[motherof5]

My husband just left yesterday morning to go to Dallas for that suboxone treatment at Meditox of palm beach- yes I have been with him for 5 years now and can identify the symptoms of his addiction but I am still so new to the "addiction" thing. I don't understand it very well- but I want and need to be as strong as I can for him. If there is anyone out there that can give me advise, I would really appreciate it. I have looked into Alanon and plan on attending- I just really need people to talk to- other than my parents who tell me to leave him- I WON"T.
Thank You!

[Cats Meow]

Was hubby a recreational user, let us know a little more of your/his story, like how much and for how long did he use? Is there anything specific you feel like talking or finding out about? There's lots of good people here that are happy to help out, welcome to DDC.

^..^ ~~ ,
=´`= ___ )-~

[motherof5]

It didn't start that way, when he was a teenager it was alchohal till he injured his knee. thats when he was intriduced to vicodin- etc.- that was in his early 20's. from then on it was recreational for him and his prior wife. they ended up abusing more and more prescription drugs and both of them actually overdosed on Soma twice- once stopping my husbands heart- he's very lucky to be alive. That was a turning point, he went to treatment, she refused, they divorced. When I met him I knew nothing about addiction (not that I know much now either) At the time all I really knew is that he was an alchoholic, beyond that I wasn't aware of the other addiction. But him being in recovery from drinking didn't bother me- I had already had my fun at the bars and drinking wasn't an issue for me. Since we have been together he has had one inpatient detox- (one that completely shocked me when I realized there was a problem since I had no idea what the signs were) however in the past 5 years he has also abused painkillers several times, but been able to deal with the withdrawls of getting off of them. He had 2 back surguries, a diskectomy and a lumbar fusion- 6 mo apart- so from those instances he was abusing painkillers for more than a year straight. To make matters worse 2 months after his fusion i became hospitalized with pnemonia and a staff infection and nearly died. I know that was a very low point for him (though I can't remember what happened) i do know he was using very heavily. Because of the trauma they put me thru and the emergency hack jobs they had to preform on me I was sent home with narcotics as well- only to have them stolen by my husband- which kept him high and me in pain. That was one of the lowest points in our relationship. but he got better. I do know that it is constantly on his mind- just last year when a gave birth to our son the doctors offered me narcotics for the pain following the delivery but I refused it only because I refuse to bring temptaion into the home of an addict! He was a tad bit sad that I did refuse too!

This most recent time all started with a root canal and just escaladed- since he was given 2 days worth of pain pills he decided that he missed it I guess- it's all I can think of. he's been to numerous doctors and hospitals daily- if not twice a day to get more pills. I don't know how much it adds up to but I know they were giving him the highest dose of vicodin they could write and he would eat 30 a day!

i truly belive that this time he really wants to stay clean- he has been threatened by me that I will leave him if it happens again (though I am not sure if I truly would- this is a marraige not a fling and we promised to stick it out) he is also on the verge of loosing his job, plus he has financially put us in a huge bind. He comes home tomorrow- started on the suboxone today- I pray it works!

I don't truly know what I am planning to gain from this message board other than someone to vent upon with my story and for anyone to offer any words of wisdom! I am not really able to talk to anyone about what is bottled up inside of me and I need somewhere to vent a little!
I do plan on attending my first Al-Anon mtg. tomorrow- but I am such an emotional wreck- it will be a miracle if I don't start balling!

I hope this gives you a little inside look at our story and any words of encouragement, support, and advice are appreciated!
Thanks So Much

[Antiprepp1105]

Please do not post the same thread in more than one section.

[Cats Meow]

It helps to write down problems, it's kind of therapy in itself if nothing else. Your husband has an addictive personality, it's going to be a struggle for him to stay straight, he really has to want to, these people can never again just have a little of something, he needs to learn to enjoy being clean. I know you're not giving up on him, but he has to understand and you have to give him consequences, should he ever use again. You don't deserve to live this way. Make sure he takes your threats seriously, no more chances, use again you have to leave. It shouldn't be much of a choice, but it's so sad, so often addicts will choose drugs over love.

^..^ ~~ ,
=´`= ___ )-~

[motherof5]

There are consequences- and his is fully aware of them. He knows that this is his last chance with me- us- our family. but I also believe in him. That he wants to beat this. And I will be as supportive as I can- without enabling! I have started to attend Al-Anon mtgs. It will take some getting used to for me as well as alot of learning- but I think in the end we will end up on the same page. Thanks for your replies so far!