My Friend and the Naturopath, Pls Help!

Patsy · 23rd November 2009, 08:55 AM

I know, truly, that it is almost impossible to convince a woo to give up woo. I know they are nearly impervious to logic, proof, evidence, etc. But in this particular case, I have to try. I need some links to good information I can send my friend and talk to her about.

Her husband became addicted to Oxycontin (sp?) after a back injury. He's nearly died a number of times. He's gone into cardiac arrest.

Now, are they seeking the help of a physician, you ask? Perhaps they are as we speak evaluating rehab or detox facilities? Some medical person or facility that specializes in addiction is being consulted, surely?

No, she is taking her husband TO SEE HER NATUROPATH for Oxycontin addition.

It is probably completely useless, but I can't live with myself if I don't try, so any educational material on the subject you can point me to would be appreciated.

~I just realized this is in the wrong section, can a mod move it for me?

Kariboo · 23rd November 2009, 11:04 AM

Patsy

I would wait until you know what the naturopath will tell them. On the off chance that this person has some common sense and will guide the guy in some workable direction. This would be advisable over trying to get the guy to a real doctor that he doesn't believe in.

This is assuming from your post that they have not met with anyone about this yet

bookitty · 23rd November 2009, 12:07 PM

There may be reasons behind this choice that aren't apparent. For example, there is currently a "war" on prescription drugs. Telling your doctor that you are addicted to painkillers can make it impossible to get any narcotics later on. Some back problems are permanent, the husband might be both addicted and reliant on them.

Drug/alcohol addiction make people act irrationally. It might be that the husband is not yet ready to give up the drugs, so he is only agreeing to a treatment that he feels will not be successful. i.e. Medical treatment is to remove the drugs all together while a naturopath is more likely to only suggest he stop taking them.

He might also be looking for a way that doesn't involve painful withdrawal. If that's the case, he wont be with the naturopath for very long.

Drug addiction is a horrible disease and many people try a variety things before finally learning to manage it. It could be a naturopath this week and Narcotic Anonymous next week. Your best bet is to stay involved, research anything that sounds fishy and offer information in as gentle a manner as possible. I know more people who have gotten off drugs with the help of their friends than through any sort of medical or pseudo-science.

devnull · 25th November 2009, 04:36 AM

I dunno about the naturopath, but Ive got some oxycontin here I havent used

23rd November 2009, 08:55 AM	#1
Patsy Prickly Desert Denizen Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tucson, where we don't have weather, we have climate Posts: 584	My Friend and the Naturopath, Pls Help! I know, truly, that it is almost impossible to convince a woo to give up woo. I know they are nearly impervious to logic, proof, evidence, etc. But in this particular case, I have to try. I need some links to good information I can send my friend and talk to her about. Her husband became addicted to Oxycontin (sp?) after a back injury. He's nearly died a number of times. He's gone into cardiac arrest. Now, are they seeking the help of a physician, you ask? Perhaps they are as we speak evaluating rehab or detox facilities? Some medical person or facility that specializes in addiction is being consulted, surely? No, she is taking her husband TO SEE HER NATUROPATH for Oxycontin addition. It is probably completely useless, but I can't live with myself if I don't try, so any educational material on the subject you can point me to would be appreciated. ~I just realized this is in the wrong section, can a mod move it for me?
	__________________ "Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, and not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science." -- Charles Darwin; Introduction: The Descent of Man Last edited by Patsy; 23rd November 2009 at 08:57 AM.

23rd November 2009, 11:04 AM	#2
Kariboo Critical Thinker Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 486	Patsy I would wait until you know what the naturopath will tell them. On the off chance that this person has some common sense and will guide the guy in some workable direction. This would be advisable over trying to get the guy to a real doctor that he doesn't believe in. This is assuming from your post that they have not met with anyone about this yet
Kariboo Critical Thinker Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 486	__________________ KAREN: Honey, you know I'm a little psychic. Remember when I predicted that Driver was gonna lose his job, and then two days later I fired him? JACK: My God, you're right. And that time you predicted that Rosario was gonna fall, and then you pushed her down the stairs.

25th November 2009, 04:36 AM	#4
devnull Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 1,075	I dunno about the naturopath, but Ive got some oxycontin here I havent used
	__________________ (13:36:54) Becket: no conspiracy, its more a group seeking to overthrow America from within

23rd November 2009, 12:07 PM	#3
bookitty Muse Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 515	There may be reasons behind this choice that aren't apparent. For example, there is currently a "war" on prescription drugs. Telling your doctor that you are addicted to painkillers can make it impossible to get any narcotics later on. Some back problems are permanent, the husband might be both addicted and reliant on them. Drug/alcohol addiction make people act irrationally. It might be that the husband is not yet ready to give up the drugs, so he is only agreeing to a treatment that he feels will not be successful. i.e. Medical treatment is to remove the drugs all together while a naturopath is more likely to only suggest he stop taking them. He might also be looking for a way that doesn't involve painful withdrawal. If that's the case, he wont be with the naturopath for very long. Drug addiction is a horrible disease and many people try a variety things before finally learning to manage it. It could be a naturopath this week and Narcotic Anonymous next week. Your best bet is to stay involved, research anything that sounds fishy and offer information in as gentle a manner as possible. I know more people who have gotten off drugs with the help of their friends than through any sort of medical or pseudo-science.