Expert: Peter L. - 12/13/2010

Question
I have been helping my husband detoxify from oxycodone and he is in his 11th day.   He is just so weak.  I have been providing multi vitamin and lot of b6.    He is trying to exercise but and 1 mile is all he can walk.   What else can we do to get his energy back.    He was on pain pills for 3 years.   3 years of hell!

Answer
Hi Yinga,

Congratulations on being there for your husband and helping him through his ordeal.

Opioid dependence causes a lot of physical adaptation in the body, and when someone tries to end their use of these drugs, there's a corresponding reaction.  It takes a lot for the body (and mind) to recover. Three years of use of these drugs can create a lot of problems.  I find most of my opioid users have to be medicated with either Suboxone or Methadone.  Has he tried either of these?

He is fairly new in terms of his abstinence and recovery, so I would expect it would be difficult for some time to come.  I would stress a thorough wellness approach, focusing on diet, nutrition, supplements (as you're doing with him) exercise, and maybe acupuncture, massage, and the various forms of energy healing that might be available in your area.

There is a herbal supplement called Biostrath that might help. Google the name and you'll find where you can buy it.  He might also try some Omega 3 supplements, or eat a lot of salmon, which has a lot of it.  

Most important is patience.  This is a difficult transition for your husband.  These drugs are treacherous, the most problematic drugs for my clients to get off of.  H

Has he gotten assistance from a substance abuse treatment program?  Being in groups or working with a counselor can help.

Wishing you both the best,
Peter