Expert: Charles I. - 1/21/2008

Question
Hi
My husband of 10 years came to me and told me he had spent $1000's on
pecocets over the last few years.  He told me he was not going to do it
anymore and as naive as I was I believed him.  That was in 2002. Aug 2007
he told me of a more serious addiction to Ocycontins.  After a few days of
devastating withdrawl he, with my help saw the right people  and he was put
on a waiting list for rehab.  He was given sick leave at work.   During the
month of August he told me of his debts and the money he had been
spending on the drugs.  He went into rehabilitation and was asked to leave 2
weeks into the program because of an altercation with another patient.  He
was told he could come back once everyone who was there at the time had
finished their program and left.  He has not gone back as he has said to me
that his benefits would not pay for it again until 6 months has passed.  He
seemed to be on the right track but did not continue to go to meetings and
failed to keep his support going.  His personality has been very up and down,
We both feel he is possibly  manic depressive or bi-polar.  When he is feeling
good he seems semi-normal.  If not feeling good he is in bed and does not
want to get up.  We are going to ask his psychiatrist about this this week.(His
mother is manic depressive)  He admitted to doing drugs again but not near
what he was doing before August.  He thinks he does not have a problem
anymore and can handle it on his own.  He has said umpteen times he is
moving out and takes money and goes, I don't know where . My question is
do you think if he gets a handle on his mental disorder or depression he has  
a chance to get off the drugs completely?  
Sincerely
Financially spent and emotionally drained!

Answer
Hi Sue, thanks for your question. I believe he has a real chance at recovery if he gets a handle on his mental health issues. If he is, in fact, bi-polar and he is not receiving any treatment or meds for it...then self-medicating can be a reason someone uses substances. Often they use drugs just to feel normal...just to be able to function. What has to be determined is the bi-polar symptoms a result of using Oxycontin or if he genuinely has a mental issue.
He needs to be seen by a qualified mental health professional who can make an accurate assessment and recommendations for treatment if needed.
I would be concerned that he thinks he no longer has a problem and although he isn't using as much as he has in the past...if left unchecked it is only a matter of time before it becomes chronic once again. He needs to continue to work his recovery on a daily basis and not become complacent. His psychiatrist needs to be fully informed of his substance abuse history if he doesn't already know so that the appropriate treatment can be offered to your husband. I wish you the best with this and if you have any further questions please don't hesitate asking.
Good Luck,
Charles