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Avatar universal

Call him Nyquil

My husband is still struggling so much.  I read all your posts and thank you, it means a lot.  I have tried Al-Anon, but to tell you the truth, I don't think I need it at this point.  There was a time, last year, when I was really learning about addiction and blamed myself because I had only known my husband sober- why is he drinking, etc.  It was very helpful then.  But now, I have a really together life.  Of course, there are ups and downs, but for the most part, I feel very satisfied and in control.  My husband's Nyquil use continues.  He sneaks into the bathroom to use, I smell the lingering scent when he leaves...Here's my question:  at his point, He's facing a biopsy for this large lump on his neck, his doctor knows about his excessive Nyquil abuse, and he's still using, should I just back off and let the cards lay where they land?  I do want to take care of myself, but I don't want to be an irresponsible and unsupportive wife who just watches as the alcoholic makes himself sicker and sicker.  And to whomever said that the addict is filled with guilt, shame, and selfishness when he is using- you are right.  I can feel his self-esteem just plummet as his self-loathing increases.  This is a very good explanation for his moodiness.  I wish everyone the best.  This is the toughest fight of my career.
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Avatar universal
I just posted a comment and it didn't show up.  Am I banned as well?
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Avatar universal
Hi, Sorry, I don't hang out here much anymore.  I hope you are doing well, honey.  Be really, really, kind to yourself while you are in w/d.  No judging of yourself.  Only good thinks.  What you think about expands, remember!  If you can, get lots of pretty bubble bath stuff and when your legs hurt, you will also get a dose of aromatherapy!  Watch the dehydration, ok?  Eat good foods and take good vitamins.  Give your body a chance here.  You're doing a lot to it and it needs you to take care of it.

Have you read You'll See It When You Believe It?  That is also an excellent book.  One of his older books, like erroneous, his first.  Do you meditate?  That is a great way to get past the hurting, the whole physical part, as well as the mental anguish.  WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT EXPANDS!!  I KNOW this.  It has been proven to me time and time again.  

I'll check back here more often, ok?

Connie
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Avatar universal
I am another Dr wayne Dyer devotee--although its been a while since I read any of his books--one of the best is called "your erroneous zones"--very enlightening--I seem to be posting alot here today mainly because its helping me keep my sanity-I am beginning another cold turkey withdrawal--Harleykat i admire your wisdom and posts--you seem to be a very caring person.  much love and peace--I hope I survive the next 5-7 days
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Avatar universal
How do people get all of these pills, some of you take 20-30  a day I have trouble getting any, I should be thankful though I guess. On the other hand it is hard to go through withdrawl 2 times a month after I can't find them anymore. My real question is has anyone ever tapered off of Vicodin, I would feel much better about quitting for good that way

E-mail me at ***@****

Thank you for your time,
Jeanette
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Avatar universal
How do people get all of these pills, some of you take 20-30  a day I have trouble getting any, I should be thankful though I guess. On the other hand it is hard to go through withdrawl 2 times a month after I can't find them anymore. My real question is has anyone ever tapered off of Vicodin, I would feel much better about quitting for good that way

E-mail me at ***@****

Thank you for your time,
Jeanette
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Avatar universal
I didn't get your email. Just in case my email is ***@****.  How is everything going today. today is 22 days! whoooo!!!! If it wasn't for this forum i don't know what i would have done!

be safe
linda
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Avatar universal
Nightime Nyquil contains alcohol, tylenol, an antihistamine and the decongestant pseudoephedrine, which is often used a precursor in methamphetamine production. If you can manage to stay awake beyond the initial drowsiness caused by Nyquil's alcohol and antihistamine, you'll find yourself wired on the pseudoephedrine. Hence the extreme sport "Nyquil Chess": every time you lose a chess piece, you take a shot of Nyquil. I understand that Garry Kasparov learned to play this way. LOL.

Seriously, this drug combo could account for his irritability and mood swings, etc.

