needing help re Drugs

[melham74]

I'm not sure I have posted this in the right spot and please dont be judgemental if you wish to provide some feedback.
DH dad started him smoking pot at 15 he has been smoking eversince he is now 35, he has to have it everyday but has cut down the amount, he also holds a full time job and helps with kids and housework ect, he said last night that he wants to get back into skydiving as he hasnt jumped in 10 yrs, he realises that is expensive and has decided to get off the pot. (I have nagged him for yrs to do it but ends in arguments) He is worried about what and how he will cope comming off it, I have suggested seeing a doctor to get some anti depressents, he cant take time off work to go detox any other suggestions or tips will be great, I have decided while he has made the decision to try to help and encourage him that this is the best thing.

[agadoo]

seeing a doctor is a good start. i don't see how antidepressants come into it though. why is he smoking so much pot? has something happened in the past that he doesn't want to cope with, or does he have some deep issues that he needs to talk to someone about? talking to his GP is a good start and he should think about seeing a psychologist if there are reasons for his drug taking.
usually most states also have suppport groups for people recovering from drugs, such as AA, but for drug taking. maybe google something like 'narcotics anonymous' in your state.

[melham74]

why is he smoking so much pot? has something happened in the past that he doesn't want to cope with, or does he have some deep issues that he needs to talk to someone about? talking to his GP is a good start and he should think about seeing a psychologist if there are reasons for his drug taking.


he has just become hooked on it, last time he tried to give up the doc gave him anti depressants to help with his mood and anxiety when comming off it.

[~Kim~]

Mel for starters the biggest thing he needs is unbiased and nfaltering support. Remind him how couragous this step is and that you understand what might happen.
Personal contracts are often used, as are taking up alternate hobbies (skydiving is tops!) and removing youself from situations where you might have smoked before.
Give your local hospital a call. The one I used to work at had a support service that was offered free, and had a range of programs and therapies availalbe. Something should also be avaiable at you local community health centre.
Wish him all the best and most positive thoughts for us.

[DoubleK]

good on him for deciding to give up!

i would suggest cutting down before quitting, i wont go too much into it, but i have been in a similar situation myself, and when trying to quit, it sent me loopy(what i mean is, i tried to stop for a few days, then had some, and i ended p curled up on the bed not being able to speak to anyone for about 3 hours.. horrible!) so i just began to cut down, and eventually i was turned off it, because i enjoyed the awake feeling, more than the feeling of being hidden (sorry if that doesnt make sense, its the best way i can explain!)

seeing a doctor is a good idea, i dont know about anti depressants tho. i would never have considered that myself.

nest of luck to him! and keep encouraging him to continue cutting down or quitting, its just like giving up cigarettes, you need support!

[melham74]

Thanks for your help guys, am making an appointment for doctor next week to see what he can suggest in the way of support services ect, I have also told his Dad and Brother no more asking him to get on for them or comming round here and disaperaring downstairs with their smoke. I am offering my total support.

[Mother Goose]

Hi Mel,

Up until a few months ago I worked in a Drug and Alcohol clinic in Vic.

The fact that DH is ready to stop smoking pot is a big thing in itself. For change to be effective and long lasting, they need to be willing to make the change - regardless of the motivation. Any motivation is good.
There are many theories about the best way to stop drugs of addiction - some suggest cold turkey whilst others suggest weaning. Statistics show that weaning has a less relapse rate. However, it is widely accepted that for any changes in use to occur (whether it be cold turkey or reduction), the person needs to alter the behaviours associated with their use - this is best achieved through counselling and support. Support from family and friends as well as professionals such as a counsellor (who specialises in drugs and alcohol) or a psychologist. The counselling will help him to address any issues that may have seen him engage in this behaviour as well as give him ideas on how to cope with the withdrawal as well as how to change his behavior. Some people can withdraw and not be physically dependent on the substance but associate it with certain activities (such as smoking after a meal) and need help to change those associations of behaviour.
There are medications that can be prescribed to assist with the side effects of the withdrawal. Diazepam is one of the most commonly prescribed. Usually the medications prescribed are relaxants or sedatives.
Although the GP is a good place to start when seeking assistance with drug and alcohol (AOD) issues, many of them are ill equiped to deal with the issue or don't have enough knowledge on the topic. The best place to go is a centre that specialises in AOD. Community health centres often have these services and there are also centres specifically set up for these things. Prices vary from place to place, most seem to bulk bill (here in Vic). Try and google or use white pages to find services near you or contact your local community health centre or even local major hospital to see if they can point you in the right direction for your area. If you call the hospital, ask to speak to the Drug and Alcohol Department.

Although your husband will need a lot of support, it is important that you are also supported. I only know of one service in Vic who supports family and friends but they have a website so you could try that and see if it has details of related services in Brisbane. Google Family Drug Help and it should come up.

Hope that helps a little. Feel free to ask any questions and I will try to answer them. I may take a while to respond due to rotating roster (the life of a nurse!) but do feel free to ask Q's - here or PM.

Good Luck

MG