After detox from Ultram....how do you stay off?

[estubbs33]

I have been taking Ultram or Tramadol for about 10yrs. I take it everyday and i don't want to. I went to a doctor and counselor, the only one i could find in Kansas City that actually believed that this drug was even addictive. And he helped me ween off of it. I did not have withdraws and I actually did it pretty fast. I was very proud of myself. But staying off is much much much harder. I couldn't do it. I was off of it for about 6 months and I had started a new job that was VERY boring and I just could not take beeing sooooooo sleepy all of the time. No matter how much sleep i got at night. I was unmotivated, unhappy and it was like i was on a sedative during the daytime. I finally broke down and took just one 50mg pill and it was like a light went on inside. I wasn't "high" I was just fully awake and functional. I have now gone up to 3 or 4 a day which really isn't that much at all. But i know I can't function with out them. And to be honest, i wouldn't really worry about taking this small amount for the rest of my life BUT I don't want to HAVE to rely on this, AND i want to have children. I can't be pregnant and take ultram at the same time obviously.  I keep searching for a doctor to help me, but again no one even believes its a problem and they just want to get me off of it and then i'm on my own.  I don't feel comfortable going to support groups with people that are on heroin or taking 10 to 20 Oxycontin a day. I don't stay home getting high all day,  I live a normal life. But I just think that maybe after taking this for so many years maybe my brain is not producing something it use to for me to feel awake and alive without it.  Does anyone know a place i can call to get help with this?  I want this out of my life, but I just can't do it by myself. If anyone has advice, please let me know. thanks so much.
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[anewwoman]

I've now been off of Ultram/tramadol for 8 months. Because it helps so much with mood stabilization(like an anti-deppressant) it was hard being off of it. I always used the Ultram for motivation,  at first I had alot of depression. A combination of B vitamins, Korean Ginseng, St. John's Wort or Sam-e help alot. It's crazy how so many doctors think this medication is so harmless. It was one of the worst addictions of my life.

[estubbs33]

Wow, so you have been able to stay off that long with just the stuff you've listed. I'm impressed. I don't know if can do that.

[anewwoman]

You can do it if you really want to. I know it seems really overwhelming at first. I know what you mean about the job thing and being bored. I actually ran out of my ultram once and had no way off getting more and I quit my job LOL. I had to stay off the ultram though. My life was out of control. My zest for life is back and I haven't been on anything unless it natural since 9/29/08. It can be done!

[worried878]

relapsing is very common..and why people say getting clean is the easy part..staying clean is the hard part...support groups whether it be meetings or a counselor//some type of support is so important to staying clean long term...do u have any meetings in ur area?

[anewwoman]

I also go to Celebrate Recovery and a few bible study classes a week. After getting clean I truly believe that my meetings, classes and alot of prayer are the only things keeping me clean. Well and the desire to never go back to that place again in my life or to let pills control my every though and mood.

[avisg]

The way you stay off is to get some recovery care .If groups are not for you find a therapist something that works for you .As you have found out its hard to do it alone.I have been clean from tram for over 600 days .I could have never gotten this far with recovery care .you can do this .

[estubbs33]

Ok it's been a long time since I posted this. I'm wanting to give this another try.  I've been talking to a few doctors. And some of them say that Suboxone would help me. Any thoughts on that?