Getting Clean and Staying Clean

I have been taking 1-3 Norcos for about 3 years and before that I was taking anything I could get my hands on since I was about 19. I am now ready to quit. Well, to be honest, I've been ready to quit for a while, but never had the courage to do it. I was always afraid of the withdrawls that I would go through but I have read on here that I should be fine after about a week. I know some of you think 3 is no problem... but for me, it is. I have conditioned my mind into thinking they are good for me and that they even out my personality, when in all reality, they are making me worse. So my question is to all of you... after the week goes by and the withdrawls are no longer an issue, how do I stay clean? What are some of the things that you do or think that help you get through the mental aspect of a pain pill addiction? Thank you for your help.

[LeaAnn807]

Hey!  Try out your local NA meeting or a counselor, one on one.  You have to do SOMETHING to stay clean.  Some kind of support is essential.  It won't always be easy, but it's so worth it!

Good luck!! Keep posting.....you'll get lots of help here!

[stephaniejo]

I wanted to add that I am 27 years old (just had a birthday 2 days ago). I also would like to know how to give myself energy. The norcos give me the right amount of energy during the day and my attempts at quitting before left me frustrated because of my lack of energy.

[norco_no_more1960]

I'm on day 19 clean from Norco.  I totally understand what you are saying about energy.  I took as many as 4 Norcos a day (this is the amount prescribed by my doc) and never abused them.

I tapered down to 1 or a half of one a day before I went cold turkey.  I'm 50 years old and so I don't bounce back as quickly as you will because you are younger.  

Energy has been the big problem for me.  What helps me most with energy, although it is not nearly as much energy as the Norco, is rubbing an amount the size of an english pea of 1% hydrocortisone cream on my wrists and inner-arms.  At first I did it 5 - 6 times a day.  Now I'm to about 4 times a day.  When I feel really stressed I do it a little bit more.  One day I forgot to bring any with me to work and I was dragging myself around.  I went to Target and bought several more tubes so I could always keep one with me.

I don't know that Norco makes anyone more social or more evened out, I think it makes it so that a person just doesn't notice.

Good luck on your decision to quit.  If I can do it, then you can do it.

Lisa

[stephaniejo]

Lisa,

Thank you for the advise. What exactly is that english pea stuff? Where did you hear about it? I definitly struggle with my energy level. I want to only take natural suppliments, so that might be a good idea. The 5 hour energies only work for so long and I don't like getting the jitters!

Good job on 19 days!! How do you feel?

Stephanie

[gnarly_1]

HI congats on wanting to end the madness we will help you all we can get threw the withdrawals bout you 100% right it more of a mental thing after you detox the the detox itself
the onlt thing I know that will help with that is programs like N/A or A/A one on one consoling with a addiction therapist or a substance abuse conslor but in order to get well we need to change the very way we think the meetings are best because you get to interact with other people that have the same goal...hang in there when your ready to start just let us know there are a few home remadeys that we can tell you about to make you a bit more comfortable good luck and God bless.....Gnarly  

[norco_no_more1960]

Hydrocortisone cream 1% - its available over the counter.  I said to put an amount the size of an english pea on the inside of the arms, wrists, etc. and do it 4 or 5 times a day.  It will help support your adrenals and will help give you some energy.

It works for me, but may not be for everyone.  I would say try it once or twice and see if it helps.  I don't think it will hurt but I'm not a doctor.

Take care,
Lisa

[stephaniejo]

Tomorrow I am going to start tapering down. It's a start. Wish me luck!