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Addicted to pain killers
Due to the pain and inflammation in my neck and under my left shoulder blade I got addicted to pain killers. It has now been near to 5 years. Never did I think I would be that person. The medicine doesn't even give me a high anymore because my body is immune to them I guess but they still help with the pain, making it barible to go to work every day as well as all the other activities/chores that have to be done. Recently I found myself buying these from a friend and thought, "okay, this is getting way out of hand". I want to stop but scared of withdrawals. How do you even begin this process and still go to work and Maintain your daily activities that have to be done? I need guidance in anyway possible. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!
Welcome to the forum, Renee!
You'll find a lot of support and good advice here. You've already accomplished the first step: admitting the problem, and reaching-out for help. I detoxed a couple months ago from a big-time addiction to pain pills. Here are some things that might help:
- Talk to a doctor about both issues: (1) non-narcotic options to alleviate your pain, and (2) your addiction, and desire to detox. Your doctor may give you meds to ease withdrawal, such as Clonidine and Neurontin. You could also look into the Thomas Recipe.
- I managed to taper to about 25% of my daily dose, over a period of 45-days. Tapering works for some, but most of us lack the control necessary to follow-thru to the end. Going cold turkey is often necessary.
- As mentioned above, try to take a week off after your last pill, and limit your schedule. You'll benefit from time alone to get well.
- You've got to have a strong level of determination to quit. Just be ready for moments of weakness and cravings. In that regard, you've got to muster-up the courage to eliminate your sources (tell your doc and friends to cut you off), flush your pills (all of them), and share your secret to those closest to you. Otherwise, temptation is likely to get the best of you.
- Have a plan for the long-haul. Aftercare can help you keep your guard-up. Most folks go to meetings. Others, like me, spend a good but if time on this site, or doing a good bit of soul searching. Prayer doesn't hurt, either.
I agree with the post above: fear of withdrawal is often worse than the actual withdrawal. You can do this.
You'll find a lot of support and good advice here. You've already accomplished the first step: admitting the problem, and reaching-out for help. I detoxed a couple months ago from a big-time addiction to pain pills. Here are some things that might help:
- Talk to a doctor about both issues: (1) non-narcotic options to alleviate your pain, and (2) your addiction, and desire to detox. Your doctor may give you meds to ease withdrawal, such as Clonidine and Neurontin. You could also look into the Thomas Recipe.
- I managed to taper to about 25% of my daily dose, over a period of 45-days. Tapering works for some, but most of us lack the control necessary to follow-thru to the end. Going cold turkey is often necessary.
- As mentioned above, try to take a week off after your last pill, and limit your schedule. You'll benefit from time alone to get well.
- You've got to have a strong level of determination to quit. Just be ready for moments of weakness and cravings. In that regard, you've got to muster-up the courage to eliminate your sources (tell your doc and friends to cut you off), flush your pills (all of them), and share your secret to those closest to you. Otherwise, temptation is likely to get the best of you.
- Have a plan for the long-haul. Aftercare can help you keep your guard-up. Most folks go to meetings. Others, like me, spend a good but if time on this site, or doing a good bit of soul searching. Prayer doesn't hurt, either.
I agree with the post above: fear of withdrawal is often worse than the actual withdrawal. You can do this.
Wow!!! I'm overwhelmed with the support in this forum. I have honestly been living in silence, hiding behind the pills. It became my only friend because I near to cut everyone out of my life because in my mind the pills is all I need. The pills didnt have drama, or opinions, etc. At this time in my life, which is a very critical time in my career, I don't have time to have no energy or be sick but on the other hand I have found myself feeling VERY lonesome in my own little private world. It's like living 2 different lives. Well lunch is over, it's back to work but I will fill you guys in later with more details and Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for not judging me. I need all the support I can get, for sure!
Hey there!! FIRST a HUGE welcome to you and good job realizing it has become a problem. As stated above, knowing more would be helpful. I, myself was addicted to ANY narcotic pain pills ranging from morphine to vicodin... YOU ARE NOT ALONE! we've all been there with one pill or another. Like you, my pain is VERY VERY real but I stopped taking any and all pills 3 weeks ago cold turkey. I am learning to deal with the pain without the help of pills. My heating pad has become my best friend. OTC meds don't even make a dent in the pain so I just don't take anything. I walk with a noticeable limp now. I guess so many years on narcotics hid that from me. My point is, its by NO MEANS a fun nor easy process but it's totally worth it. Being a slave to pills and spending money you don't really have on them is no good either. Often times the FEAR of wd's is worse than the actual experience. My advice is to brace yourself for a case of the nasty "flu" and ride it out. We are here to encourage and support you every step of the way. YOU CAN DO THIS!
Welcome :o)
As butterbean wrote a little more info would be great - but - that being said many of the users in here, myself included, have lives that had to be maintained and it is possible...
Some have the possibility to take a week of and then do cold turkey... some have demanding lives and carreers so that isn't a possibility..
Just know that no matter what it can be done and the decision you have taken to get clean is the very first big step..
Welcome
As butterbean wrote a little more info would be great - but - that being said many of the users in here, myself included, have lives that had to be maintained and it is possible...
Some have the possibility to take a week of and then do cold turkey... some have demanding lives and carreers so that isn't a possibility..
Just know that no matter what it can be done and the decision you have taken to get clean is the very first big step..
Welcome
Hi There,
Welcome to the forum. You have taken the first step in realising the issue has to addressed sooner rather than later....congratulations on that!
It would help members if you could share a little more information....What painkillers, dosage etc?
There's lots of members on here with invaluable experience and advice, as well as encouragement for you...well done for recognising you have a problem , as soon as we know a little more then you'll get lots of replies and help from people going or have been though the same.
I myself was addicted to opiates (codeine) for over 10 yrs and quit cold turkey over 4 months ago...best thing i ever did....you can do it too!
xx
Welcome to the forum. You have taken the first step in realising the issue has to addressed sooner rather than later....congratulations on that!
It would help members if you could share a little more information....What painkillers, dosage etc?
There's lots of members on here with invaluable experience and advice, as well as encouragement for you...well done for recognising you have a problem , as soon as we know a little more then you'll get lots of replies and help from people going or have been though the same.
I myself was addicted to opiates (codeine) for over 10 yrs and quit cold turkey over 4 months ago...best thing i ever did....you can do it too!
xx
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