Here is another OPEN forum posting

[GOD]

Hello all you forum members!

I hope you all had agreat 4th of July.....

This can just be an open space for anyone wishing to ask any questions....

Have a greaat weekend, All!
Jess

[mrmichael67]

The only way to do it without withdrawals is to taper.  You just have to be disciplined about it.  If you can't, then you will have to deal with the withdrawals.  Maybe your doctor can devise a taper plan for you?

[Bigguy]

Hello, new here so forgive me if I step on any toes etc..  If any one has any suggestions please let me know!  
About 3 years ago I needed a knee joint replacement.  As a result of this surgery I was given moriphine iv, dilaudid iv, duragesic patches, 10mg Norco tabs x3 an hour.  At home ms contin 60 mgs 3x a days, and the 30mg of Norco every 3 hours.  Doc the just stopped them, hell of W/Drawl.  Then I was sent to addiction doctor and given same as before, Norco and MS Contin.  I complained, he put me on Buprenex .3mg/ml injections x 12 a day.  Real expensive so went to new insurance.  And new doctors .  now given 40mgs oxycontin 3 times a day, with 7.5 PERCOCET 4 times a day.  Then new pain doc puts me on 50mgs of methadone, last 3 months, never stabilized.  Well I messed up big last week, I too 150 10mgs methadone in 6 days. No bad affects from it except doctor a little pissed off.  Now wife dispenses them for me. at 40mgs a day.
This stuffed has really messed up an already messed up life over three years.  I can or will live with the pain,, but how do I get off this suff with out the horrible withdrawls???  Any help, or ideas realy appriciated,,  Thanks in advance!!

[mrmichael67]

If someone is taking 40 to 60 pills a day and they have real pain, then they are on the wrong medication.  That, unfortunately, happens quite often.  I know that there are addicts who take that and are not in pain, or in pain anymore, and that is not good at all.  But, there are real pain patients that cannot get the right meds and do take mass quantities of vicodin and percocet because that is all they can get.  There are other options where they can be taking three pills a day.  And, in that case, they should take their meds if they are in real pain.

[sknart]

I have to say...IM a little confused about your post!
I have sever back and nerve damage.  I didnt find it OK that my pain was so BAD and my tolarence got so high that i was up to 40 to 60 pills a day. That is not cool.
Im In the process of dextoing, with this great Dr. who is weening me down.
I Dont plan on backing on that ****.  There are other alternatives to relieve pain then taking all these opiates.
Ex: I started seeing a chriopractor...is doing wonders.  Then there is the key to all key's...EXCERISE.
I have to say some of things your wrote bothered me.
Yes pain meds are there to help people, and yes if your addicted to them like taking 3-6pills a day for years. that's fine. then you ween.
But like alot of in here, when you up to almost 60pills a day..that's not cool.
I dont plan on taking anymore after im OFF of these evils things!
I HOPE N PRAY AT LEAST!
AND I HAVE TO BREAK IT TO YOU...ONCE AN ADDICT ALWAYS AN ADDICT!
IS THE DAM TRUTH. I was clean 7yrs before this happend to me...and when im at  NA  meeting's i say HI IM.....AND IM AN ADDICT!
ADDICTION IS A DIEASE, AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE AN ADDICT.  DOESN'T MEAN YOU  HAVE TO USE, BUT YOU WILL ALWAYS BE AN ADDICT!

[mrmichael67]

Bextra is a non steroidal anti inflammatory.  It is in the same class as Celebrex and Vioxx.

[morpheus2002]

