Questions From Supporter About Opiate Use And Ptsd

[Tlzpm]

Hi, there! My husband is suffering from PTSD due to childhood abuse/trauma. Several months ago my father-in-law started giving him his Vicodin to help him "relax." I'm so furious about this because I feel like it's a manipulative move to keep my husband dependent on him. At any rate, my husband told me about this almost a month ago (so thankful because I know it was hard to admit).

He's hooked now and feels awful and suicidal first thing in the am (withdrawl??). He tried to come off it himself but was unsuccessful because 1) that's crazy hard! and 2) we're moving and the upheaval is a big trigger for him. Trying to be supportive and encouraging and positive, but I'm worried about him.

My questions are 1) would his psychiatrist be able to prescribe something like suboxone to help him? 2) his hypervigilance is telling him that getting help would get law enforcement involved. My thinking is that this would be covered by dr./pt privilege. Is that right? 3) Have any sufferers been through this? Any other advice/thinks you wish you would have known?

Seeing his psych in a few days. Praying he'll reach out for help and also that he'll be willing to consider therapy.

 

[Kintsugi]

I would certainly ask his psychiatrist for assistance getting off of vicodin. The amount he's taking now will likely greatly impact what course of action is deemed necessary. The likelihood of law enforcement becoming involved is pretty much zero. I've told Ts and a psychiatrist all about recreational drug use in the past, with no intentions of stopping, and nothing disciplinary resulted from it, even seeing a college psychiatrist (who knew I was getting and using drugs on campus).

Coming off of opiates is really rough stuff. I wish your sufferer all the best.

 

[The Albatross]

Couldn't help but notice this bit, " I'm so furious about this because I feel like it's a manipulative move to keep my husband dependent on him. " ... your husband's choice was to ingest a medication that was not his, just sayin'... no it wasn't particularly good for someone to volunteer their meds but think that the responsibility is at least 50/50 if your gonna be furious. Manipulation? Doubtful... more like misguided assistiveness... is he an addict? Addicts think like that without repercussions for what it could do in the longer term. They just want to "help" someone feel better. Typically. Don't ask me how I even know that - it's a total part of my life better off forgotten.

 

[Tlzpm]

I would certainly ask his psychiatrist for assistance getting off of vicodin. The amount he's takin...

Thanks for your insights!

Couldn't help but notice this bit, " I'm so furious about this because I feel like it's a manipula...

You're right... blame goes both ways. He has been on opiate pain meds for 20+ years. They're prescribed, but he lies about his conditions and doctor shops quite a bit to keep the drugs coming. He has a history of manipulative/controlling behavior and outright lies... but, still, you're right. We make our own choices. Thanks for this perspective.

 

[Powder]

Thanks for your insights!


You're right... blame goes both ways. He has been on opiate pain meds for 20...

Moving is very stressful. I'm a sufferer with PTSD that has been very stable for a year, off meds, and am now having my first symptoms/taste of PTSD in a long while based on moving soon and money fears. I would NOT be cool with my spouse insisting on me dealing with my using a med at the moment. I've never been on someone else's meds, so I can't relate, but on my own Rx meds, I would want to wait until after the move is done and I can check into my body enough to handle the Dr's questions.

Irrational fears is part of PTSD when the stress level increases. I would again assume those fears will be less formidable after the stress is less. But how suicidal? Is he in crisis?

Now is NOT a good time to suddenly mess with brain chemistry based on your desires; it will take about 8 months, so why rush? However, if actually suicidal in the morning, then I think you should consider a Dr. and be supportive of your spouse's needs to take something long term. This drug filled a need. The Dr. will need to stabilize him as much as possible. It could be several years of taking other things. Many with PTSD are on 5 drugs and took 3 years to get the cocktail right. Be patient and proactive.

Blaming the father-in-law is sure tempting right now, but it won't help. I would not talk about that with your spouse. I would keep that negativity between you and the forum and your own support person(s). It's natural. Just not a great thing to share with suffering hubby.

 

[Deadman]

I don't think your husband has to worry about a health care professional turning him in to the cops for getting help with his drug use. In fact in most areas if you went to the cops and said "help, I'm addicted to prescription drugs" they would give you a list of programs and specialists. However getting caught with someone else's prescription drugs in your possession if you are stopped can get you in serious trouble.