Thomas
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Avatar universal
Thanks Connie.  I will check out that book.  One that has helped me is Being Peace by Thich Naht Hahn.  Quick simple read that will change your life.

Linda, Thanks for helping comments as well.  Your post hit home for me.  I sent you an email.

Hope everyone has a great day.

One day at a time,
Jonathan
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Avatar universal
Hey, Babe.  I want you to go to the bookstore and get your hands on everything you can find written by Wayne Dyer.  Also, and this is very important if you can only get one book, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.  It will help you so much.  You know from meditation that wonderful feeling of being totally present and in the NOW.  This will explain a lot for you.

You are depressed, by friend.  You can't just "snap out of it."  You have messes up your neurons and axions and they just aren't doing their job.  You are making too much seritonin.  Not eating and sleeping are way red flags, hon.  Please, please, please, if the weather permits, go outside to the park and walk, get some sunshine on your face.  Then when you go back home after stopping by the book store, of course, rent your favorite funny movie and get those natural laugh drugs to working in your body.

You are going to be ok, you hear me!!!  You have so many positives in your life.  You are just having a hard time seeing the forrest for the trees.  When you can't pull yourself up by your own bootstraps, we will all help you.  

Those loving friends wouldn't use in front of you if they were so loving, hon.  As far as the people at the center beign so much older than you, the Universe has put them there in your life for a reason.  Maybe, just maybe, your mentor is there....

Please get thee to the bookstore!  

Love and positive energy to you~Connie
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Avatar universal
Connie, thanks for the kind words.  I am feeling a bit better today. I have not drank or smoked herb in 2 days now and this weekend I was at a friends that had lots of oxys and I did not partake even though I was offered.  I am very much trying to meet new friends.  For the past month or so I have been into this Buddhist mediation center that I go to and it seems to be helping.  I try to meet people there but they are all way older than me.  I find out at the end of this month if I get into grad school and I am hoping that moving away from the scene will help me restart my life.  As far as the depression
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Avatar universal
WEll he is doing much better.  Praise the Lord, he woke up, is out of ICU and is just now in lots of pain.
He appreciates all your prayers...
Suzie
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Avatar universal
Hi, there.  I hope you check up here.  You are off to a good, good start.  I would stop looking for excuses to use and start looking for excuses to live, my friend.  Your doc said that your liver is in danger.  They don't say that if it isn't true.  If you're gonna use, use the weed.  Drinking and opiates are going to kill you.  You don't get a second chance when you are dead.  Have that doc get you on some anti-depressants, as in yesterday!  You are so depressed you are about to crash.  You are going to stop harrassing your ex girlfriend, stop handing out with your old friends who used to use, and go out tomorrow and smile and talk to at least 10 people.  I don't care where you find these people, at work, grocery store, public transit, on the street, in the park when you get some exercise (which you are also going to do tomorrow).  You are going to get off your fanny and decide that you are going to live.  You want help, because you are here.  So we are going to love you until you can find a reason to start loving yourself.  You don't HAVE to act like a drugie.  You don't have to be a druggie.  If you want "normal" friends, go out and make some in the places where "normal" people hang out.  "Normal" people your age do not hang out at parties.  You are going to do this and you are going to succeed because I have enough faith in you for both of us!!

