How long can on seriously abuse Oxy

[DaisyDo]

My brother has been snorthing this for nearly 2 years.  High doses, mixed with Vodka.  He is blacking out often.  How long can his body cope with this.  He is actually beginning to turn a yellowish colour.  I think we will lose him in a year and he wont face his problem.  Can a person do this long term and survive without stopping.  I cant see how he can possibly live thru this.  Thank you so much we are desperate

[DaisyDo]

My Mom is trying to arrange an intervention - Fingers crossed he goes.  This will be his last chance

[DaisyDo]

Oh sorry, he is in St. Paul

[JayDiddy]

where in Minnesota? What city?

[DaisyDo]

he is based in minnesota and numbers would be fantastic Jay - thank you so much.  He has been an addict on and off for 27 years, he bet a 10 year crack habit but this is far worse.  I really fear 27 years has taken it toil on him.  He as just turned 47.  I dont know who to phone or where to start.  I fear May will be to late - Even if I cant get him the help do you think I should go home and say goodbye?  Would he even know?  I am devastated.  

[ladyluv]

no....how old is your brother???? no he can not be taken away against his own will which sucks because HE NEEDS HELP!!!!!  like when people say this is a life or death situation....his is...i mean im no expert i am addict as well but his situation sounds like he is way overboard. see if you can do some research on some rehabs or  doctors or SOMETHING to help him and check their rules and regulations maybe thereis someplace that will let you or another family member commit him...ya know? he doesnt know how lucky he is to have you that cares enough, some will say he has to want to do it...true but seeing how far gone he is...he is not gonna WANT the help but he NEEDS it......

[JayDiddy]

Most likely not but it is possible. If I were you I would start making lots of phone calls. First call the AA or NA hotline, or both. AA is for alcohol but addiction is addiction and you might find help there---or at least other ideas.

Also there are rehabs in many areas that are funded by various sources. I know a lot of people who have benefited by one here in Portland, OR.

Unfortunately other family members won't help but maybe if they knew he didn't have long???

Addicts are usually not "bad people" but "good people" that do bad things while on drugs. His story could turn out to be a successful one or tragic but he can't do it alone at this point.

Will you call the hot-lines? Do you want me to find the numbers for you? If so, where does he live?

Jay

[DaisyDo]

He was born the end of January 08.  Can he be taken away against his own will??

[ladyluv]

NEWBORN GRANDCHILD ???????? how old is he???? you need to get to a hospital or rehab ASAP!!!!! like no joke.......

[DaisyDo]

I am not in the state with him, in fact out of the country but all the family at home have closed the door on him until he wants help.  He is just living day to day, one house to the next.  I am traveling home in May to try and help but fear that will probably not be soon enough.  He is on sickness/disability but child support is taken from that leaving him only around 40 dollars a week.  He is doing something to fund this habit??  He has no money and my mum seems to think we can only get help if its paid for??  He is in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Spoke to him about a week ago and he could only cry down the phone and no more.  Everyone is scared of him.  He even blacked out with his newborn grandchild in his arms.  I dont know where to find help so far away

[confused456]

From what you are saying....it is time for you to do an INTERVENTION....it may be the only way to save him.

[JayDiddy]

Wow, sorry to hear that. I took Oxy for 5 years (and very low doses, usually only 40mg) for Medicinal reasons then my girlfriend encouraged me to snort it and immediately went up to snorting about 300-400mg per day. This only lasted a few months and I got help but my heart hurt every day and I though I was going to have a heart attack.

Even on the low doses Oxy screwed up my life. It is a hard core drug and is designed to slowly release for 12 hours throughout the body when ingested. When snorting it you get 12 hours worth all at once, plus more of it goes into your blood stream vs. swallowing it.

The yellow color is called Jondis (sp?) and it is likely because his LIVER OR KIDNEYS ARE LIKELY STARTING TO FAIL HIM. You are right and he could die soon. Maybe not even a year.

This is serious as you know and perhaps the best thing for him is an INTERVENTION. You can also reach out to the local NA group and ask for help with this. I don't know your money situation but NA would help for free and would also support him along the way. He needs to hit a bottom and an intervention will create a bottom before he naturally hits one or before it is too late.

Is he dependent on anyone for financial support? What about any other needs, who does he depend on? If these are pulled from him unless he gets help it could create a bottom. Maybe he doesn't need this route but EVERYTHING SHOULD BE TRIED ASAP OR LIKE YOU SAID IT WILL BE TOO LATE.

I hope for the best my friend. Stay with us for support & ideas.
Jay

[danners]

wow that sounds terrible...Im really sorry you are having to watch him go through this. When you mix a powerful Narcotic drug like oxycodone, which is one of the strongest opiate pain killers, and alcohol, it is a bad out come. They are very bad for you anyway and become worst when you take them together. Depending on how much of each he is doing, most people don't survive long. That is a particularly dangerous combination. The yellowing of his skin could be a symptom of Cirrhosis(sir-osis) of the liver. If that is the case he needs to get medical attention immediately...check out his eyes and see if they are turning yellow as well. When your skin turns yellow, that is usually a clear cut sign of ending stage liver damage or cirrhosis....I would say he should see a doctor immediately, don't risk it. Once again I'm sorry that you are going  through this and I wish you all the best. Good luck!
Peace!
Danners

[DaisyDo]

David0263 - I have told him this, I suspect he does want to die.  He falls down stairs, crashed his car, found in bathroom - all in the name of blackouts.  He was found on a bridge.  I think all hope has gone.  I just want him to be at peace

[david0263]

I hate to be an alarmist but you mite loose him the next time he does it.  He will eventually die if he does not stop.  He needs help.  Offer to help him and see what he says.  Turning yellow is a bad bad sign.  It's a sign of liver failure and it's deadly.

[DaisyDo]

He does not want to stop or at least not enough!  I just cant see how his body can sustain this long term.  He thinks I am being dramtic in saying he wont get thru the year but it is a gut feeling the entire family hold.  He blacks out, he has turned yellow and has a whole host of other physical problems.  

[cathy5841]

daisy, i am so sorry your family is hurting.  the sad truth is it doesnt matter how long his body can do it.  he has to want  to quit and then it is hard at best.  hell at worst.  i honestly have no idea how long he can do that.  i snorted oxys for quite awhile myself and i am sober and healthy today.  sorry i could not  help but i do feel your pain
cathy

[confused456]

I am sorry to hear about your brother. I know a lot of ppl that do this for long term but it is best to face it head on of course. Unfortunately, he is going to have to want to stop for himself. I really hope you can help him. Is there any chance you can have him come on here and read some posts?? Best of luck to you and him.