Ok, now what do I do?

[Newabuser]

Some of you may have read my story from a month ago. In a nutshell I've now been clean for about a month and tonight I got a curveball thrown at me. No, nothing that tempts me but I don't know what to do.

While I was detoxing I actually did confide in one person, my neighbor. He's a recovering addict, clean for 4 years or so (so I thought) and he offered up a ton of strength and encouragement. He also offered to administer my wifes pills if I needed him to. I felt blessed that I have such a friend that's behind me 100%.

Well, tonight I got a call from him asking if I could give him a couple of my wifes oxy's. I refused and asked him what's going on. This is the strangest thing I've ever heard but he claims to be addicted to a pain killer that has been prescribed for their 14 year old dog! I forget the name but he said it was an opiate and the oxy's would help him get by until the damn dogs prescription can be refilled in a week!

Can this be real or do you think he's testing me? I mean, would someone really resort to taking dog medicine? If it's real I'll probably get the same request again. Any suggestions as to how the hell to handle this situation if it's real?

[dlonce]

Just tell him you do not have the pills any longer, you brought them back to the pharmacy to alleviate temptation.

[j34]

I know for myself ,I have been in situations like this where I am confused in what to do, my recovery comes first, what I am hearing is you really looked up to this person and now are feeling sad that he is in active addiction , here is the lesson,,all we have is one day clean,anybody, I mean anybody can use again. what i also heard was he was there for you so maybe , with the guidance of others who are clean you can formulate a plan to help  him without putting yourself in danger, remember addicton is cunning!!!!!!!!!!!, Lead by example and give what he gave to you, support. And maybe that could look like a meeting, or maybe for the time being since you are in early recovery that could mean just showing him by example that you are dedicated to your sobriety.. or maybe it could look like saying hey , I am here for you when you want to get clean but my life depends on my staying clean ,,,hope this helps you

[Newabuser]

Yep, I see their dog all all the time. She's 14 and has a bit of a limp but overall she appears to be in good health. She still tries to chase after rabbits when they come around so yeah, for 14 years old she's in good shape.

I hope that he's just scamming the vet and the dog really doesn't need the pills. You know, I was stealing my wifes pills and I know how low that is but somehow it seems much more severe that he might be depriving an animal of needed medication. This really *****!

[dominosarah]

Do you ever see this neighbors dog?  I hope he/she is alright........

[Newabuser]

You know, I never even thought about that and I'm a dog lover myself. We have an 8 year old dingo/english bulldog mix and he's just one cool dog. Now I'm even more pissed at him.

Anyway, I'm just going to wait and see what happens with the whole situation. He's not going to get any pills from me of course but we'll see where the friendship goes. I was certain I'd hear from him today but I didn't so he's either dealing with it or managed to get the dogs prescription re-filled. As much as everyone here has said that it's somewhat normal addict behavior I just can't comprehend it. Maybe the pill composition is the same as the human equivalent but I'd think there's lower quality control or cleanliness standards when producing a dog pill.

And nomorepills66, you were right, it is tramadol. I remembered it as soon as I read your comment. I don't know, this whole experience has really opened up my eyes and for the most part, everything I see disgusts me, present company excluded of course. I applaud everyone here for their attempts at detoxing and especially those who take on the counseling role. It's one heck of a volunteer position you've picked and it goes largely unrewarded.

I'll let you all know how this chapter plays out.

[AnimalLover2]

So the poor dog suffers and doesn't get his medicine because of his addiction? Poor doggie!! :(

I would be more upset about that than anything. but then, my user name says it all!

Don't do it. It's illegal!! Best of luck...

[nomorepills66]

I do not think you should turn your back on him, I don't think you should give him any meds but I do think you should be there for him. Sounds like he was there for you to help you through your addiction when you needed him and as a friend you should be there for him to. You know how he is feeling right now because you have been there and it is a very lonely place to be alone with no one to turn to. I think you should give him the same advice he gave you but be firm and tell him you can not give him the pills but you will help him in any other way.  Sure he is addicted to DOG PILLS but dog pills are the exact same pills that we take, no difference, same pain pills and antibotics. Just keep the pills locked up but don't ruin a friendship over this. We all hide our addictions from the closest ones in our lives but doesn't make us bad people, just sick people. Hope your friend gets clean and you can continue your friendship.

[dominosarah]

I would also keep my doors locked when you arent home.....

[nomorepills66]

The pill is probably tramadol. I have a friend that is a vet and he prescribes that to dogs for pain. It is hard to come off of. It has a antidepressent in it and the mental wd from that is enough to kill you. You need to tell him to go to his doctor and confess so he can taper him off. Sorry your in this situation and congrat's on getting clean.

[K_oz]

I agree with Sara - don't give him anything and it's probably best if you cut ties with him. Yes, he needs help, but to be honest with you, you're probably not the best person to give it, at least for now. You need to STAY AWAY from other users - why leave a possible door open to temptation when you don't have to?

Explain why you are doing what you are doing, and encourage him to get some help, but leave it at that. He may try to manipulate you into "helping" him (as addicts, it's something we exel at) but be firm - kind, but firm, and stand your ground.

[dominosarah]

Yes people take dog meds so i am sure he is telling you the truth.  

I would in no way give him ANYTHING.  Time to cut your ties with him as this is not a healthy person to be around.  Continue in your recovery.  Hope you are doing well~~sara

[rockbottom1970]

I agree with Vicki, It's real,  I would've been taking anything from anyone when I was on empty and yes, that includes dog medicines. When your in the middle of your addiction and you run empty you will do almost anything to keep yourself from WD's. I wouldn't know how to handle the situation but maybe You should tell him that your wife really needs her meds and you can't afford to have her run out.

Good Luck with this, he sure is putting you in a difficult situation.

[Newabuser]

If he's not pulling my leg or has some other reason for spinning this tale, it already has put our friendship on the line. I'm the last person to pronounce judgement on someone but this is a guy that has/had my utmost respect. We've left our house keys with them for years when we go on vacation, it's that kind of a relationship. Now he tells me he's hooked on DOG PILLS?

No, he wont get any pills from me but I'm really torn between wanting to help somehow versus simply cutting all ties with him. I guess I know what I should do (try to help) but damn, I'm just one month clean and feeling pretty good about myself. I certainly don't need to deal with something like this right now!

[vicki595]

It's real.  He has no reason or motive to test you.  NOTHING would surprise me and I believe he IS taking the dogs pain med. There are many "people" meds that can also be given to dogs.  Beside that, it sounds so crazy who would make that up??  I can think of
some much better reasons...

Anyway,yes,he's taking dog meds,yes he is in active addiction,and,no,do not give him any pills. If you do...it will never end.  

How to handle it?  Tell him you can't because the pills are not yours to give away and because it's illegal anyway!  Suggest he get some help, tell him he's put you in a tough position,and tell him to call his doctor for help.   The onus is not on you here; it's on him.
But,of course he can't see that right now.

Good luck...I hope this doesn't put your friendship on the line...