 Addiction Related Forums
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Welcome to the Addiction Forum! This forum is a place to share information and support with others who are trying to stop using drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco or other addictive substances. Discuss with others, the symptoms of addiction, addiction recovery, ways to quit like tapering and cold turkey, and withdrawal symptoms. If you are interested in general chat, please visit our Addiction Community Forum
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| Steve 10/15/1999 | . | I have come to the realization that I have a genuine addiction to my hydrocodone (Vicodin ES) which I take for back surgery. This has been going on far too long and this must stop. I plan on having a heart to heart with my doctor to enlist his help. My primary question is this: with a doctor's help is it normally possible to get clean and continue working at the same time? Due to financial reasons I cannot afford an inpatient facility at the present time. Staying home with withdrawls just makes them worse. After the biological addiction is over I plan to get help from a good counselor. Additionally, after the recovery what options will I have for major pain relief? I will likely have to have yet another surgery, but I cannot imagine going through such a thing with only Motrin to help. Someone told me that TalwinNX is a narcotic pain killer that blocks the addictive elements and I may be able to take that under close supervision from a doc. Any advice folks? Steve |
| SA, M.D. - HVMA 10/31/1999 | Steve | Most people dependent on narcotics have a tough time going through withdrawal and continuing to work and function normally. Your distinction between the physical and psychological addiction may be somewhat artificial. A good addiction psychiatrist familiar both with detoxification as well as with psychotherapy for people in early recovery might be your best bet. You should also consider consulting a chronic pain specialist with regard to pain management strategies which minimize the likelihood of recurrent addiction. For more on narcotic dependence, take a look at http://www.HeadDocs.com DrSteve |
| Diane 10/16/1999 C1 | . | My father is 46 years old and has lived with chronic back pain for the past 15 years. He was told that he could undergo a major operation to alleviate some of the pain; but that is not even guaranteed. His only relief is the vicodin; which, now he is addicted to and relies on this for his moods as well. He pops 10-12 pills a day like it's candy. He too needs counseling; I know. When he can't afford to buy the pills or hasn't taken them he describes the sensation as worms crawling through his body. He has come clean today with my sister and I about all of this. He was rushed to the E.R. on Friday complaining of chest pains that felt like he was swallowing glass and dry heaves. So far the doctors have found nothing wrong with his heart; but they don't know about the vicodin abuse. We are so worried about him. He goes through his prescription in less than 2 weeks than goes and buys the pills from a "so-called" friend. I thought you two could help each other through this hard and trying time. I know he truely wants to change his life around but he probably feels helpless and hopless. If you would like to e-mail some advice or just have someone who knows what your going through e-mail him at j_trevethan@yahoo.com |
| Bob 10/18/1999 C2 | . | Wow...every time I open this site I hear my story over and over again. I am 35 years old and have been addicted to prescription narcotics for about 7 years. That is before I went to a drug treatment facility about 20 months ago. There they introduced me to the fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous. When I had finally had had enough and surrendered to the fact that I am an addict and that my life is unmanageable I was finally able to get help. I found that in the fellowship there are rooms full of people just like me who are living clean and have a new lease on life. I felt pretty unloveable when I arrived and they loved me unconditionally until I was able to love myself. I have just come back from a convention where there was over 30,000 years of combined clean time. I too have had 7 back surgeries, and I have just made an appointment for #8 on the 29th of this month. I will take Oxycodone and Oxycontin again, but this time I surrender the control of my meds to my wife, who then administers them as prescribed. Yes, it is a little humiliating, but who cares? I am clean....I deal with my pain when it gets untollerable through accupuncture, and through distraction. I have a new life....thanks to God and the fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous. Open the phone book....they are listed everywhere. Go to a meeting with an open mind and look for similarities not the differences. You too can have a life free from active addiction...just for today. Thanks for letting me share. If you'd like to my e-mail address is srvcjunky@hotmail.com |
| Christina 10/21/1999 C3 | . | Hey Steve, I am very empathetic with your struggle and want you to know that you CAN do this! I was addicted to vicodin for a long time before my hysterectomy and had to go off it after my surgery. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I'll never forget the day I woke up and realized I had made it through the worst of it. I suggest you not wait to get the help from a drug counselor until after the phyical affects are gone,and get the help during the withdrawl time. I spent a lot of time on the phone with my drug counselor day and night during those very hard and sleepless two weeks. He helped me through the worst of it, as well as my husband and kids. If I can do it, anyone can. Please do this for your body and your life. I don't know about the addictive-free narcotic pain killer...but I pray you are able to get through your next surgery without having to face this all over again. Feelin' For Ya, Christina |
