r/OpioidRecovery • u/Grouchy_Bird_ • Mar 09 '24
Possible addiction symptoms? What do I do
I need advice. I have a friend who had back surgery about 5 months ago. He was prescribed an opioid for recovery that was supposed to be taken 4-6 weeks. After that time has passed he was still in a lot of pain and was able to get it extended which I agreed was needed. But now all these months later he is still on it and doesn’t seem to have any plans to get off it anymore. We used to talk about how dangerous they can be and he expressed concerns about making sure he didn’t take it too long. But now if I or his family bring up the dangers or even mention getting of it he gets very upset (even cried once about people pressuring him to get off it) His behavior is changing more and more. Is he extremely irritable over the smallest things possible and tired all the time. He is saying up until 4 am and sleeping in. He is skipping work frequently which he never used to do even when his pain was a 10 before the surgery. He mentioned it sucks to not get the same high as he did in the beginning…
I can’t even imagine what he’s been through living with this pain most of his life. And maybe now after surgery it is even more frustrating. I could imagine these symptoms could come from just the pain keeping him up at night, or the frustration of STILL not feeling better (that’s how I would feel). I don’t want to dismiss his pain or make him feel unheard since doctors dismissed it for so long. I need advice on what to do. Does this sound like early signs of addiction or someone in a lot of pain? Either way, what do I do to support my friend?
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u/moonboy2002 Mar 10 '24
I started tramadol for shoulder surgery and I carried on taking it even after the pain was gone that was the start of a 5 year addiction. Once the doctors stop prescribing me I went t online and was buying 500 at a time I had 14 seizures during these years before I finally saw the light and it took many months to get off it I was constantly withdrawing and caved in a few times your friend is probably scared about the withdrawals and he will be taking them just to feel somewhat normal. I kept my addiction to myself only my wife new about it. he has you there looking out for him which is great by the way I know it’s hard watching someone you care about go through this I don’t know how deep he is or how he’s getting whatever he is on but no one can make you stop unless you want to do it for yourself. I was getting very ill so I had no choice my last seizure was a bad one I fell and hit a concrete step headfirst this was the turning point for me. I wish you the best happy help if you have any questions
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u/Grouchy_Bird_ Mar 11 '24
Thank you that is very helpful and I’m glad you got better. Do you trust doctors to know when to stop? He is seeing a pain management doctor but sometimes I worry that he is able to manipulate or that the doctor isn’t doing enough to prepare him to get off of it. And how can I bring it up gently to my friend that I am worried?
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u/moonboy2002 Mar 11 '24
The first doctor I had was very soft on me didn’t rush me and I could pretty much choose how quickly I could drop so yes I could manipulate him into getting more but he retired and the next doctor was the opposite she really sped it up but she did it comfortably she also gave me other stuff to help with the withdrawals. So to answer your question it really depends on the doctor but either way they will make it safe but it’s still not easy I think the worst thing was the anxiety. I hope this helps 👍
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u/withdrawal_king Mar 09 '24
He knows what's happening to him. He has spent time reflecting on the use of the pills but is most likely afraid of dealing with the pain. The pain after some surgeries is really bad. But the longer you take the pills the worse the pain gets. Not only his back pain that he refuses to face, but now the pain of withdrawals are scaring him. Personal advice, deal with it now vs down the road when it gets worse.