Support whilst husband withdraws

[innuendobingo]

So DH is withdrawing from Buprenorphine currently. Took his last tablet on Tuesday after 2.3 years on it following an 18 year codeine addiction.
He was so difficult yesterday that I sent him to stay at his mums nearby, and overnight he used 4 days worth of sleeping tablets prescribed to him so the trust has completely evaporated. I will be doling out any tablets from now on. He's been a SAHD for the past 2 years and I am having to organise emergency childcare to try and keep things rolling along. Finding it utterly exhausting trying to keep up with everything. Also awaiting a psychiatric review myself so not in the best of minds!

Bump

Has he been on a slow taper?

The withdrawal from opiates is pure agony. I personally believe it should always be managed in hospital as it is so awful.

Why did you send him away, grumpy mood?

Are you encouraging him to join a recovery community like NA or going to al-anon yourself for support?

Pretty slow taper yes. He was just having such severe mood swings, I wasn't happy managing it in front of the children anymore. Absolutely agree about management in a secure environment.

Fully expecting a difficult night ahead as his doctor said today that he may well experience suicidal thoughts, solution is to present to ED apparently (not sure I agree with that!)
He's going to try and go to a few support groups, I will look for some online forums for support for myself.

If sleep is going to be an issue I'd recommend he presents to out of hrs or uses an over the counter remedy which can be very effective.

Does he feel suicidal? Can you as a family provide talking support if so? Or would it be good to get him in touch with Samaritans or another talking service in your area?

The physical symptoms, while very unpleasant, will go after a few days. The mental cravings may not and I strongly recommend your dh attends NA meetings.
Wishing you both all the very best of luck.

So fast forward to now and his sleep is pretty much back to normal but he is very fatigued during the day. Living back at home fortunately so don't have to scrabble around quite as much for childcare whilst I work! Even managed to be successful at a job interview yesterday morning leading to a pay rise (only NHS though )

He did ring NA but didn't find them massively helpful. He will attend some groups at his recovery centre but he says that he knows how much he has to lose now and how horrible the withdrawals have been that he wouldn't use again. Obviously this isn't watertight as he clearly still isn't quite in control of his mind.