| Christina 10/21/1999 C4 | . | Diane, I would like to know if you would be interested in having an internet friend who is going through somewhat the same thing you are going through. My mother has been addicted to vicodin for 9 years because of numerous bowel surgeries. The doctor has decided to use the drug vicodin to keep the bowel under control so she is able to keep weight on....but this doctor really dosen't know what damage he has done by doing this. He hasn't researched any other drugs to see what else would do the same thing without causing such negative side affects. She takes about 8 ES vicodin a day. It is unbelievable the mood swings and ups and downs she has. My parents are living with us right now and it is in my face every single day and is now affecting my children negatively. I finally got the guts up today to talk with my dad about it and he just broke down. We don't know what to do. Mom isn't open to going off of it and our family is just in agony over it. I have dealt with my own addiction to vicodin in years past so I know how hard it is...but I also know how worth it it is. Please email me if you'd like. I'm 29, married 12 years with 5 gorgeous kids. I'm a desperate daughter...this is tearing me up inside. I can't stand to see my dad hurt like this either. Sincerely |
| bevy 10/21/1999 C7 | . | steve i dont have any advice but i can relate to what you are going through i have the same problem.my boyfriend of 14 years is very sick from diabetes. so you see i cant put my kproblems on him. hes aware of my problem and would love to help me, but i need to work to pay the bills. i hope you only the best. i do smoke pot, and it helps, but coming off codeine im afraid you will need more help. |
| Randall Day 10/28/1999 C8 | . | This is addressed to all Opiate/Opiate based addicts,Heroin, Vicodin,Percodan etc...There is a way out, and it's good old Methadone! I'm really addressing 1st time addicts/those kicking for the 1st time. Find a Methadone clinic, sign up for the 21 day detox. Let me explain, the worst part of kicking is approx. the 1st 3 to 6 days. Follow your clinics instructions for that period of time, in fact, split the difference,a good choice would be 5 days on Methadone, than drop the program. This gives the Opiate time to leave your body,get past the Physical withdrawl, but not enough time for the Methadone to get a grip on you. Methadone can work miracles if used properly, and make for a pain-free withdrawal, but many say it's worse to kick than even Heroin! Many so calledMethadone "lifers" started with an innocent 21 day detox relapesed,than went on the progression to what is reffered to as "maintenance" Trust me, you don't want that.... By the way, i'm speaking from my own personal experience of kicking a hard core 2 yr Heroin habit,studying virtually every piece of info on Methadone as well as every piece of info I could find,watching the behavior of others in my similar predicament. You probably shouldn't let the clinic know in advance of your plans to discontinue after only 5 days of their 21 day program because they, to make a profit and stay in business are depending on you completeing the full 21 days. It would not be ethical or honest to vanish without letting them know your dropping out, they will probably ask you for a fee for early departure which is only fair, furthermore,heaven forbid you should ever need them again! Many so called "lifers" on Methadone began innocently enough the 21 day detox but somehow ended up on permanent "maintinence" program...Sometimes for the rest of their lives.... I think I should also point out that after you do your 5 day "early getawy" from what's suppose to be 21 days program,you have 2-3 days to think about how you feel and if its not well you will not be dropped and can continue with the remaining time left of your 21 days if you think it's necessary, so it's all up to the way you feel.... By the way, I want to make it clear that i'm in no way putting down Methadone,it's turned lives around an made peoples lives funtional that otherwise would be usless. All i'm saying is that i'd rather not have "clinics" and "dosing" as part of my life!! So take this for what it's worth...... \ kicking |
| Randall Day 10/28/1999 C9 | . | This is addressed to all Opiate/Opiate based addicts,Heroin, Vicodin,Percodan etc...There is a way out, and it's good old Methadone! I'm really addressing 1st time addicts/those kicking for the 1st time. Find a Methadone clinic, sign up for the 21 day detox. Let me explain, the worst part of kicking is approx. the 1st 3 to 6 days. Follow your clinics instructions for that period of time, in fact, split the difference,a good choice would be 5 days on Methadone, than drop the program. This gives the Opiate time to leave your body,get past the Physical withdrawl, but not enough time for the Methadone to get a grip on you. Methadone can work miracles if used properly, and make for a pain-free withdrawal, but many say it's worse to kick than even Heroin! Many so calledMethadone "lifers" started with an innocent 21 day detox relapesed,than went on the progression to what is reffered to as "maintenance" Trust me, you don't want that.... By the