   THIS MESSAGE IS TO NOD,  
              FIRST I AM VERY SORRY THAT YOU KEEP YOUR SELF AN ADDICT,  YOUR WORDS "AN ADDICT ALWAYS AN ADDICT".  I HAVE TO BREAK IT TO YOU BUT THAT IS THE BIGGEST CROCK OF ****, AND HAS KEPT ALOT OF PEOPLE FROM REALIZING THAT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE IN THE PAST DOESNT MAKE YOU WHAT YOU ARE TODAY.. YOU AND ANY ONE WHO WANTS TO CAN CHANGE AND TO YOU SURPRISE NEVER BECOME AN ADDICT AGAIN .... THE ONLY TIME YOUR AN ADDICT IS WHEN YOUR ADDICT PERIOD!!  ITS CALLED MOVING ON..
             AND ON ANOTHER NOTE, OPIATES ARE BECOMING A NOVEL AND ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS AGAINST DEPRESSION AND MANY MENTAL DISORDERS. IF YOU (NOD) ARE NOT CURRENTLY ADDICTED TO ANYTHING AT THIS MOMENT THEN I'M SORRY , BUT YOU ARE NOT AN ADDICT, YOUR FREE OF THAT LABEL BUB!   EVERYONE OUT THERE THAT TAKES PROZAC OR ANY OTHER ANTIDEPRRESANT ARE "ADDICTS" THOSE HAVE WITHDRAWALS OH AND ANYONE WHO LOVES HAVING A BOWL OF ICECREAM, THAY ARE ADDICTED TO SUGAR, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MOST ADDICTIVE DRUGS.... IF ANYONE OUT THERE IS ON PAIN MEDICATION AND HAS "PAIN",  YOU DONT NEED TO FEEL GUILTY OR SORRY THAT YOU ARE PHYSICALLY ADDICTED TO A MEDICATION IF THEY HELP YOU THEN FOR THE LOVE OF GOD .... USE THEM!! THATS WHAT THERE FOR .. IF ;YOU WANT YOU CAN FIND HORROR STORIES FROM OXYCONTIN TO BIG MAC'S, AND HOW THEY HAVE RUINED PEOPLES LIVES...  ANYWAY, GOD BLESS YOU ALL, WE ARE ALL FREE " if you no it or not"
            
                                  SINCERELY,   CAREBEAR

[1fortheroad]

hi and congrats on getting clean...how long has it been?  i was wondering if you had any of the post withdrawal symptoms that do me in everytime i've tried to quit...the depression and lethargy - the total inability to concentrate?  

most people sound like they are doing pretty good after about a week...i wonder why these feelings linger so long for me.  even while taking antidepressants, amino acids and all sorts of other vitamins and stuff, i still can't kick the depression and hopeless feeling.

even taking one amp of buprenex a day seems to keep those feelings at bay...maybe i'll just stick with that and never give it up.

[the mick]

I just read your story, and we have all been there before.  Detoxing at home is very tough.  If you only have forty left, and taking up to forty a day, you might want to confess to your doctor that you are abusing and need help coming down.  My doctor was very supportive and helpful, and I haven't taken any Percocets in 8 days.  You just have to know that the agony of withdrawl is only temporary, and like anything else, time will heal you.
              The Mick

[roro]

Hey Groovy, Doing ok, I still like the feeling of being high instead....  I hope that goes away....  As for the lithargy and depression, I have none....  I just get physically sick with my stomache still but then I take Diphenoxylate and it goes away.  I find that I am really bored all the time so yesterday I took everything out of the freezer and cooked for 8 hours, I mean i cooked everything....  I made every kind of chicken imaginable and enough zucchini braed and sticks for the entire neighborhood....  I had to pass some time...  Today I will lay out by the pool.....  I hope your doing okay...  Give me an update on you....

[Kritty]

Hi
It sounds like your not working because I am not either right now while I detox. I have only been on 3 days as you can see, actually its day 4. I have been weening 3 days and today sucks because I received my menstrual cycle today and I feel like my body is going to fall apart. I am laying down though and trying to remember that getting clean is my birthday present to me. I will be 27 next thursday and I wanted to go for my master's this September but could not imagined taking 10-12 Vic's a day and going to grad school. So I decided I need to make a change.

Oh yeah forgot to tell all that my doctor also put me on Bextra for pain and it is non-addictive if anyone is interested in trying that for their pain.

Praying for all of you!!!

[Kritty]

Thanks for the encouragement. My sister is comparible to a drill sargeant and would never give me an extra even if I was convulsing in her face. So it is a good thing I have that on my side. Actually it is day two and feels like yesterday was last week but I know I will get through this, however, it definitely sucks when you can't even just have control but no reason to focus on that part. I have not been on the forum long just 3 days now and I am not sure what your story is. If you would like to share with me I would like that. Take care

[Kritty]

Well it all started just recently when a doctor was prescribing 90 to 100 pills and I also made stories up such as I lost the script or my car got robbed, however, I went through the 100 in 7 days little did they know and they would write out another script. Anyway, my family was getting concerned and I didn't think they new everything. It was two days ago I got scared shitless because I was going to run out and didn't know how I was going to handle it that is when I deceided that I would go buy 60 today and get 90 valium to withdraw and take vitamins. That's when it all unfolded this morning, my therapist called me and said to come in at 3 that is when I was suppose to drive to Queens a pick up the Vic's and I realized it was a sign, so I told her that I was taking Vicodin ES 12x per day and I shocked her. I cannot believe I shocked her because she is a National certified addiction counselor, so I knew this was bad.

