Re: I just found out my friend is addicted to Oxycodone - updated in 1st post - LONG

So Sorry to hear that crazy update Kathy

Re: I just found out my friend is addicted to Oxycodone - updated in 1st post - LONG

I hope her DH is a doctor. He shouldn't be doing this on his own.

Re: I just found out my friend is addicted to Oxycodone - updated in 1st post - LONG

Posted by nrthshgrl

I hope her DH is a doctor. He shouldn't be doing this on his own.

Re: I just found out my friend is addicted to Oxycodone - updated in 1st post - LONG

Kathy I wish your firend alot of luck. It is going to be a long hard road, that will never end. She will be fighting it for the rest of her life. I am sure you got some info already but here is a little of what I know that maybe someone else reading can benefit from too.

First of all addiction to pain meds is extremely common because of how quick they work and how easy they are to get. I once had an MD who I accidentally learned was addicted. They have impaired professionals programs that she should look into, especially if she is goign to be around scripts and medications. It will be way too tempting for her without the skills to deal with that specifically. I have learned that my MD lost his license, then completed such a program and from what I understand is working again now.

Second Oxycodone and most of the Rx pain killers are a class of drugs called Opioids. Heroin is also an Opioid. Opioids are very addictive because they synthetically act on the brain. Our bodies produce natural "opioids", Anyway when you start taking meds that release this in your brain, your brain stops making it. So when you stop taking the medication you have withdrawal.

Now about withdrawal. It is VERY painful. You will have shaking, sweating , diarrhea, and stomach cramps and muscle aches. However it is NOT deadly. Unlike other drugs you can not die from withdrawal. So unfortunately alot of insurance companies will not pay for an inpatient detox. Which is why her doctor is probably doing it outpatient. BUt I would make sure that he is not RX Oxycodone to detox her. I think Oxy also has tylenol in it, so in addition to the opioid the tylenol wreaks havoc on your liver. She should be detoxed with Methadone or Suboxone. Soboxone is the newer one and is supposed to be less addictive than methadone, so its more likely she would be RX that.

Good luck, its great that you are standing by your friend. She is going to need a lot of support. Make sure she goes to AA/NA and or/some support groups. I really recommend an impaired professionals group.

You can call DAERHS (drug abuse education and referral health services) at 718-470-8950. They should be able to direct you to some places closer to you.

Re: I just found out my friend is addicted to Oxycodone - updated in 1st post - LONG

Thank you everyone for all your prayers and advice. Pauline - thank you so much for taking the time to give me all that info, I really appreciate it. I made note of the # you gave me too.

She still doesn't know I know, I'll talk to her DH tonight about telling her that I know. I cant be there for her if she doesn't know I know.

We find out today about my Dad's test results. I am and beggin God to give us a break.

I don't know how much more I can put on my plate right now.

Re: I just found out my friend is addicted to Oxycodone - updated in 1st post - LONG

Just wanted to give you a and tell you that you're a good friend. It's great that you didn't take offense to the fact that she stole your pain pills and that you understand she has a problem and that you're willing to be there and help her. to you.

Also, for her, her DH and her family and friends like you!

Re: I just found out my friend is addicted to Oxycodone - updated in 1st post - LONG

I'm sorry to hear your friend is in this position. You are a good friend for wanting to help. I wish her luck in her recovery.

Re: I just found out my friend is addicted to Oxycodone - updated in 1st post - LONG

I'm sorry about your friend AND your dad. It sounds like theyhave a plane for helping her. I hope it works