Question: I found out that my nephew is one of the many people who are addicted to narcotic painkillers. He told me he wants to quit on his own because he can’t afford rehab. But should he quit cold turkey? What is the best way for him to end his addiction?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:
There is no doubt that drug addiction can be devastating and destroy lives. You must encourage him to quit, especially now that he himself has suggested it. Narcotics are widely prescribed to treat painful conditions, and it is considered abuse when people use narcotics to seek feelings of well-being apart from the narcotic's pain-relief applications.
The first steps in remaining drug free are overcoming withdrawal symptoms and the physical dependence of narcotics. In addition, many treatment programs are available in the community to help addicts deal with usually intense, longer-term psychological dependence that goes along with being addicted to narcotics. Programs such as Narcotics Anonymous and other detoxification programs in the area that your nephew resides emphasize abstaining from all narcotic drugs and other abused drugs by using a system of social support.