Pubdate: Fri, 08 Mar 2002
Source: San Jose Mercury News (CA)
Copyright: 2002 San Jose Mercury News
Contact:  http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/390
Author: Ann Landers

ADDICTION HAS BROUGHT FAMILY PAIN

DEAR ANN: My husband is addicted to a powerful painkiller, which he was 
given after back surgery two years ago. ``Dan'' tried several times to get 
off this highly addictive drug, but nothing worked. He is still addicted.

I threatened to leave him, but he begged for my forgiveness, and I could 
not refuse. Unfortunately, he kept sneaking around to find ways to get more 
of the drug. Dan told different doctors that he is in pain from his 
previous back surgery, and they have prescribed small amounts of this same 
painkiller. When he wound up in the hospital last week, vomiting blood, one 
doctor had the nerve to blame me for Dan's addiction.

We have a young son, and I do not want him exposed to his father's 
behavior. I cannot live with my husband anymore, but no one else will take 
care of him, including his parents. After the last episode, I threw him 
out, but my conscience is bothering me. He is probably living on the 
streets. What should I do?

Wife of an Addict in Maryland

DEAR ADDICT'S WIFE: There is nothing you can do unless your husband is 
willing to get professional help. Some of those painkillers are more 
addictive than heroin. A desire to quit is helpful, but not enough. He may 
need hospitalization along with counseling. If you can get Dan into a 
drug-treatment program, I recommend it.

You can also contact Nar-Anon, an organization for family members of drug 
addicts. Send a long, addressed, stamped envelope to: Nar-Anon World 
Service Group, Box 2562, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Calif. 90274.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom