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About Hector Manuel Rodriguez
Expertise
I can answer questions about prevention, treatment alternatives, how to deal with withdrawal symptoms and addiction health consequences and/or complications. Being a former addict myself, I decided to go farther and educate in every single subject about substance abuse such as cocaine, marihuana, crack, heroin, LSD, amphetamines, meta amphetamines, opiates and alcohol among others. I am prepared to deal with a client from the point of initial interview and guide him or her throughout the whole recovery process from a Counselor's perspective. Down to earth, professional and dynamic are just a few of my qualities. I am commited to help addicts at a 100% of my knowledge. Rehabilitation is for everyone, we all have the right and the power to recover from addiction.

Experience
Having the knowledge and experience of the whole process, from living in the streets, my way to rehabilitation and recovery gives me a step ahead among others who have studied this subject just from a classroom perspective and not real life experience. Besides my own experience I am well educated in twelve step programs and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotic Anonymous. Note: Please refrain from asking any questions that may encourage drug/substance use as well as other specific questions about "bloodwork" and other drug tests. For those questions, ask a team member specialized in Chemistry, Medicine, Psychiatry or Pharmacy.

Education/Credentials
Stonebridge Associated Colleges 2009 Certified Substance Abuse Counselor S.A.C. Dipl. E18818 N.C.F.E. Certificate # 1225409 Award # IIQ0006865

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA law would not allow me to give information in this section. Every case is worked on an extreme confidential matter.

You are here: Experts > Teens > Health for Teens > Addiction to Drugs > is exposure to marihuana bad for a recovering painkillers addict?

Addiction to Drugs - is exposure to marihuana bad for a recovering painkillers addict?

Expert: Hector Manuel Rodriguez - 11/2/2009

Question
Dear, Dr H. H. Rodriguez

First of all, receive my greetings and most sincere gratefulness for your help and answer. I have a little concern:

I have a friend who is currently recovering from an oxycotin addiction. We used to share smoking pot together; now i worry i might be a bad influence for her once she gets out of rehab. How should i get prepared? should i be supportive of her in the sense of helping her stay off everything else thanks to pot or would that trigger her heavier addiction? Please, help, I saw her in such bad shape, i want her to have a total recovery and I know the first thing she will do is to want to smoke with me. What should I do?

I am one of her few friends who does pot only, so if she really wants it she can get it somewhere else, but im concerned. I want to help.
p.s: Weed is the only thing i do. No other drugs nor alcohol. Any advice please?
Thanks a lot.

Answer
Hello Zonicwave, thanks for your caring message.

Based on my own experiences when an addict is in recovery all triggers must be removed totally.

If you don't do this the recovering addict may relapse with a different drug, substituting one drug for another, I have seen it so many times.
If you do pot, please try to do it away from your recovering friend.

Once an addict finishes rehab she/he should go to live in a completely sober environment where the terms such as drugs, alcohol, painkillers and other related words should be avoided.

I will mention my own life example for you to have an idea of how this works.

When I completed rehab, years ago, I was so vulnerable that I could not even hear the word "addict" so it was very hard for me to go to support groups.

By just listening to the word "addict" or "addiction" was enough to reactivate my cravings an addictive behavior.

I suggest you, if you really love this person and care for her, to avoid any activity or topic related to any kind of drug in front of her. You do not know how many things could be a trigger for her.

Try to keep her surroundings in the most sober way until she says that she is ready to deal with the subject without any negative consequences.

Keep conversations at a sober level, there are so many things to talk about without mentioning "drugs".

I know that you, as a good friend, will do anything to support her while in recovery.

I hope this information is of help for you and her friends and if you need to talk some more, I will be around for you.

Thank you very much for counting on me!

Blessings...

Hector Rodriguez

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