I konw you don't want to do it at home but I am scared of Rehab because you will still have the obstacles when you get home. So today I went to the Doctor she recommended and told him everything and he cut my pills by half and prescribed me 5 pills per day and I know I will take more if they are in my possession or even in my house so I gave them to my sister. I just now got back from a hard day of getting bloodwork to check my liver and pancreas, had therapy and on the road to recovery. I do not hate the vic's right now even though I have 2 more to take today and have not taken more than 1 at a time, I am just looking at them as medicine now because if I can't do this then they will throw me in Rehab. Whatever works for you but my prayers are with you and wish you success.

[mrmichael67]

Good for you on coming clean!  You can do this.  Tapering is the way to go if you can do it.  Just do your best to not pester your sister for any more than you are supposed to have.  If you do it by the book, it should be relatively easy (the physical part at least).  Good luck to you!

[tex3]

Hi everyone. Guess it's been slow around here during the holiday. I tried getting on many times but my service has been down (it's been flooding here). Anyway welcome everyone! It's good to see so many people here and trying to get clean. I've been clean for 3+ months and can tell you that it is hell, it is a lot of work, but it is the best gift you can ever give yourself and is completely worth it.

Sknart, you said you have 40 pills left? How many were you taking a day? If you absolutely can't miss work, you're going to have to taper, because no way will you be able to go to work in the midst of withdrawals. At least, not in my experience, and I've been through it too many times to count.

Hellbent, I'm with you on the psychological stuff. As good as I think I'm doing, when I know pills are available I become obsessed with them. Just like the old days. You did great leaving the house until the threat was past. Only way I know how to deal with this is to accept that I'm going to obess probably forever, and take in it stride. Don't feel guilty because you want something you are addicted to; it's your actions that matter. Easy to say, I know, but I can't think of any other way. Other than remember the hell we went through to get where we are, and that we are actually craving something that did so much damage to us and wasn't even fun in the end. A day at a time, as they say.
tracy

[sknart]

Does anyone come in here still?  I really need some help, advice and strength.
I do have god on my hands, but would really like some other support!
thank you

[Buddyboy]

Kritt,

It has been a hard road over the last few months. I try to remember when it was that I became addicted. I have no idea. This may sound goofy, but it is amazing how this thing can sneak up like it does...... I think I may know what you are going through. I have seen so many doctors, wrote so many checks, made up so many stories, that I can not remember. I think my turning point was the day that my wife handed me a handful of cancelled checks worth $1,000 and asked what in the hell was going on. She knew I was going to a doctor every now and again, but she had no idea to what extend or what for. Shortly after that, I came clean with her and told all. It was very refreshing. This was a couple of months ago. She is still learning the addictions extent. At first she was unable to grasp it. I have always been the stable guy. She was and still learning. Anyway, I am ready for detox. I know it is going to be diffficult. I do not think I would be able to manage alone. I know many people are able to detox at home. I could not bare the thought. Anyway, that is a small portion of my story. Please share. I would love to know why you decided to stop.
Thanks for the reply..........BB

[roro]

Hi, I hope everyones 4th was enjoyable...  Most of you probably know my story already but for those of you who dont I will touch on it a little.  I was doing 32 vicoprophen a day everyday and before that Vicodin for 10 years.  I finally had a decision to make and that was to better my life or watch it fall apart before my eyes.  I couldnt keep a job, do house work or take care of my kids properly.....  So 10 days ago I decided to do this cold turkey...  I have tried before mind you but never got through the 2nd day of WD's...  This time was different I wanted it more than I did before.  Day 1 - Bad stomache cramps, leg spasms, no sleep...  Day 2 - worse stomache cramps, diareha, no sleep, leg jitters and hated myself....  Day 3 all of the bove and add crying to that...  Day 4 started taking Lomitol for the cramping and diareha and from then on I have been feeling better everyday....  I would never want to go through this again for it was truly one of the worst weeks ofmy life...  But now I feel that I can make it.  I want to thank everyone for all the help they gave me through this rough period in my life...  I still think about the pills alot and hope that will disappear with time. If anyone is going to do this I would recommend taking time off work and have someone close to you help get you through this.  I know I have a long road ahead of me and I will continue reading everyones postings and hope oneday I can help someone the way you guys helped me...  Thanks EVERYONE

[Kritty]

I have been taking Vicodin Es for three years but recently I have been taking 12-14 a day which is 750mg 2 pills a shot and I am scared **** to go through withdrawal but I want to do it by myself. It is very scary, I don't want to go to rehab but I have lessened the amount due to me running ou of them. I would like to talk more. Write back, ok.

