My grandmother is 67 and lives with us. She has been on Zanax for 30 somethings years. If I'm correct you shouldn't remain on that pill for a long period of time. She is clearly addicted and her doctor is to ignorant to see this. She is seeing a therapist that prescribes her Zanax, Lexapro, Serzone, and sleeping pills all at the same time. I don't see how he can let her remain on so many different medications. She has been seeing him for a little over a year now. She has a long history of medication abuse and will do anything to get pain killers. Fericet, Ferinol, Phenergan, Codeine..she will literally go from Dr. to Dr. asking for these. During this year she is walking into walls, falling over, can't remember what she has done 5 minutes to the next, falls asleep sitting up, etc. It is so horrifying to watch. IT has caused numerous fights between my mother/myself/and her. I just had a baby and I can't allow him to grow up seeing this. She is literally slowing killing herself in front of us. My mother has told her therapist all of her habits but my grandmother goes into his office and tells him that we're lying. Of course, he belives her and writes her more prescriptions. I cannot fathom the idea that a therapist can let this go on...he should seriously have his liscenes revoked because this is killing my family. When she tried to bring it up to him again he tells her that he can't discuss this with her because it goes against his dr. patient confidentiality. Of course, this is not the only dr. she gets them from (he's the main one tho)she doctor shops. She gets them filled at the same pharmacy most of the time and they have already called an reported one of the Dr's she gets them from but after awhile he started giving them to her again. I'm just so fed up of seeing her doing this to herself. I find myself most days so angry at her that I can't sit in the same room. But, who would want too in the stupur she remains in? I know this isn't the attitude that I should have..I should be supportive but I can't watch her do this to herself anymore. Does anyone have any idea on what I can do? We love her very much and this is why it hurts so much.

Hi there-
I am sorry about your grandmother. That would be so hard to watch. You are so well within your right to be angry. It's very hard to sit back and watch someone slowly destroy themself and not be angry. I'm sure you are sad and confused too. What does your mom say about this? Is she just ignoring this or trying to talk some sense into your grandmother? Have you or anyone else tried talking to her about how this makes you feel? Does she know that her drug use is hurting you? At her age, given the amount of pills she has been taking, it will be hard to set her straight. I'm not sure what advice I can give you. The only thing I can suggest is that if this continues to cause you so much pain and you don't want your child growing up seeing this, you should move out. Not sure if that's even an option for you though. How about telling the doctor that you now your grandmother is addicted to the pills and he needs to stop prescribing the ones she does not need. Maybe you or your mom will have to start monitoring her more carefully. Take her to her appointments, shell out her meds to her instead of her doing it. She won't like it, but you might nee to get tough with her. You came to the right place for help and advice. Share anytime you want with us. Let us know how things are.

Jenny

Hi there,

I totally understand where your coming from. My Mother also had a dependence on pills. You have a right to be angry but at the same time you have to try and understand her from an addict's point. She is obviously has an addiction and needs help and soon. When my Mother was taking pills she eventually fell, which resulted in breaking her hip.
If your Grandmother is going to different Doctors, what you can do is let the other Doctor's know what she is doing and REALLY voice your concerns to them. They will and hopefully cut her off or taper her off of them.
She also will need your support and help while going through this rough time. I hope I have been of some help. Take care. :) My grandmother is 67 and lives with us. She has been on Zanax for 30 somethings years. If I'm correct you shouldn't remain on that pill for a long period of time. She is clearly addicted and her doctor is to ignorant to see this. She is seeing a therapist that prescribes her Zanax, Lexapro, Serzone, and sleeping pills all at the same time. I don't see how he can let her remain on so many different medications. She has been seeing him for a little over a year now. She has a long history of medication abuse and will do anything to get pain killers. Fericet, Ferinol, Phenergan, Codeine..she will literally go from Dr. to Dr. asking for these. During this year she is walking into walls, falling over, can't remember what she has done 5 minutes to the next, falls asleep sitting up, etc. It is so horrifying to watch. IT has caused numerous fights between my mother/myself/and her. I just had a baby and I can't allow him to grow up seeing this. She is literally slowing killing herself in front of us. My mother has told her therapist all of her habits but my grandmother goes into his office and tells him that we're lying. Of course, he belives her and writes her more prescriptions. I cannot fathom the idea that a therapist can let this go on...he should seriously have his liscenes revoked because this is killing my family. When she tried to bring it up to him again he tells her that he can't discuss this with her because it goes against his dr. patient confidentiality. Of course, this is not the only dr. she gets them from (he's the main one tho)she doctor shops. She gets them filled at the same pharmacy most of the time and they have already called an reported one of the Dr's she gets them from but after awhile he started giving them to her again. I'm just so fed up of seeing her doing this to herself. I find myself most days so angry at her that I can't sit in the same room. But, who would want too in the stupur she remains in? I know this isn't the attitude that I should have..I should be supportive but I can't watch her do this to herself anymore. Does anyone have any idea on what I can do? We love her very much and this is why it hurts so much.

Thanks guy:) It's great to hear that I have someone to talk to about this. Just last week that same Dr. prescribed her another drug.. Geodon. I researched it and it has horrible potential risks. I just don't understand it. Today was just as bad and it only is going to get worse...

Yes, my mother is just as adimit about the situation as I am. I have sat down w/ my GM and told her that she really needs to try and get better because I'm not going to have my son raised in this atmosphere. It's unhealthy for him. I told her that I would have to leave and take him with me. My mom has also done the same. She has told her Dr.'s time and time again and they DO nothing. Is there someplace higher that we could take this too? Anyone else to talk to? The dr's arent helping so who's next?