way, i'm speaking from my own personal experience of kicking a hard core 2 yr Heroin habit,studying virtually every piece of info on Methadone as well as every piece of info I could find,watching the behavior of others in my similar predicament. You probably shouldn't let the clinic know in advance of your plans to discontinue after only 5 days of their 21 day program because they, to make a profit and stay in business are depending on you completeing the full 21 days. It would not be ethical or honest to vanish without letting them know your dropping out, they will probably ask you for a fee for early departure which is only fair, furthermore,heaven forbid you should ever need them again! Many so called "lifers" on Methadone began innocently enough the 21 day detox but somehow ended up on permanent "maintinence" program...Sometimes for the rest of their lives.... I think I should also point out that after you do your 5 day "early getawy" from what's suppose to be 21 days program,you have 2-3 days to think about how you feel and if its not well you will not be dropped and can continue with the remaining time left of your 21 days if you think it's necessary, so it's all up to the way you feel.... By the way, I want to make it clear that i'm in no way putting down Methadone,it's turned lives around an made peoples lives funtional that otherwise would be usless. All i'm saying is that i'd rather not have "clinics" and "dosing" as part of my life!! So take this for what it's worth...... \ kicking |
| Randall Day 10/28/1999 C10 | . | This is addressed to all Opiate/Opiate based addicts,Heroin, Vicodin,Percodan etc...There is a way out, and it's good old Methadone! I'm really addressing 1st time addicts/those kicking for the 1st time. Find a Methadone clinic, sign up for the 21 day detox. Let me explain, the worst part of kicking is approx. the 1st 3 to 6 days. Follow your clinics instructions for that period of time, in fact, split the difference,a good choice would be 5 days on Methadone, than drop the program. This gives the Opiate time to leave your body,get past the Physical withdrawl, but not enough time for the Methadone to get a grip on you. Methadone can work miracles if used properly, and make for a pain-free withdrawal, but many say it's worse to kick than even Heroin! Many so called Methadone "lifers" started with an innocent 21 day detox, relapesed,than went on the progression to what is reffered to as "maintenance" Trust me, you don't want that.... By the way, i'm speaking from my own personal experience of kicking a hard core 2 yr Heroin habit,studying virtually every piece of info on Methadone as well as every piece of info I could find,watching the behavior of others in my similar predicament. You probably shouldn't let the clinic know in advance of your plans to discontinue after only 5 days of their 21 day program because they, to make a profit and stay in business are depending on you completeing the full 21 days. It would not be ethical or honest to vanish without letting them know your dropping out, they will probably ask you for a fee for early departure which is only fair, furthermore,heaven forbid you should ever need them again! Many so called "lifers" on Methadone began innocently enough the 21 day detox but somehow ended up on permanent "maintinence" program...Sometimes for the rest of their lives.... I think I should also point out that after you do your 5 day "early getawy" from what's suppose to be 21 days program,you have 2-3 days to think about how you feel and if its not well you will not be dropped and can continue with the remaining time left of your 21 days if you think it's necessary, so it's all up to the way you feel.... By the way, I want to make it clear that i'm in no way putting down Methadone,it's turned lives around an made peoples lives funtional that otherwise would be usless. All i'm saying is that i'd rather not have "clinics" and "dosing" as part of my life!! So take this for what it's worth...... \ kicking |
| Randall Day 10/28/1999 C11 | . | This is addressed to all Opiate/Opiate based addicts,Heroin, Vicodin,Percodan etc...There is a way out, and it's good old Methadone! I'm really addressing 1st time addicts/those kicking for the 1st time. Find a Methadone clinic, sign up for the 21 day detox. Let me explain, the worst part of kicking is approx. the 1st 3 to 6 days. Follow your clinics instructions for that period of time, in fact, split the difference,a good choice would be 5 days on Methadone, than drop the program. This gives the Opiate time to leave your body,get past the Physical withdrawl, but not enough time for the Methadone to get a grip on you. Methadone can work miracles if used properly, and make for a pain-free withdrawal, but many say it's worse to kick than even Heroin! Many so called Methadone "lifers" started with an innocent 21 day detox, relapsed,than went on the progression to what is reffered to as "maintenance" Trust me, you don't want that.... By the way, i'm speaking from my own personal experience of kicking a hard core 2 yr Heroin habit,studying virtually every piece of info on Methadone as well as every piece of info I could find,watching the behavior of others in my similar predicament. You probably shouldn't let the clinic know in advance of your plans to discontinue after only 5 days of their 21 day program because they, to make a profit and stay in business are depending on you completeing the full 21 days. It would not be ethical or honest to vanish without letting them know your dropping out, they will probably ask you for a fee for early departure which is only