Expert: Gareth Stubbs - 4/7/2009

Question
I have recently found out 2 people close to me are addicted to this prescription drug, oxycotin. One has approached me and is very upset that he let this happen, grew up with alcohol addiction in the family. Have done a lot of reading, had no idea what it was, now in shock I would like to know. Is it possible for someone to detox from this by themselves? One of them is getting a drug called Syboxin to help with the painful withdrawal, which they plan on both using does this help if the mental attitude to stop using is with them? Will a 12 step program help, as I know it helps with many people that truly want to stop their addiction whatever that may be. They of course have concerns about being off work if they go to rehab, is it possible to do an outpatient detox? How else can an outsider help to get them the help they need, insisting? or give them the information to make the choices themselves? I myself have gone to Alanon so I know I can not control anyones choices but I do feel a strong need to advise them on their approach, wrong?

Answer
Hey Sue,

Your commitment to the wellbeing of your friends is awesome, and as you have been speaking with people from Alanon, that makes this a lot easier for me to explain, because a big part of the problem is realising that we cannot take control for other people's choices. However, as they have come to you and admitted their problem, it also helps a great deal.

As you have found out, this is a rather dangerous drug, and the harsh reality is that it is sometimes referred to by some people as "rich man's heroin" because it is basically the same chemical buildup and has pretty much the same effect, hence people really struggling to get off it. I am not sure of the dosage that these people have been taking and for how long, as this does have a significant effect on the whole process. As they are also using something else to help them with the withdrawal, that also does help a bit. The most common symptom when coming off is the headaches that we tend to get - the body all of a sudden realises that something is missing, and we get what is called a "rebound headache" which makes us genuinely feel pain so we take them again. Others will and may include anxiety, nausea, insomnia, muscle pain, fevers, and other flu like symptoms, however, the good news based on my experience is that the worst of the whole thing lasts about 72 to 96 hours, again depending on how much has been taken and for how long.

Ways to alleviate the withdrawal include making sure that you drink as much water as you can - this keeps you hydrated and helps the muscles when they cramp and the like, and at the same time, if someone does vomit, it helps with that because it clears out the system. The body can get quite sore physically, again because it wants it's fix, so make sure that they get some form of excercise even if it is just short walks - again, with the water, the excercise helps clear out the toxins from the body. Attending meetings at this time also helps a great deal, because it takes your mind off things and gets you to the root of the problem and clears up the wreckage of the past that drove someone to use the drugs in the first place. The hardest part of it is battling with the mental aspect as well, so having people to talk to when things are tough during the first few days makes a very big difference. Make sure there are no tablets hidden or lying around, because that thought of "just one will ease the pain a bit" is very dangerous.

I am sure that there may be some outpatient places that can help and offer suggestions so maybe in that respect, it would be best to speak to a doctor and see what they say. Also, the doctor that maybe has prescribed the other tablets can offer some insight into this, as I have never been to the States, and can only offer advice on what has worked for me in the past, both on myself and working with other people to help them and they have had success in their efforts and continue to live today free from the pills.

7 years ago, I was taking in excess of 50 tablets like these a day and following the suggestions that I have given above, I successfully managed to stop on my own without having to take time off work or attend a formal rehab instution. Yes, it was hard work to be 100% honest with you, and there were a few moments when I physically and mentally thought I was not going to cope, but keeping myself well hydrated, walking as much as I could and attending meetings and speaking about it were what got me through, so based on my own first-hand experience, I know that if the will and desire is there then it clearly is possible to do.

I hope that this has given some insight - if you need anything, please do not hesitate to get back to me and I will be more than happy to listen or help where possible

Gareth