Q: My husband has admitted that he has a problem with Vicodin; however, he refuses to go to a drug and alcohol rehab center. He says he can just quit. He’s been saying this for six months, and he is still using Vicodin daily. He’s on the verge of losing his job, and we’re behind on our mortgage. What should I do?
A: This is your husband’s addiction, not yours, but there are certain steps that you can take to help your husband reach the point where he is willing to get help for his Vicodin addiction.
1. Educate Yourself
Research drug and alcohol rehab centers. There are many key elements to consider when choosing a drug program such as the success rate of the program, the location, length, and price. What methods do they use? What services and follow-up do they provide? Remember, the better educated you are on drug rehab centers that are available, the more likely you are to convince your husband regarding the right treatment option for his addiction.
2. Intervention
This doesn’t mean flush his Vicodin down the toilet, or make him sleep on the couch. This means organize an intervention. Use a professional who is trained in this field. Unite the family and make sure that everyone has the same common goal in mind – to get your husband to the right drug and alcohol rehab center. Remember that you are already a step ahead since your husband has already admitted that he has a problem. Now, it’s simply a matter of becoming educated about what drug rehab center is right for him and intervening so that he can get the help he needs and your marriage, your home, and ultimately his life can be saved and restored.
Q: I’m thirty-four years old and have been addicted to crystal-meth for 4 years. I keep trying to go to meetings, but I always relapse. My parents said that they would pay for a drug and alcohol rehab center, but they want me to go to some rehab that lasts for like 3 months. I keep telling them that I have a job that won’t wait that long. Isn’t 28 days enough?
A: The answer is simple. 28 days is rarely enough to combat a crystal meth addiction. 28 day drug and alcohol rehab facilities have extremely low success rates. Remember this is your life at stake and perhaps your last chance. A 90 day program or longer will give you the time that you need to reevaluate your life and overcome your addiction. Ask yourself this: Would you sacrifice your life to spare your job?
Almost all 28 day programs recommend NA or AA meetings as a follow-up. Since you have already tried meetings and have found that you continue to use meth, a different approach to drug treatment would be more appropriate for you. Research different types of drug and alcohol rehab centers and find one that uses an alternative method. A good place to start is an effective Drug Rehab Program. You are well on your way to breaking free from your meth addiction. It can be done. Don’t give up.
Q: My husband keeps telling me that I smoke too much pot and that I should go to drug rehab program. I probably do smoke a little too much, but I’m no drug addict. Besides, a drug and alcohol rehab center would cost too much and my husband is not thinking about who will take care of the children while he is at work. I’ve heard that there’s a pill or something that I can take that will reduce my cravings for marijuana. With so much to do every day, isn’t this a better option than taking the time to go to rehab?
A: Unfortunately, many people fall into the “quick fix” trap that is associated with drug and alcohol addiction. Yes, there may be medications available to decrease your cravings for marijuana, however as appealing as this may seem, there is still no pill to deal with the reasons why you started smoking marijuana to begin with. Addiction is deceiving, and although you may not see yourself as an addict, your husband was concerned enough to bring it up in the first place. Attending a drug and alcohol rehab center may take time away from your children, but what has your addiction cost you already? How much more will it cost you if your “magic” pill doesn’t quite do the trick? Drug addiction can be beaten; however, it is more than just a craving that led you to become addicted to marijuana, and you must deal with all the issues that surround your addiction to live a sober and productive life.
