for him.

It's funny that a lot of people who have an addiction and go through withdrawal and everything start to realize they are in a relationship that isn't good for them.  I read that a lot here.  Either we really change, or just see our partners more clearly - I'm not sure.

You need as much support as you can muster, so you need to do what you got to do.  You can't change him, you can only change yourself right?  You have the strength to stay away from those pills.  Keep telling yourself that as a mantra.  Good luck.

[hippy]

rember what  it says on all the money,
its on every american coin and dollar.

hippy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[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

[sweetusa29]

Hello, well today is day two for me being off of hydros I tossed and turned all night long, I finally got up at 4:30am this morning. because my legs were very restless. When I got up I felt very sick, and I threw up. I dont have a appetite at all, and my body aches and my bones hurt. So I went to the Doctors this morning and he precribed me some clonidine but I havent taking it yet. And when I got home from the Doctors I got sick big time. but beside of the withdrawals I am glad to be off of the hydros I am sick and tired of them running my life, WAS running my life, Not no more. I dont even want them because I cant stand the thought that they took over my life, I am married and my husband is very supportive and I have three children and Im not doing that with my children anymore, They are the most inportant thing in my life. and NOT the pills. and I wouldnt be able to be this strong and have this much strength even it wasnt for Gods help. and of course all of your help. Thank you so much. Sweetusa29

[Erika_Ann]

How are things? Been thinking about you and your situation. Hope all is well. Im sure your under a tremendous amount of stress, but know we are all here. This forum has really saved me with the support and friendship. My thoughts are with you lady.
sincerely,
Erika

[theGolden1]

Sorry to tell you Shutter .... that is not a good thing. I would be pretty moody myself if I was loooking forward to a biopsy. My brother had a lump on his neck and it turned out to be Hodgekins limphoma. Your husband is probably going through alot right now. Try to get the book "One day at a time in Alanon" .... daily readings that really put things into perspective. The sooner he get's the biopsy over with the better you will both feel. My thoughts and prayers are with you .... Goldie