[j.family]

I have a loved one in their 20's that I know uses oxycontin. I dont know alot about this drug besides the resurch I have done. A year ago I lost a great friend to pill addication. I dont want to lose this friend to. He said he is no long doing it and gets very angry when I bring it up. I am in a diffrent state then him so its hard for me to see how he is doing. I am scared to lost him he is my friend and I could never image life without him. The way I found out is that he was very up and down with his emotions, and falling asleep at dinner.He came up with the excuse that e had to much to drink.... It scary to see him like this... I will be with him when he comes to visit and wonder if he is going to die. Someone any one help me I need to get help.... its been going on for 4 years and today I want to do somthing for him.

[slices_of_heaven]

HiOxycontin addiction is so strong, it's very hard, it can make a liar out of the most honest person.My best friend had that problem, very badly. I suggest you make a network with the people who live near him, and form an intervention of some type, that he will have to go to in patient treatment, because that is really the only way to help it, and it's not a cure all, after the treatment your friend is going to need huge amounts of support and love to stay off the drugs.I know it sounds harsh, but sometimes, taking relationships away, or at least a threat to take them away with real conviction to do so, can make a difference, but again, they're not going to be able to kick this habit alone, the hold that oxy can get on people is just so intense.I wish you the best of luck with this, and I hope you friend opts for treatment, but all in all, without you actually locking yourself in a house with them for the detox, and then monitoring their every action and activity for at least 30 days, they're not going to be capable of letting this drug go, so considering the serious problems that could arise from you doing it yourself, the only safe way is in patient treatment.Good luckGod Bless you and your friend, to give him strength and will of heart to get clean from this drug and find life again.

[thorn105]

I hate to have to tell you this, but aside from being his friend, being there for him emotionally and listening to him, there is nothing you can do to get him to stop taking this drug. It is very addictive. People who try to get off it usually have to be put on methadone or suboxone(? sp) to get off it, so they don't die from the DT's. Unless he decides he wants to quit, nothing you can say or do will make him quite, and the more you bug him about it, the more he will shut you out. I have done some volunteer work with addicts, and they will all say,"no one could help me, I had to help myself", and similar statements. Now I do recommend you go to some Al-Anon meetings, and I am not sure if Narcotics Anonymous has open meetings for people who are loved ones of addicts to attend or not, you should call your local chapter and ask. At Al Anon, you will meet others like you, who have friends or family members addicted to drugs, alcohol, or both, and you will get emotional support and strength from these people, many of whom are in the same position you are in now, or have been there before, until their loved one got help. There is lots of wisdom to be found at these meetings, and I highly recommend them to you. It is wonderful to want to help your friend, but don't neglect emotional support for yourself. I hope everything works out for you, but again, seriously, if you do nothing else, at least go to one Al Anon meeting. Take care.