Addiction to Oxycodone

[Cat3957]

My son is addicted to this drug, he lives in Ft. Myers, Fl. he has been told by SWAFAS the 10 day's in their program will not help him, he also drinks, they advised him he would need to go through detox and be on a 28 day program or maybe even longer, this would cost $8,000.00 which he does not have nor I.  He wants help but at this time is unable to get it.

My question is, is there any where he could go that would not cost and get him the help he need and wants?

Thank you
Cat 3957

[heather061108]

Hi my name is heather and im 20 years old. My mom has been on drugs since i was young and u would not b able to tell unless u knew her and i just want go say that i have learned the hard way by wasting money trying to help her that you cant help someone until they want to help themselves. I know its hard and geartbreaking but you will waste a crap load of money if tgey eelapse

[Diamond_Jade]

Hi,

I thought I would share with you how I handled my son and his addiction to pain pills (he also drank).  

When he lost his family (wife and 2 young daughters) he had no where to go so he moved back home.  Then he proceeded to steal from us and buy drugs and also drink.  I finally told him (after about a month) that he would have to follow my house rules or he would have to leave (on foot).  I also told him if he took the car I would report it stolen (since my name was on the title as well as his).  He did get angry with me and he did leave...on foot.  He walked 8 miles to town.  I thought the next phone call I would receive would be from the police....saying he was arrested or found dead. But instead he called about 5 hours later and asked me to come get him.  I did....but when he got into my car.....I laid down the law...follow MY rules or leave...PERIOD!

Within a week he had found a recovery program and got himself into it.  Yep, it cost money and I had to pay for it but at least he was trying.  That was one year ago.  He is now almost off of the methadone (which is the drug the recovery clinic out him on).  He sees a counselor regularly too.

He has not drank at all this past year.  I do not trust him at all because he stole alot from me.  I dont allow him to drive my car.....I sold his car.  He is still struggling as far as the methadone goes.  He wants off of it.....and we are about to transition him to suboxone because methadone is so hard to completely get off of.  Suboxone is somewhat easier and it also has an added drug in it which helps with the craving of opiates.

I found another treatment center today (Assisted recovery Centers of Georgia in Sav. GA.) that will give him Naltrexone when he is ready to detox from the Suboxone.  

Go to www.arc-ga.com and get their number and give them a call.  they have several programs.  Maybe one is right for ya'll.  

Dont give up on him!  Keep trying....but make sure HE is trying just as hard as you.  If he isnt .....then you might just have to kick him out.  I know it is so hard.  

Your sister in Christ....
G. Turner

[Diamond_Jade]

In regards to your response to the mother in Ft Myers, Fl with the son who needs to detox......Just because she was asking instead of her son does not mean he does not desire to be clean and stay clean.  You were very cold-hearted in your response to her and you came off sounding like a great big JERK!!  

Even drug addicts don't buy $8000.00 worth of drugs at one time.  

I am in the same situation with my youngest son and he very much desires to be clean.  I am always looking for ways to assist him in his detox process but HE has worked very hard this past year to get to where he is today.  So, as a mother in the same situation, I was greatly offended at your uncaring response to the mother in Ft Myers.  Apparently you have not had a child go thru this and/or you have become hardened to the situation and need a vacation.  

Which ever the case may be....you are still a JERK!


Sincerely,
G. Turner

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

We try our best to accommodate and help get them financing. People spend hundreds of dollars on their habit which ends up costing them not only tens of thousands, but their heath and possibly their lives in the end.  But they find it difficult to spend the money to actually save their lives once and for all. Think about it.
Your son finds the money somehow for the drugs and the booze on daily basis. Does he work? Does he have major medical? If he does, there is an injectable shot of Naltrexone called Vivitrol that is completely covered by insurance that will keep him from both using Oxy and alcohol. He does need to be Oxy free for seven day. Yes, cold turkey. But if he keep getting the shot every month, it will keep him clean. Where there is a will, there is a way. It just depends what the will is for.
I feel for you as one mom for another, but you may want him to be clean more than he does. He should have been the one asking me the question. The fact that it was you is already very telling. The Oxy can be tapered, the booze needs to be slowly stopped, or he need to go to the hospital if he is really bad, because sudden alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, if he is a heavy drinker.
What he is doing is extremely difficult for you to watch and it is sad. But he is the only one who can make a decision to get clean, and he can not do it for you, he must do for himself when he is ready. Good luck to you and I hope you remember to take care of yourself.