Question by : My grandmother is addicted to narcotic pain meds. HELP!?
My family has known this for years, and even tried intervention twice. I dont remember either of those times because i was young.
Now that im older, I feel like I NEED to do something about it. The other day I was over at her house and I saw her take 7 of the same pill in one sitting. I asked her what they were. She told me that they were her steroids and that she had to take that many at one time. Obviously I know that there isnt any type of medication that you should have to take 7 at one time.
When she walked away, I looked at the prescription bottle.. it said oxycodone. What is this? It doesnt sound good…
Also, shes been in treatment before but my grandfather checks her out because he doesnt think that she has a problem.
What can a 19 year old do that will be effective?
Any ideas are greatly appreciated.
I dont have a lot of money.. but im willing to do whatever it takes to help her.
Best answer:
Answer by Yazz.x
find help! go to the doctors or something :( thats not good
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Katie,
I am surprised she in the open when she pops the pills in her mouth when other family members are around. But she would have to want the help herself. Cry, have fits and beg her to get the help because you need her around as long as possible.
Well, actually, steroids are often prescribed in large dosages (like the 7 pills at once) for certain conditions. I am a chronic pain patient, and when I have a bad flare-up due to inflammation, my doctor prescribes steroids in large dosages — you take several pills the first day, one less the next day, and so on.
But this does not look to be the case with your grandmother, unless you looked at the wrong prescription bottle. Elderly persons often are prescribed several different medications…is there a chance that you picked up a different bottle?
If she is in severe pain that is not being controlled by what medication(s) and dosages prescribed by her doctor, she needs to let her doctor know. Taking more opioids than prescribed does not automatically mean that she is an addict. People with undertreated pain can experience something called “pseudoaddiction” — basically, behaviors that can be labeled as addictive behaviors, but because of pain, not addiction.
I would talk to her alone and let her know your concerns, and take it from there.
I would also suggest that you and your family learn about the difference between dependence and addiction. Someone who takes opioids daily for legitimate pain becomes dependent, but very few of these people actually become addicted. That said, if she is taking the oxycodone for nonmedical purposes, of course you should do everything you can to get her the help she needs.
For one find out what she needs them 4 If it legit reason she may need to take them for pain relief another look at the script and see if it says 7 at one time there could be a reason she dose need them if it says 1 every 4 hours then she is taken more than she needs to so talk to grandpa first if he cant see the problem then confront her I lost my grand parents so if you feel she is abusing her meds step in dont wait til there gone then its to late.You must care alot for them so do what u feel is right so check her scripts for proper dosage and if it is more taken than allowed step in before its to late.If the meds are taken as prescribed and oxycodone is a very strong drug but some do have a tolerance and need a higher dose.also look to see if multiple Dr’s are writing scripts for the same drug. this can tell u alot if it is then your fear of abuse is there so confront her. good luck this will not be easy be prepared for the long story everything is fine,so be sure u are right about this before u confront her look for the signs and check the scripts