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Getting off Hydrocodone after 5 years

Hi, I'm 17 and I have been using this stuff since I was 13. It started off as back pain and gradually I almost want to say it "snuck up" on me. I have tried around 3-4 times to stop but I end up relapsing. I was provided the pills by a family member. I realize that by going around them is helping to cause the relapse. The withdrawal is really difficult. Especially since I live a pretty busy life. I have identified what makes me want to use and I need better ways to deal with stress and chronic pain. I get restless at night and wake up in the mornings with anxiety. Does anyone have any solutions to ease the withdrawal WITHOUT other prescription medication, and techniques to stay sober? Thank you!!!
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Avatar universal
Today was a bit rougher. I was really sore from the exercise but I took my vitamins and just sparingly took asprin/tylenol for my aches and headache. There was some emotional stress but I got through it and ended up having a decent ending to the day. I am now on day 6 and there doesn't seem to be much withdrawal present at this point. Just the chronic pain which led to my addiction. Im learning new ways to cope with it and I have my first NA meeting coming up. I am really excited and look towards my future!
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Avatar universal
Oh by the way, I asked what your drug of choice is and I just re read the title of your post, my bad lol obviously I see now that it is hydrocodone lol
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Avatar universal
Hey,
I am young like you and trying to get sober as well. What is your drug of choice? It's really motivating to hear that other young people are trying to get sober as well. How long were you sober before you relapsed? I was sober for a few months and then I relapsed and I am still trying to pick myself up from it. It is so hard mentally and physically, but I hate what my life becomes when I am using. Every waking hour is about the drugs, getting them, doing them, making sure I have more for the morning, it *****, I put the drugs before everything else - friends, family, work, I hate doing it but it's like I am not in control of myself when I am using, the drug has complete control of me. Anyways, do you go to meetings? Where I live there are lots of meetings and they are really good, especially the meetings for younger people, it's cool to meet kids your age trying to get sober as well. If I read correctly I think you said something like you can get sober but after that is what scares you. I relate so much to this--I can get sober, but it's staying sober that is hard for me. I will say that the meetings and sponsorship and all that stuff really does help a lot in staying sober in the long run. Getting connected in NA or AA and having other people to be accountable to and not just yourself really helps in those moments of wanting to get high. So, how are you feeling now?  What are your plans once you get through the withdrawals to help you stay sober?
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Avatar universal
P.S- I won't even need a sleep aid tonight!
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Avatar universal
I can actually say that I have only thrown up once because I took my vitamin without eating beforehand and haven't had diarrhea in several days. Today was great. No cravings at all. This is day 5. I worked all day and then came home and worked on my car with my boyfriend for a while. Had a nice dinner and I'm sore but I took some tylenol which is helping and I'm just relaxing for the night but I feel great!
-Nokia
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Avatar universal
I know all about them headaches!!! omg I had one yesterday I'm at day 6 myself (yay!) lol it got bad started sweating, I went and bought two chocolate bars and devoured them my headache was gone!! it was a miracle chocolate fix I tell you that lmao but make sure you stay hydrated!! drink lots of water and gatoraid as the vomiting and runs will depleate your bidys water and minerals. be strong and stick to your goal your almost there!!

God bless
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Avatar universal
Vicki-Yeah the 5 hour energy worked great!
Showsover- Well it took a while and a lot of intervention to realize I have this problem. I have cut the ties with the family member who gave them to me/ I took them from. Today showed me that life isn't about pills. This was the best I have felt off of them in a long time. I am going to keep with the vitamins and PUSH to go to the gym a few times a week. The exercise really helps. For the past few nights I have been using over the counter sleep aid until I can find rest easy again. But other than that I'm really trying this time. Every other time I have stopped, there wasn't much of a lifestyle change, which made it very difficult. Keep me in your prayers please, I need the strength!
-Nokia
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1372788 tn?1279215766
You are amzing to have admitted your problem at a young age. It takes a lot of courage, which I commend you for.  
And your parents mean you well, your're very lucky to have them knowing what you going through.  If your pain is severe, Celery Juice I hear is good for any nerve/chronic pain. I'm on day 5 of WD's woohoo!!
YOU CAN have your life back. These pills play tricks on our minds. I can't believe the doctors give kids these addictive meds when they are under 18!!  NOT a good idea, and its sad. But you're very strong.
Keep taking those Vitamins, I'm using Vitamin B for energy, and Gaba to sleep. Natural is always the best route to take. Good luck to you!
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Avatar universal
Good for you...keep pushing!!!!

Someone on here posted about 5 hour energy and that it was great during withdrawals so whatever does the trick!!!

Be sure to eat..

