ADDICTION HAS BROUGHT FAMILY PAIN

DEAR ANN: My husband is addicted to a powerful painkiller, which he was
given after back surgery two years ago. ``Dan'' tried several times to get
off this highly addictive drug, but nothing worked. He is still addicted.

I threatened to leave him, but he begged for my forgiveness, and I could
not refuse. Unfortunately, he kept sneaking around to find ways to get more
of the drug. Dan told different doctors that he is in pain from his
previous back surgery, and they have prescribed small amounts of this same
painkiller. When he wound up in the hospital last week, vomiting blood, one
doctor had the nerve to blame me for Dan's addiction.

We have a young son, and I do not want him exposed to his father's
behavior. I cannot live with my husband anymore, but no one else will take
care of him, including his parents. After the last episode, I threw him
out, but my conscience is bothering me. He is probably living on the
streets. What should I do?

Wife of an Addict in Maryland

DEAR ADDICT'S WIFE: There is nothing you can do unless your husband is
willing to get professional help. Some of those painkillers are more
addictive than heroin. A desire to quit is helpful, but not enough. He may
need hospitalization along with counseling. If you can get Dan into a
drug-treatment program, I recommend it.

You can also contact Nar-Anon, an organization for family members of drug
addicts. Send a long, addressed, stamped envelope to: Nar-Anon World
Service Group, Box 2562, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Calif. 90274.