I Need Help Coping With a Husband Withdrawing From Methadone.?
Question by Rose: I need help coping with a husband withdrawing from methadone.?
My husband has been coming off of methadone for the last 2 weeks. He is taking 4 pills a day, and has lowered the dose to 3. At first the only side effects were flu-like symptoms, and constant complaining about every little thing in existence. It has been really hard, but I’m just trying to deal with it, but lately things have changed. He will be okay for most of the day now, but come night-time, he starts becoming delusional. I had to find a hotel room last night just to get away from him. He started verbally abusing me, which is completely out of character, telling me to go F*** myself and horrible things, even after I was trying to take care of him. He also said he is terrified of me because he has a feeling I will come in the night and cut off his man-parts. He’s paranoid and delusional. Tonight, he called the police on ME, because he was terrified of me and how I may hurt him. He had just finished yelling and verbally abusing me again, and I was screaming for him in fetal position, to please stop. Now he’s spending the night in a mental facility, and threatening to divorce me, and sue me for everything I own. I am crushed and hurt beyond belief. He is out of his mind right now and I know he normally would never mean such things. Has anyone dealt with a spouse coming off methadone? Did these kind of things happen? How did you cope? Please share your stories and advice. Serious inquiries only please.
Thank you.
He is home now and regrets everything he said now that he is dosed. I just need help coping with his situation.
Best answer:
Answer by Phil
I’ve known several people who’ve withdrawn from methadone, and only one of the three was bearable to be around. In all likelihood it’s the drug withdraw and not “him”, which should become more apparent as time goes along. He’s having to experience all the the feelings and thoughts that methadone “takes care of” for lack of a better description. Frustrations can be sky high, and you are a convenient target.
Was he possibly taking painkillers or heroin before you met him? You’re being very gracious to stand by him through this, but if the problems don’t subside I honestly don’t know what I’d do if I were you. If you are able to communicate with him while he is dosed maybe you can reach him. But it sounds that he is in a psychotic state, with all the delusions you mention.
With opiate addicts there is often more to the story of what seems to be going on.
Sorry, I’ve been of very little help. I feel your frustration.
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