Am I really addicted to Vicodin?

[jerry4245]

I have been on presribed Vicodin (7.5/750) for years and have managed to stay under four a day, but it has taken great effort to do it. I take it for restless legs and it has been the only thing that helps, although it doesn't always do the job. (I have RLS every day and very rarely get more than 2 hours of sleep at a time.) Lately, I have been depressed (more than usual), lethargic and feel just plain blah. Additional Vicodin improves these symptoms. Is it feasible that Vicodin is causing the depression, lack of energy, etc? I am going to my doctor on Friday and would like to take as much information as possible with me to help determine if I am indeed addicted and/or if I should get off of it. Has anyone out there been addicted at this low dosage?  What can I expect from withdrawing? Any suggestions? Any suggestions for controlling the RLS without it? As I said, nothing else has worked.

[Sunnyd210]

I think u missed the point my friend- of course getting off 2 vics a day would have much less withdrawel. BUT its the mental part that gets u- at my worst I took about 8 10/35s a day at my best (at the end)  I took as prescribed and was down to 3 a day- can u tell me I was less addicted at 3 pills than 8 NOOO i wasnt. If I stopped c/t at my worst would the withdrawel be worse, yes without a doubt but thats not exactly the point is it? Its about the addiction and not the amount of pills u are currently taking.

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

Its not such a huge amount - its the time element and psychological aspect thats coming out here - you are smart to do something at this stage - I havent researched hydrocodone, but some researchers indicate that there is no clinical difference between going cold turkey from anything from 5 to 50 mg methadone......its all withdrawls -

Check out the right hand side of homepage - under health discussions there is a Thomas Recipe and Amino acid Protocol that you need to read - knowledge is power ... and good luck to you  -  keep posting for questions and support -

[jerry4245]

what guidelines?

[worried878]

if taken long enu that amount can be addictive..it also depends on the person as sometimes a narcotic grabs one person at a certain dose and another is ok...u r getting off while the getting is good...low dose and u should be fine...follow the guidelines and keep posting

[wannabefree330]

Everyone is so different it is hard to say what will work for you and your situation. I have done both, but CT only one successful for me.  I didn't have the willpower to taper but many on here have and have done it well.  I just am not able to have a bottle of pills anywhere near me and not take handfuls at a time.  If you think this may be the case for you, find someone you trust to hold them and only give you one when it is time to do so.  The w/d will be less noticable, but will still be there.  If you go CT, you get it all done and overwith in a matter of about 7 days (well the physical w/d).  Then comes the aftercare work.  This will be required whichever route you take.  You need to treat the disease every day, just like you would any other disease (heart disease, diabetes etc).  Find AA/NA meetings, or use this site daily, find a counselor, psychiatrist or another addict you can meet to talk about what is going on in your life, and to call if you ever feel like using again.  Just because the pills are gone, doesn't mean the addiction is.  Good luck!

[jerry4245]

Thanks, everyone for your input. Do you think I shoud try to cold turkey on my own? or slowly go off? or what?

[D30]

There is a big difference in 2 and 10 ES's.

[POZ111]

help

[Sunnyd210]

if u are taking less than 4 vics a day for years I wouldnt say thats a low dosage. Thats exactly where I was for a long time it doesnt matter if u take 2 or 10 pills a day if u cant go a day without taking them. I agree with wanna and I hope u get off those nasty pills :)

[wannabefree330]

well you probably are physically dependent on them at least.  through no fault of your own, your body just gets used to having them and when you try to quit, it will be difficult.  If you start taking them for 'more energy', or for the euphoric feeling they give you, then you can call yourself addicted as well.  Addicted (for me) means the physical dependence AND the psychological dependence.  I have no exp w/ RLS other than when detoxing.  I have heard that Requip is an excellent medication for this too.  Talk to your doctor about your feelings and maybe try the requip too.  If you are truely depressed, work on that.  If it needs medicaiton, use a anti-depressant.....not an opiate.  Good luck.

[dominosarah]

I do know many have used Requip for RLS and it is non addictive.  Vicodin gives you a false sense of security.  When i was using in the beginning i had energy that wouldnt quit but towards the end i became depressed and had no energy.  Only you can answer the question of being addicted.  I would talk to your doctor and ask him what you have asked here.  Hopefully you can get off these as those pills are sneaky and your dosage will increase.  W/D feel like the flu for about a week but am not sure how yours would be as you are at a lower dose than most.  Good luck at the doc and let us know how you are doing.  This is a great place to be as there is a ton of support here.  We are here for you.            sara