10+ years vicodin addiction

I have Chronic pain due to multiple health problems.  I am afraid that I will die from the Vicodin use.   I have been on it for more than ten years.  I use more than prescribed which causes me to run out at least a week before my next refill.  I suffer through the withdrawals only to start the process over.   Doctors said surgery not possible not possibe .How do I break the Vicodin addiction but still get some releif for my pain?

[mellie4]

There's so many people here in the same boat as you. I didn't misuse my medications but I felt like I was on too much and too many.  I'm tapering off so I can reassess my pain.  So many people here have said there pain lessened after getting off the pills.  I'm hoping that holds true for me.

My pain plan includes loads of ibuprofen, ThermaCare patches, Lidoderm patches, two different prescription gels/creams.  I also may have some procedures from time-to-time, like stellate ganglion blocks or lidocaine infusions.  None of these things take all the pain away but they all help a little.  I'm hoping I can be off the narcotics totally or at the least, take them rarely.

You'll find lots of support here.  It's really amazing how much this forum helps.

[reallyneedhelp76]

Well i can tell you this, i took 30 plus norco's a day for 7-8 years for back pain i just quit. and to tell you the truth my back pain is less now that i'm off than when i was taking it.  Withdrawal as you know is not fun BUT it is doable and i think that after a while the pills make the pain seem WAY worse than it really is because i can feel advil working just fine.  Have u talked to your doctor?  I was afraid to, but when i did he was AWSOME about it and has helped immensely.  So don't let fear rule your life.  You cana live with out the pills.

[IBKleen]

Hi,

You can either stop ct or ask your doctor for a proper taper plan. You will find a mixed bag of members here who have done both. When you are ready we can give you some suggestions on how to get through the withdrawal process with some comfort.

Glad you found your way here.

[mellie4]

There's so many people here in the same boat as you. I didn't misuse my medications but I felt like I was on too much and too many.  I'm tapering off so I can reassess my pain.  So many people here have said there pain lessened after getting off the pills.  I'm hoping that holds true for me.

My pain plan includes loads of ibuprofen, ThermaCare patches, Lidoderm patches, two different prescription gels/creams.  I also may have some procedures from time-to-time, like stellate ganglion blocks or lidocaine infusions.  None of these things take all the pain away but they all help a little.  I'm hoping I can be off the narcotics totally or at the least, take them rarely.

You'll find lots of support here.  It's really amazing how much this forum helps.

[10yrspain]

I am really scared about the psychological addiction.  I can maintain through withdrawals,  as awful as they are, as long as I know I have that appointment coming up for my next script.

[IBKleen]

You have a right to be scared. There is a physical side to addiction as well as a mental side. Once you get through the physical side, the mental takes over and your mind will play tricks on you. After 10 years of addiction you will need help with changing your behavior and changing your thinking. You will hear some members here talk about aftercare. That is any form of support you choose. Counseling, or a therapist, is certainly one way to go and if money is an issue you can attend NA/AA meetings which are free.

The trick with stopping your active addiction is to break the cycle. Some things you can do are to get honest with your doctor or call the pharmacist and cancel the prescription. Whatever you decide, YOU have to make the move. It's hard hun, I know but the benefits down the road far outweigh what you are going through right now.

[Eebb26]

It's ok to b scared and only us here can understand one another. At least for me that's true. I'm currently tapering but it's still a battle everyday. Wish u lots of luck on the path u choose. Always write and there's someone to talk to :-)