Daughter's vicodin problem

Hello:  I've only posted two questions on this site over the last two days since I've found out about my daughter's vicodin problem.  She confided in me and wants to get some help.  She was prescribed vicodin for her back problem about two years ago and gradually increased the amount.  She takes about 7 to 8 pills a day now , but has not done that amount for the whole two years.  From what i'm hearing from this site is that it's not that large of an amount (still a serious problem though).  She heard that you can take Suboxone for withdrawal problems but I don't know anything about this or if it's just another drug that will be hard to get off of.  Can anyone share some advice with me?  She is deathly afraid of withdrawals and has never gone through this before.  She has a new job and cannot get any time off work so she thought this might aid her with her decision to quit and not lose her new position.  She does not have health insurance yet either.  Her first thoughts were to decrease it slowly but then someone told her that Suboxone was the way to go for her particular situation.  Any help at all would be appreciated.  Everyone on this site is so caring and helpful and I wish everyone of you success in your endeavors.  Thank you for your help.

[mimi1313]

I tapered and had minimal withdrawals. flmagi and allaboutmary are 2 great people to ask. They are very ehlpful and are both on it.  Good luck!

[confused456]

She will have to get off sub and in my opinion, for the amount of pills she takes, she is better to just stop them. If she can't do it, you can check that route, but as I said, I wouldn't not for that amount of pills.

[bmc1976]

From what I have heard suboxone works great for someone that has tried to get off the pills and couldn't do it. I think she should try to taper her dose back first before trying the sub. She will have withdrawals with sub also. If taking sub your suppose to taper your dose back to minimize withdrawals. She could do that with the vicodin also. With you helping her she should be able to do this. You need to get a good taper plan together and you need to hold on to the pills. Do not give her more than the taper plan calls for no matter how much she begs. I tapered off vicodin once and it wasn't that bad at all. If you need help with a taper plan there are many people on here who can help. Best of luck!
Brian

[dove3053]

I agree with what confused posted on this. I would also reassure your daughter that many people with more severe problems have gone thru wd's and it can be done. Her being terrified by this only adds to the problem.

Dove

[JayDiddy]

I am on Suboxone after getting addicted to Oxycontin that I was on for medicinal reasons. I would NOT go on Suboxone because of the low dose she is taking. Also, as stated above, she then will have to taper Suboxone and go through the same withdrawls.

If I were to give my opinion it would be that she slowly taper down and also go to NA or AA to cope with the mental aspects of her addiction. She will find that those programs are life changing and help WAY beyond just getting off of the pills.

Good luck & keep us informed please,
Jay

[sickcookie]

I think tapering would work well for her,we were all afraid before we stopped these pills has she been on the forum yet?It is really helpful and she will get alot of support.But only she can do this,but she sure is lucky to have you.She can do this without the sub

[worried878]

At her dose I would either taper a bit and quit or just quit...that was my dose just about...the process of getting on sub and then withdrawing one day from that as well would not seem feasible unless she keeps relapsing or just cant do it without the sub...I think with your support she can...you guys keep posting

[Clamity2]

I wont repeat what was said above, I agree with most of these suggestions.
I just want to add that I too was HORRIFIED OF THE WITHDRAWAL MONSTER. I had been taking vicodin for 8 years, 6 years everyday. So it was a huge concern. Well I am here to tell you that Honestly after I had 1 or 2 weeks I was looking back and just really smiling at how huge I bulit that withdrawal scene.
I did suffer for 2 days with chills and little sleep then each day started looking alittle better. My withdrawals consisted of cold chills that are pretty hard. So I had a disc that I heated in the microwave so I could put it inside my clothes. Took as many hot baths as I wanted . Sometimes 3 or 4 in the evening just to get rid of the body discomfort.
Withdrawals are so worth it to have your life back. Vicodin stole so much of my joy and quality family and friend time. When I look at videos of myself I'm shocked at how I can tell by my voice and body language I was really buzzed.
If she gets clean PLEASE KEEP YOU COMMENTS ENCOURAGING AND UPLIFTING TO HER. She needs to stay positive.

[mommy52713]

i would not suggest sub 4 her situation i think if she tapered she will have minimal wd.i believe sub should be a last rezort

[HYDROSUPERMOM]

i hear than you have to wd from subox