Now, post back and tell your new family here about yourself, ok?  Love Connie
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Avatar universal
Hey, Sweetie.  I had to go quickly earlier.  Anyway, have you seen the Thomas recipe posted here?  See if you can get those ingredients.  Make sure all of the laundry is caught up, all the chores done, put casseroles, etc.  Make sure everything you can do ahead is done.  It is better to have your folks be afraid of the flu.  DO NOT take on any more guilt.  You are officially FULL for now, OK?  We are so good at feeling guilty, unworthy, and all that business.  You don't have permission to feel that way!!  :)  Try and think of everything, like your favorite sweats, pillows and blankets in the living room.  Rent movies to keep yourself occupied.  Is your husband a "needy" sick person?  Hopefully you don't spend you time taking care of him when you need to focus on yourself.  Hide little presents for yourself, like a good book you've been wanting to read, little trinkets or treats in closets or dresser drawers, in the kitchen.  Get your favorite gourmet coffee, special creamer.  I'm trying to think of all the things we did to get ready for my surgery.  I got as much done as I possible could and gave myself little rewards as incentive.  Treating yourself good makes you feel better, like it is worth feeling this bad, and encourages you to keep on going.  If you like puzzles  or word game books, grab some of those to have on hand and extra pencils.  Try to make sure you don't have any reason to get frustrated.  Then you will slip into that sobby/helpless zone and that's not any fun.  Can you think of anything that I can do for you two?  Just name it, Hon!  I love you and I will love you during those dark moments when you can't seem to find a reason to love yourself, ok?  Connie
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Avatar universal
I just have to say that it does get better. It;s slow but then I didnt get this way over night. I have a very addictive personality and I switched booze for pills. My wife gets frantic when I say I have a headache now, she is afraid of the monster that lurks within. I really feel I've beaten it though. I love all of you on this board and judge no one. I knew how damn hard it is to get off the pills or booze for that matter. Don't beat yourself up(the pills will do that for you). A special thanks to teeitup and J.E.W for when I first posted on 1-13-03. It meant alot. Robert. Peace2all
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Avatar universal
I have a message from Jim (B'Belt) if you will email me @
***@****

Thank you!  Hope to hear from you soon.  He MISSES You three!!!

Connie
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Avatar universal
strength and hope
I read your post further down and wanted to tell you we are here for you. I totally understand the change of people and places
It IS very hard. We have surrounded ourselfs with people that are not well, like ourselfs for so long. I have come to the conclusion that the people and places i need to change are in myself. I posted earlier about how the worst place for me to be is in my own mind. I  can be my own worst enemy. I make a choice to surround myself with people that do not forward me in a positve way. I am the one that tells myself it OK ONE MORE TIME. I am so glad that you found this forum. My email is ***@**** please email if you need to talk. I always check it.

Vicqueen
My email is above. I would love to  talk. thanks for everything

be safe
linda
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Avatar universal
vicqueen
I am sooo happy to hear from you. I will definetly email you sometime tonight. I hope everything is great for you. I miss the constant conversation with fellow members. How are you doing?

bink
Hey, i am not going to leave the forum. this place has saved me. how is everything with you? I know you are getting close to THE DAY. I am here for you . Hope all is well. any support I can be I'm here.

be safe
linda
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Avatar universal
Hey Girl!  So you're sporting up to a month clean now huh?  I'm so happy for you.  You really are an inspiration.  You were especially awesome that one night when you were on Day 6, and were tested so badly by your "friends".

I've no idea what's going on with this forum.  It's WAY WEIRD!  I suspect that most people are looking for another place to go after the "religious" banning, and now with the limited threads.  It's next to impossible to engage in any kind of support when people are unable to answer your question and help you because the "max thread" is reached.  There was a gal yesterday that I wanted to respond to, I think her name was Madeline, but because NO ONE could post, maybe she thought no one cared.  Or.... maybe no one dares post in case someone desperate needs to be able to??

Do ya think that we're going to all have to use plain old email???  

You take care, Linda, and I hope that you won't run off on us too.  Let us know if YOU know okay??

