Brother has oxy codone habit

[Amandag78]

I just found out today, my beautiful 32 year old brother has a oxy codone habit. He has been taking over 100 tabs a week for 4 yrs. He also crushes and mixes pill with weed and crack cocaine when he runs low.

He has had 2 shoulder re-constructions and is a supervisor at the mines for the past 14 years. He was prescribed the oxys for pain relief and now im finding out this is a total drug addiction, and then some. He blew 1000$ at the casino in half an hour last night and went on a binge because he was coming clean with us. He would travel to bali and get the pills over the counter when he took too much. I thought he was taking a holiday everytime he went.

He has a new son born a few weeks ago thats why he wants to stop. He said he only takes them to feel emotion now. Hes depressed. How could this happen to my brother. Hes never had a problem like me. Im so worried he wont make it. Hes a surfer and cant surf for a year because his 2nd shoulder surgery was only a few weeks ago. Hes always in pain, I dont know what to do. I dont know if I can help him. Please someone tell me what to do for him and how to do it. I know im going to loose him to this addiction if something doesnt happen now. How do I get him to taper oxy's, im not familiar with this drug. Please help.....

[Amandag78]

Thanks again for caring so much. Yea I saw him at mums yesterday for xmas and hes on day 5 off oxy's, he said hes very tired and his shoulder is killing him. But I gave him my left over clonidine and valium and told his girlfriend how much to give him in extreme pain only, and not to give him anymore after a week, once his withdrawls start. He said he normally doesnt withdrawl till day 7, but is already sick. He msg'd me last night to say the tab's I gave him were really helping, so fingers crossed. His girlfriend is getting in touch with some people for his drug abuse so I hope this works. Thanks again for your support and care. Your a wonderful person.

[infectedcargo]

No problem at all. I wish the best for him.  The first week is the worst physically but the hardest part (at least for me)  is the months after that where your brain chemistry is balancing out.  It's really hard to not go back to the pills during that period.  So really nudge him toward some kind of aftercare. Wether it be A A.  or church, or a therapist. Just whatever works for him. I made the mistake the first few times quitting by thinking I'd be sick for a week then all good. It usually isn't that simple.  Again I hope the best for him.  Just be supportive and keep pushing him forward even if he falls.

[Amandag78]

Im not sure, hes looking into it weather home detox or inpatient.  I will look up the thomas recipe now and send it to him.  I want him to go through the least pain he can. Thanks again so much.

[infectedcargo]

No problem. I've been going through the same things as your brother and I've got good advice for myself in hard times on this board.  Is he going to a detox facility or going to do it at home?   If he is going to do it at home look up the "thomas recipe" for him. There is a good chance he already knows about most things you can do to ease the withdrawals if he is to the point he came clean about his addiction to his family.  And keep checking in on him if he does it at home cause it can be really ruff.  

[Amandag78]

Infectedcargo, thank you. I appreciate you posting. I will make sure we keep an honest line of communication open. Thanks again.

[infectedcargo]

If he really wants to quit push him towards some kind of counsling or group meetings. As for what you can do is keep a completely open and honest line of communication with him. I know that I am still trying and failing to get clean but a lot less failing since I started just being honest about my addiction regardless.   But just make sure he knows he can be that open with it to you cause an addiction is not an easy subject to talk about but talking about it is essential.