30th November 2005
I was originally wondering if I was using the correct area of HealthBoards to discuss this. I believe I am... The support I am looking for is exactly this.
I truly do believe he wants to quit for himself. Working the steps was a big part of his previous 1+ year of clean time. But he fell away from it for quite a while. He has recently (3 weeks ago) returned to NA, and if there are no NA meetings when he needs one he goes to CA. He has checked himself into Detox numerous times in the past (before I met him) and has been through quite a few treatment programs. (removed) He does not have a sponsor - and I don't feel that I can suggest it to him. As you said - this is for him to do. Returning to meetings certainly may have been out of fear of losing his family - but I have not issued an ultimatum. I am very careful of not making false promises or threats I have no intention of following through with.
As for the meds. He really does require the meds to avoid 'psychotic episodes'. If he were taking the prescription as he is supposed to, he would also be taking Topomax and Wellbutrin along with the Seroquel. The Wellbutrin turns him into a super hyper bug and the Seroquel brings him back down - the Topomax I have no idea... It is very bizarre. He claims part of the original intention was to reduce his danger to society. Like giving someone Methadone is supposed to be a replacement for Heroine, this cocktail of meds is supposed to kind of replace the crack. Whatever.
This is all really off topic for me though. Armemom, I agree - he needs to make his own choices.
What I am trying to do is learn more about how I can be a healthy part of his recovery (assuming that he is choosing recovery at this point in time with his return to the program). I know that if he uses it is his own choice, and that I am not the cause. But I would like to be a part of him finding happiness in the clean times.
I am wondering what other recovering addicts would love their spouses to know?
I truly do believe he wants to quit for himself. Working the steps was a big part of his previous 1+ year of clean time. But he fell away from it for quite a while. He has recently (3 weeks ago) returned to NA, and if there are no NA meetings when he needs one he goes to CA. He has checked himself into Detox numerous times in the past (before I met him) and has been through quite a few treatment programs. (removed) He does not have a sponsor - and I don't feel that I can suggest it to him. As you said - this is for him to do. Returning to meetings certainly may have been out of fear of losing his family - but I have not issued an ultimatum. I am very careful of not making false promises or threats I have no intention of following through with.
As for the meds. He really does require the meds to avoid 'psychotic episodes'. If he were taking the prescription as he is supposed to, he would also be taking Topomax and Wellbutrin along with the Seroquel. The Wellbutrin turns him into a super hyper bug and the Seroquel brings him back down - the Topomax I have no idea... It is very bizarre. He claims part of the original intention was to reduce his danger to society. Like giving someone Methadone is supposed to be a replacement for Heroine, this cocktail of meds is supposed to kind of replace the crack. Whatever.
This is all really off topic for me though. Armemom, I agree - he needs to make his own choices.
What I am trying to do is learn more about how I can be a healthy part of his recovery (assuming that he is choosing recovery at this point in time with his return to the program). I know that if he uses it is his own choice, and that I am not the cause. But I would like to be a part of him finding happiness in the clean times.
I am wondering what other recovering addicts would love their spouses to know?