Avatar Posted by fulloffaith 43 days ago (Question)
I don's know what to do to help my husband of 10 years. We have 5 children and he is battling prescription drug addiction that I now think was caused by his depression. He has been like this for the past 3 years after his dad passed. He also has had some medical problems that are making him feel hopeless and attributed to the addiction. He has just stared to see a psychologist but he comes home feeling even more down on himself and totally withdrawn from me. I have so much faith in life and have stayed a positive and happy person for my children and I deal with him w/ so much patience and love. But he is now questioning if he is good for us and myself and thinks he should leave. What do I need to do to help him through this that I haven't already been doing??


Answers

Written by Chemar 43 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Hi

first let me say I sympathize deeply with your situation. I cannot imagine how hard this must be for you to handle with your already very full life of caring for your 5 children!

It is good that he has started therapy, but sad that it seems to be making him feel worse....however, sometimes that can be what happens when therapy begins...worse before it gets better. he is likely having to dredge up a lot of things.

Are they also helping him withdraw from the meds he is addicted to? That in itself can be a very traumatic experience, and he may be terrified at the thought of losing that "crutch" that he has been leaning on

have you considered maybe suggesting couples therapy as well...not necessarily with his psychologist but with a marriage/relationship counselor or someone trained to help in situations like this.

For right now, all you can really do is to try to keep showing love and patience with him as he tries to heal. I am assuming he doesnt behave badly toward you or the children, but is rather just withdrawn and down? When he speaks of leaving, just try to reassure him that you care.

I hope and pray things will work out for you. You sound like a very special and strong woman to have coped thus far.

Written by Clyde 43 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Hi there,

I am sorry to hear what is going on too. I definitely would ask him to stay and that you would want to work through it (of course, if that is your feelings...).

It may take some time for him to work through it. I do like the idea of couples counseling, especially if you are for it.

Just keep loving him and helping him as much as possible. You do indeed sound very strong and capable.

Best,

Clyde

Written by fulloffaith 37 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Thank you to both of you! I do want to work through it and yes couples therapy is what we have discussed. I love him and care about him so much and I hate to see him in this state. He isn't harmful to any of us just very withdrawn at times and at others he seems ok. I know that he has alot of anxiety the Dr. put him on an antidressant that I think is to strong because since he has been ot it he has been very loopy, but better mood but still not himself. But then again I'm not sure if he is still taking pills they did give him a medication to help with the withdrals but he does need to take it himself. We'll see what happens I guess only time can tell.


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