fair, furthermore,heaven forbid you should ever need them again! Many so called "lifers" on Methadone began innocently enough the 21 day detox but somehow ended up on permanent "maintinence" program...Sometimes for the rest of their lives.... I think I should also point out that after you do your 5 day "early getawy" from what's suppose to be 21 days program,you have 2-3 days to think about how you feel and if its not well you will not be dropped and can continue with the remaining time left of your 21 days if you think it's necessary, so it's all up to the way you feel.... By the way, I want to make it clear that i'm in no way putting down Methadone,it's turned lives around an made peoples lives funtional that otherwise would be usless. All i'm saying is that i'd rather not have "clinics" and "dosing" as part of my life!! So take this for what it's worth...... \ kicking |
| Randall Day 10/28/1999 C12 | . | This is addressed to all Opiate/Opiate based addicts,Heroin, Vicodin,Percodan etc...There is a way out, and it's good old Methadone! I'm really addressing 1st time addicts/those kicking for the 1st time. Find a Methadone clinic, sign up for the 21 day detox. Let me explain, the worst part of kicking is approx. the 1st 3 to 6 days. Follow your clinics instructions for that period of time, in fact, split the difference,a good choice would be 5 days on Methadone, than drop the program. This gives the Opiate time to leave your body,get past the Physical withdrawl, but not enough time for the Methadone to get a grip on you. Methadone can work miracles if used properly, and make for a pain-free withdrawal, but many say it's worse to kick than even Heroin! Many so called Methadone "lifers" started with an innocent 21 day detox, relapsed,than went on the progression to what is reffered to as "maintenance" Trust me, you don't want that.... By the way, i'm speaking from my own personal experience of kicking a hard core 2 yr Heroin habit,studying virtually every piece of info on Methadone as well as every piece of info I could find,watching the behavior of others in my similar predicament. You probably shouldn't let the clinic know in advance of your plans to discontinue after only 5 days of their 21 day program because they, to make a profit and stay in business are depending on you completeing the full 21 days. It would not be ethical or honest to vanish without letting them know your dropping out, they will probably ask you for a fee for early departure which is only fair, furthermore,heaven forbid you should ever need them again! Many so called "lifers" on Methadone began innocently enough the 21 day detox but somehow ended up on permanent "maintinence" program...Sometimes for the rest of their lives.... I think I should also point out that after you do your 5 day "early getawy" from what's suppose to be 21 days program,you have 2-3 days to think about how you feel and if its not well you will not be dropped and can continue with the remaining time left of your 21 days if you think it's necessary, so it's all up to the way you feel.... By the way, I want to make it clear that i'm in no way putting down Methadone,it's turned lives around an made peoples lives funtional that otherwise would be usless. All i'm saying is that i'd rather not have "clinics" and "dosing" as part of my life!! So take this for what it's worth...... \ kicking |
| Randall Day 10/28/1999 C14 | . | Sorry about all these identical replies,....I guess I clicked the submit box several too many times!!! What an ignoramus!!! Wish I could delete all but the 2nd one...Once again, sorry! |
| Lori 11/2/1999 C15 | . | Hey Diane Sorry to hear what your mother is going through, but I know excatly where you are. But mine is worse my husband is up to 20 ES a day. If you would like to talk and believe me I could use it, or if anyone would like to e-mail me with something that might hep us PLEASE do so at honeybun3@hotmail.com |
| Jennifer 11/2/1999 C16 | . | I'm writing to Christina... you wanted my sister, Diane, to email you. We both are living w/ it, I live with my dad and deal with it day in and day out. Diane and I are very close and although she is always here for me, she doesn't know all that I have gone through with my dad and his vicodine addiction. I would love to offer support and vice versa. Just to know there is someone else going through the same thing as I am helps. Please feel free to email me at j_trevethan@yahoo.com. |
| Christina 11/7/1999 C17 | . | To Jennifer I just got your message and wrote down your email address. Haven't had the freedom to write you due to the the fact that my mother and father have been staying with us for a couple of week during my recovery from my appendectomy. Would love to email back and forth. I've had a terrible time dealing with my mom and her addiction during this short time of living together and I'm watching my kids being affected by it and I just want to yell at her and tell her to knock it off. Anyway, I'll get in touch with you via email soon.... Supportively, Christina |
| Stan 11/10/1999 C18 | . | I have a question. I have been taking Vicodin for about 7 years for knee and back problems. Seven knee surgeries in the past 20 years, and back injuries dating back to 1979. Before Vicodin I took Darvocet for 5 years. I used to take 4-6 Vicodin per day and am now taking 2-3. What harm, if any, am I doing to my body by keeping the amount down to that level? My Dr. prescribes the Vicodin and tells me to keep it to 2 or 3 a day. Thanks, Stan bugzstan@cs.com | [Thread closed to new comments] |
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