Denise
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Avatar universal
No, it s "over the counter" in the US,  signature and occasionally a DL # needed. Many pharmacists "say" they don't have it, so if u need it for a cough, best to get it from a pharmacy who trusts you. Great for a serious cough, unless- of course- one wants the phlegm expectorated. The drugs overseas are those pills w/ codeine called Cocadamol (one name). Those are UK meds, same procedure tho.. sign for a box of 32-64. Those, they say, work for headaches, et al. As I said, cough syrups, alcohol, codeine etc aint my thang. ~~
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Avatar universal
Great words of wisdom....
Just curious, do you live in Canada or somewhere not in the USA cuz I was under the impression that anything with codiene needs a drs script in the USA....
I am referring to the Novahistine DH you mentioned in your email.....
Tammy
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Avatar universal
No thoughts on drinking Nyquil. It irritated me, in my experience, wayyyyyy back when on a 2 week "detox", "they" (the powers that be) confiscated my perfume, and even too away my "Pert" shampoo upon check in. I was also strip searched and had my baggage, etc searched. It was a 12 step program thing, and that turned me off from the Get Go. As I have said, I have Never had an alcohol addiction, but I had made other indiscreet decisions, and subsequently took some bad advice and checked into the de-tox place because I knew that anyone claiming to be an alchoholic could not be fired (Disability Act). I used that as an "ace" up my sleeve and later regretted what I came to consider Bible Camp for Christians (this 2 week de-tox)

At this time in my life, I had used pills seldomly.. There were a few cross addicts there, and some narcotic addicts, but this was the verge of the crack coke craze- and that seemed the norm, other than alcohol. Anyhooo.. that little error in judgment (the 2 week detox) gave me a bitter taste for the 12 step program and the "90 meetings in 90 days" philosophy, as well as other pat answers that A/A has, the Serenity Prayer among them. I digress, tho, as usu..

What I started out to write is I can't imagine why anyone would drink Nyquil when he could "rationalize" the same alcoholic behavior by drinking, say Novahistine DH (sp?).. no script needed, just a signature, and that is alcohol and codeine.. certainly more bounce for the buck. Just a thought.

One thing I have discovered is that addicts are S-M-A-R-T, not necessarily w/ the descions we make, but certainly in brain power.

I have been completely clean  for 10 days (Wooooo!!), even tho I got 30 of my DOC  (drug of choice, Vicodin ES, w/ another 90 Vicodin ES and refills coming in 2 days). Though I have stated that I feel I need no pain meds for my current level of pain, having none in the house made me very Uncomfy, and originally that's why I went cold turkey last week.

I did use the Thomas Recipe.  My pill habit had been climbing to maybe 15-20 Vicodon ES pills a day over the last few years, but w/ Xanax, Kava Kava, Melatonin, Zopiclone and the Thomas Recipe, I was able (knock on wood) to abort my escalating habit (fairly) easily, minus a huge (but short) depression.

Reading Martha Beck, heating pads, chocolates, work, petting (25 pound) house  cats and baths helped. I am not sure about having the meds (the new Vicodin ES script) in the house, but like FINISHED! I feel (hope) I have their (the pills') number, instead of the pharmacy and refill number, if you get my drift.

Work takes my mind off the need for that floaty SUPERHUMAN feeling. So does being around family. If you "fake it, you make it." I believe this. When I quit cigs about 5 years ago, I did so at a family reunion, on purpose. First, it put me out of my normal smoking "areas" and secondly, it is difficult to cuss out family members one only sees, say, once a year. The new environs helped.

I would NOT recommend trying to quit 2 habits simultaneoulsy, especially say narcotics and nicotene. I am not a doc, tho I live w/ several, but every day is a new decision. I pray (as I can) for FINISHED's speedy recovery. He is wise person, esp. for one so young. All of you are (wise).


I appreciate you letting me ramble. As always, ~~
My e-mail is ***@****. I don't open e-mail unless the subject heading is apropos and has no attachments.. Best of luck to All.~
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Avatar universal
Hi Linda....
I haven't talked to you in awhile....since just before the bannings. I would like to talk to you, can you email me @ ***@****...
Thanks!!!
Tammy
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Avatar universal
What is up with the forum lately?? It seems like no one posts anymore and medhelp is greatly limiting the amount of comments allowed.When I first started posting we could talk all day and night. Now it seems like your lucky to get a new post every hour.

What are others thoughts on this

linda
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Avatar universal
Hi, just chatted with finished via his lady typing for him. He has pulled thru and doing well. He really appreciates everyone's prays and thoughts and will I'm sure soon be on here giving his inspirational posts that we all know and love....
He may be able to go home in a day or two..
God Bless!!
Tammy
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