V.
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Avatar universal
Well day three is over and I am on to day four. I am feeling really good. To take care of my headache I took 2 excedrin extra strength, drank a 5 hour energy and chewed some gum. I got a lot of exercise and I really feel great. I have a lot of energy right now (not that great since I have to work at 6 am lol) but I hope that this happens more frequently. I think vitamins and exercise was just what I needed. I drank a ton of water and I feel like this stuff is leaving my system a lot faster than last time. I just have to keep pushing and I AM GOING TO KEEP PUSHING!!! : )
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Avatar universal
Get some Goody's Powders!  I swear by them!!!!  
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Avatar universal
Keep up the good work, hannah3777 is right, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger".  You can do it.  :)
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1372567 tn?1278517539
stay strong every hour that goes by will make you stronger.time will win in the end just get it out of you.
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Avatar universal
Okay now the pain is really kicking in. I have a killer headache that I always find my self with when I dont take it. Tylenol does nothing for me, neither does motrin. I am going to try excedrin and hope that it works. But this is getting really bad right now.
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Avatar universal
Today is day three. I'm feeling pretty good other than some aches. If I don't sit and think about it, it isn't so bad. I'm trying to keep myself busy. I made myself get out of bed this morning and take a shower and get ready to start the day. I just need to find some motivation and know how to have fun without the pills. I slept pretty good last night. Really the worst part of this is seeing the consequences and all the people I hurt. I'm trying not to dwell on it because it's really going to hurt my recovery. Any ideas to lift my mood?
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Avatar universal
Nokia~  The "after the withdrawl phase" is really the hardest.  That's why we talk about recovery care so much.    You need to see a doctor,therapist,pastor etc...for continued support.  I would,for you,recommend attendingseveral NA meetings.  Recovery is a continuing process...some of us see an addictionologist.

You will feel better. 5 years is a long time so it takes some time to get your energy back.  Try pushing yourself to get some exercise,it helps. Don't wallow in how bad you feel.  You need to work hard at feeling well...

V.
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Avatar universal
My parents know everything. And they are really upset because this isn't the first time they have intervened. This would be so much easier if I knew how to just be happy without them. I mean not all of the time but just not be so depressed and unmotivated. I guess I can deal with the withdrawal, I'm just scared of the after.
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Avatar universal
I wanted to clarify that my life didn't go to pieces because of the hydrocodone - but all the negative events that kept happening seemed to provide the environment to up the ante on treating my back pain.  After awhile, it wasn't about my back pain.  It was about wanting to feel good when there was nothing in my life to feel good about (numerous close family deaths that occurred close together, got harassed out of my career, etc., etc etc).  The irony was that after awhile, it WAS the hydrocodone that started to have a reverse effect on me.    
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Avatar universal
Shelli~  Man...ain't it the truth!!!   Hooked by the first PILL...it's unbelievable how that happens and I suspect that's what happened with Nokia,as well.    Her parents do know
but she needs to share more...we all need support going through this,long after we're clean!!!

Nokia~  Please keep posting to us...

Vicki
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Avatar universal
Nokia, I want to thank you for saying that you have identified what makes you want to take meds.  I am a lot older than you - by decades :) - , but your remark made me ponder just why did I want the high from hydrocodone (besides the obvious  - it feels good).  Over the last 8 years, my life went to hell in a hand basket, in a way that destroyed my sense of peace, my self esteem, everything.  Within 30 minutes of taking my prescription meds for back pain, I was not only high but confident and uninhibited.  I needed those qualities in order to care for my family, excel at my career, etc.  And it worked for awhile.  But I begin to notice that my cognitive functioning began to diminish.  I also realized that I was taking the meds just to get to a tolerable baseline of feeling OK.  That's when I knew I was addicted.  I have a teen your age and I will pray that you get through this.  You come across as a smart, beyond-your-years person.  I understand your not wanting to disappoint your parents, but trust me, they know something is up.  Parents have radar.  I didn't want to tell my spouse, but finally broke down last night and told him.  (I would like to tell my brother, but am afraid.  long story - I won't bore everyone).  Is there anyway you can make your life a little less busy, at least until you get through the worst of this?          
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Avatar universal
Nokia~  Glad your parents know...now talk with them and ask for help.  You will live through withdrawals but you need to stay clean and need support with that.  You need to tell them the name of the family member who gave these to you.

Do not cave on this. Do not take anymore pills. You WILL ruin your life...

Get some Immodium for the diarrhea.  Drink a lot of water and juices. The symptoms will pass.  It's after that you need to think about!!

You will be okay...there are many people on this forum who have gotten clean so trust me,it can be done!!

Vicki
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Avatar universal
Hey i started the same way as you. I was really young the first time I ever tasted my first love pill. I had my uncle who sold his methadone to get us both pills. I started because i say my Grandmother died but i did quit. Now Ten years later i relapsed because of pain and stress at work. I got really bad. I am on a tapering method my dr. instructed to my best friend. It feels great not being high all day long. Believe me if you can find someone to hold on to do it now before you really get worse. I have 3 Kids and a wife of 8 years, they don't know and i felt all alone trying to quit but in here everyone is helpful and friendly and i know your not alone. Just pray my friend and i promise if God sees the purity of your prayer he will answer and help you i Promise.
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Avatar universal
My parents know and I don't want to keep hurting my family. Today is day two (again) and the withdrawal for me seems to last months at a time. That is why I had a relapse. I could take up to three at a time every few hours. So far I have had really bad anxiety, diarrhea and vomiting. I bought vitamins today so I am going to see how that works. I really do want to stop. I don't want to live day to day wondering how I am going to get more and base my life around that. I want to be able to feel good without the use of medication.
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495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
I agree with Vicki.  You need to tell your parents what is going on.  Check into some type of recovery care as there you will find others who understand and will be able to help you.  

How much do you take a day??
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