Prescription Drug Addiction--How to BEST Help Someone Who Wants Help

I would assume that he should probably work with a addiction counselor on an outpatient basis weekly for 3-6 months, and then monthly for a year after that. He should attend a NA meeting daily for the first month of sobriety. This will help him through his withdrawls, and to talk to others who are working on their own sobriety.

For you, I would find a local Alanon meeting to attend. This will help you as well as talk with other family members and friends of someone who is going through and addiction.

At times, when someone is going through a heavy addiction they will need to be admitted for a 28 day rehab program. If that is the case, then there he will go through the withdrawl periods, as well as work on recovery there. It usually is the best way to go, as he will be in a safe place with trained staff. Do not be alarmed if this happens. It is part of the process.

I have to commend you for offering your support, love and encouragement. It isn't easy for someone with an addiction to come clean and be open and honest about it. The fact that he has asked for help and recognizes he has a problem is the first step. Good for him.

I have worked with many clients who struggled with an addiction to alcohol and drugs, as well as mental disordes. If you need advice or anything, don't hesitate to message me on here.

Added: Yes , absolutely their is hope. If he finds a good treatment program and counselor, and is willing to work at his recovery, their is hope. I have had many clients who are in recovery from their addiction for a long time.

I think that is an awesome first step!
Safe detox is a must. You don't mention what type of painkillers, likely Vicodin, OxyContin, etc., right?
He will likely be guided to a 12 step program and advised to get a sponsor.
Accountability is HUGE in overcoming addiction. And NOT to you. That's not your job.
It's great that he is admitting that he needs help and has sought help on his own. Perfect start.
You can attend Naranon to learn the difference between supporting and enabling.
Good luck!
And YES there IS hope!

Please also have him see his primary care provider so that his doctor knows about this. They will put it in his file and he will be flagged so that other doctors in the practice know if he starts coming around for pain meds, he is likely faking it.

I think you need to take this one step at a time right now. He came to you and fessed up and asked for help. How amazing is that! Did you tell him how proud you are of him? Please do. That couldn't have been easy. How incredibly brave of him. Make sure he knows how awesome it is that he felt he could trust you enough to come forward with this.

Next, he has this appointment. Be prepared that they may want to do an in-patient detox. MOST rehabilitation programs will not "accept" a chemically dependent patient without doing an in-patient detox first, it's a liability issue. Detoxing is dangerous, taxing on the body, and he should be monitored by physicians. Be prepared that this is a slow, arduous process and change doesn't happen overnight. Relapse is not only possible, but likely. Will you be prepared for that? Will you be forgiving? Will you help him through those times or become angry?

I would suggest that you seek counseling, or go to 12-step meetings for families of narcotic addicts. Professionals can help you cope with his behaviors and realize how to be a help and not a hindrance or an enabler.

Take it as it comes, be there for him. This is the 'in sickness' that you mentioned in your vows. As long as he is trying, be his beacon of strength. He needs you.

My deepest, warmest thoughts & prayers are with you & your husband. My heart goes out SO MUCH to marriages that are struggling with addiction.

Never been through this with a spouse but have with a friend and it's not easy. If he's only been on it for a year it may be possible to remain off once he gets off but it also depends on what he's been taking. My friend died at age 50 from it and I know others who were in the same situation only didn't die from it. Just had a horrible life as a result. I'm glad your husband shared this and hope he does get lasting help. I wonder though if it has only been a year. Usually by the time they admit it they're in big trouble and it's been awhile. Whatever the result I am glad he has you standing by him. Not much you can do but be there really.

That is the best first step. Go w him if u can.