Pain killer addiction?

Tyjazio

Hi, not too sure where to go with this but thought I would try here.
I think a family member has become addicted to pain killers and I really need to know how he can be gotten help.
He is engaged with two kids, neither works, his reason being he had an accident about 9 years ago that hurt his back. In that time he has had plenty of scans, x-rays etc but never an operation to help ease any pain.
We don't speak directly as we had a major falling out over money a few years ago but family always keep me informed.
I was told yesterday that he has been getting other family members (one cancer survivor and two octogenarians) to get pain medication prescriptions to give them to him, and when he cant he is taking his mothers heart meds which obviously will not help his pain.
He is constantly looking for money from everyone but no-one ever knows where the money is going.
His partner is totally unapproachable so not an avenue to go down in afraid.
The rest of the family are now finally seeing that this behaviour is not right but don't know what to do or where to go to seek help.
Any help would be much appreciated

Tyjazio

Tyjazio wrote: »

I was told yesterday that he has been getting other family members (one cancer survivor and two octogenarians) to get pain medication prescriptions to give them to him, and when he cant he is taking his mothers heart meds which obviously will not help his pain.

Very hard for you if you're not directly in contact. But tell those family members to stop the flow of drugs and cash to the drug addict. And maybe speak to his GP. And contact some addiction clinic or counselling service.

Beta Ray Bill

If you've fallen out with this person and still don't talk to them the best thing you can do is: nothing.

If you get involved, you're gonna deepen the void between the both of you.

I know that sounds ****ty, But the last thing he needs is someone getting involved that hasn't talked to him for years.

Tyjazio

grahambo wrote: »

If you've fallen out with this person and still don't talk to them the best thing you can do is: nothing.

If you get involved, you're gonna deepen the void between the both of you.

I know that sounds ****ty, But the last thing he needs is someone getting involved that hasn't talked to him for years.

Not wanting to directly get involved but want the rest of the family to have information so they can help. Trust me the void couldn't get any deeper.

Tyjazio

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Very hard for you if you're not directly in contact. But tell those family members to stop the flow of drugs and cash to the drug addict. And maybe speak to his GP. And contact some addiction clinic or counselling service.

Thanks, told one yesterday but problem is he knows where his parents keep all their medication and has a total meltdown like a five year old if he doesn't get his own way. His GP wont talk to anyone but him unfortunately.

Tyjazio

Tyjazio wrote: »

His GP wont talk to anyone but him unfortunately.

Can kinda understand that. He obviously wouldn't be able to disclose anything about his own patient...and he may take the view that even listening to concerns might compromise him.

The medication stuff is a bit ridiculous. It's like the parents of an alcoholic having to keep the drinks cabinet open because he'll get snotty. It's either an issue, in which case they have to take steps, or it's not in which case he can crunch their pills. They can't wring their hands and not take the most basic of steps for fear of a tantrum.

Mr. CooL ICE

Mod: Moved to Personal Issues, as this is better suited than After Hours.

Please read the PI charter before posting.

Tyjazio

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Can kinda understand that. He obviously wouldn't be able to disclose anything about his own patient...and he may take the view that even listening to concerns might compromise him.

The medication stuff is a bit ridiculous. It's like the parents of an alcoholic having to keep the drinks cabinet open because he'll get snotty. It's either an issue, in which case they have to take steps, or it's not in which case he can crunch their pills. They can't wring their hands and not take the most basic of steps for fear of a tantrum.

Oh i understand the whole doctor patient confidentiality thing, his mother has the same doctor but wont even say- look 'Dave' has been scoffing my heart medicine. They have the parents convinced that if they don't obey him then they will never see the grandkids again. My parents are so laid back that they are almost horizontal especially when it comes to him as the baby of the family.

freshpopcorn

I don't really think theirs much you can do to be honest. All you can really do is get the people close to him to talk to him. Lots of people pop pills for years. They can be very hard to come off.

casscass4444

If the person wants help to stop his addiction there are numerous residential addiction programmes he could attend.cuan mhuire in bruree in limerick offer a drug program it's 20 weeks residential at 180 euros a week which is affordable if he is on the dole as he's not working according to the post.
He'd be weaned off meds there aswell as group and individual counselling aswell as family days.
That's if he wants help and wants to stop taking meds.otherwise nothing you or anyone else can do except stop funding his addiction.its up to him to want to change and if he doesn't hel have a list of excuses as why not to go into treatment and if you push the issue he will most likely act aggressively.suggest the treatment route and cut off all funding you are giving him.usually an addict has to hit rock bottom with nowhere to turn before they admit defeat and seek help.
Hope this helps.on a side note I have not experienced addiction myself but worked in that field for years.

TresGats

I suggest your other family members who are in contact with this guy perhaps get in touch with Al Anon, who can give them advice & support on how best to deal with the situation.
Nobody can be forced into treatment, because then it simply won't work if they don't want to be there.
I find it odd that he can substitute heart medication for opioid medication?
Another possible avenue for him would be the local community drug programme, if you have one in your area. If he is an opoid addict, he can receive counselling, possibly attend a day programme, and possibly be weaned off his opiate addiction with medication by a Dr. specialising in addiction.