Oxycotin

[marie11]

My sister is addicted to oxycotin. She hasn't admitted it, I only know this becasue I confronted her friend and she told me.  The only details I know are that she snorts it and uses it everyday.  Her symptoms include the following, she went from 129 pounds to 105 pounds, works six days a week but still has fallen extremely behind on paying her bills, used to be sweet and sociable but is now bitter and irritable, has very bad headaches and no appetite.  Her new boyfriend is a known drug addict that sapposedly cleaned up but I don't believe that.  My parents and I have a hunch that she's been using this drug for at least 1 or possibly 1 1/2 years tops.

My questions are, given these symptoms, can she just stop taking these drugs because I heard that if you do you could die from withrawal.   AIso, why is she losing so much weight, does this drug do that?  Or could it be a differnet drug?  Lastly, I don't really understand how she can work six long hour days a week and function when she's on drugs, is that normal?  The situation is getting bad and we really need to address this with her so I'm trying to understand this as much as possible becasue I really am clueless about this drug, I know nothing about it.

Thank you for any answers or guidance you may have.

[Friend999]

Marie11:

You said: I'm trying to understand this as much as possible because I really am clueless about this drug, I know nothing about it.

Therein lies the key, knowledge.  My suggestion to you is to gain that knowledge, on here especially, and on other web sites. I don't know if you have confronted her but I would suggest you gain knowledge before you do. Read and read the posts on this site, continue to ask additional questions.  As you gain knowledge about addiction/dependence you will begin to understand many things about this complicated disease, what could probably be going through her head, and how best for you to handle the situation, etc. Confronting her without this knowledge could cause her to push you away, defeating the very reason you wish to help her.  I have made that mistake with a friend of mine, have been pushed away, and have been trying to get back within her confidence for a long time. I would never have confronted her so bluntly if I knew then what I know now.

The wonderful people on this site have, and are, experienced (ing) what she is going through.  Learn from them, because they are the real experts.

My very best to you and your sister.

Friend999

[lifesaride]

Yes, This is normal for a person addicted to oxy,  No, withdrawls wont kill you. But this has to be treated in steps. First she has to admit and realize she has a problem. Second she has to stop sniffing them. You get a rush from sniffing and that has to stop. Third, you all have to rally behind her, pain killers make you isolated and withdrawn from others. Anyone can get caught up in this, there is nothing to be ashamed of, there is no time for that. A human being is dieing here, and every moment must be spent fighting for her life. Your weapons must be Love and Hope and Education. So stop the sniffing Now!
There is Suboxone to help with the w/ds, pain and detox. there is alot of info out there read about it to see if it is a route for her.The best way to do it is fast and short term. She is going to need alot of support, and this forum has a ton of it.Feel free to ask if you have any questions. Teddy

[10356]

You and your family are in a difficult situation.. You have one thing going for you It is no longer a secret.. Part of addiction is the secret world we build around ourselves, once exposed our behaviors are exposed it makes it a little more difficult to continue to use comfortably.. Also with BF in the picture and using will make it more difficult as she had an Allie..  Weight loss is normal for some addicts as we really do not spend much time on nourishing our bodies..  You and your family and her friend could confront her to let her know the cat is out of the bag and that you love her and our concerned and offer to help in anyway that you can.. She may get angry.. She may even withdraw further from you guy's, just let her know you will be there when she is ready.. Tell her you miss the old her and how she has changed and how it has affected you all.. Withdrawing from any drug is extremely uncomfortable but you can get things from the Dr. that would help make it bearable.. Death is not common in wd
I wish you your family and sister well..lesa

[twolve]

Oxycontin is giving her the energy (especially in her mind) to work those long hours..when people are addicted to it they could never possibly have enough of it or enough money..it will inevitably lead to you having no money, assuming you buy it on the street..i am so grateful and happy that i was able to quit before i ruined anything in my life..im never going back..i personally owe it all to this forum..i would suggest asking her to check it out..if she doesnt want help, however, she will resist and there is little you can do..i am glad that you picked up on this though..because addicts can be extremely sneaky in covering it up..good luck..lean on the people here if it will help you..i did and thats why im 2 weeks clean