[sknart]

Hello
Im lookin for some advice.. Im trying to detox at home from perocet. been taking it for 2yrs due to a bad back. I have been abusing them. this is scary, sometimes about 40 a day.
My mom know's, and is helping me.
I need to find a schdule to get me off slowy.
I have foryt left,that my mom has...Ihave been through this before, and i know the 2nd day is the worst. Im scared, because i have to go to work. I cant call out, I have been on vac all this week. So i go back on Monday, and im scared as ****.
I know about taking alot of vitiams espically vit C.
but i need help on how to ween my self down.
thank you

[Nod]

Your story sounds similar to mine. 150-200 mg hydro a day to live. Did that 2 yrs, started with injury, etc.  Glad to read your ready to make a change, that's the first step.  I have been 100% clean now for just over 3 months!  Couple things I can suggest to help you on your new start.
1.  Read thru the past posts for the different types suplements
that can help ease some of the withdrawel and depression.
2.  If you married or have significant other or live with family members, you need to "fess up" to them (if you haven't already) and get rid of the secrets.  We junkies all have secrets and I found that coming clean with my wife was the biggest impact on my recovery.  Now I was doing it for her and my kids and I did not want to let them down.
3.  Tapper off to lessen withdrawal.  This can be tough for addicts.  I failed first 3 times, always went back on.  Wasn't until I did #2 above that I stuck with it.  The first step was the big one:  cut your daily dose in 1/2.  Instead of 200mg a day,drop right to 100mg for 4-7 days.   You will feel bad but be able to cope.  Then drop 5-10mg every 3 days, key is the "lower the slower."
4.  Fess up to you doctor (especially if that is your source.) Then discuss ways to avoid the depression that comes with withdrawal.  My doc put me on Paxil and it really helped with the depression, drug dreams, cravings, etc.  

Best of luck to you, BuddyBoy.  Remember, get rid of the secrets and you will have a huge chance to win.  NOD

[sissy101]

I have some questions about Antabuse.  Is anyone familiar with it?

[earlygrayce]

sorry to hear about those horrible cravings. i'm not sure if you know what a relapse is like but i'm guessing you do. my relapse experience (giving in and saying yes just once more).. did nothing for me but that 10-15 minutes before the high hits you. the anticipation of the high, is greater than any high i have been on. after the high sets in, all i did was worry. "4 weeks straight of being sober all of a sudeen meant nothing." all that work down the drain. to me, at least those 15 minutes or so are definately not worth it. at least not right now, for me. i have also approached a part of this pain med addiction as after being sober, that if at some point i do get serious pain (i.e. broken arm, surgery etc....)the pain meds that i take then will help with my pain. while on a big percocet habit, i went into the hospital for surgery w/o any meds in my bag. all i had was the morphine and thoradol they gave me every few hrs. the morphine did nothing. absolutely nothing...... even in terms of pain control only the thoradol(sp?) helped and that is a non narcotic and from what i understand is more like advil. but the looks on the nurses faces 5 min. after they shot me with a huge morphine injection and i was still in pain and had none of the side-effects that 98% of the people should have when being given that medication (drowsiness, euphoria etc..., it became obvious, at least to me, that i was out of control. so again a mind set that keeps me going is the idea that if i ever get hurt agin or am in pain, there will be relief and for some reason that helps me try and stay sober and avoid relapses. because all that comes afterwards is guilt and depression. and the idea that a huge dose of morphine, when i was in pain, had no effect on me, scared the straight into me. thanks for listening and i hope you have success in dealing with your urges. it must be unbelievably hard. take care.

[Buddyboy]

Looking for a little insight :
I have read this forum for several weeks. This is the first time that I have the courage to post. As of this Monday (My first day of vacation) I am going into Detox for Hydrocodone addiction. I am now up to about 14 (10/500mg) a day. It seems as if every single day I need more just to stay normal. I am at the point that I want to live again. I want to enjoy going for a walk with out having to take 3-4 pills. They are always on my mind. Day and night. Anyway, I am looking for insight or suggestion regarding a successful detox. What should I know about going in? What to expect? etc.....
The last two years have been a long road. I am soooo ready to change directions. My story is like many others. It started out as a minor injury, then turned in to an addiction. I have always enjoyed life. Now, I find no comfort in any daily acticity. So, if you have been here, please respond........

[angst]

I am not an advocate pushing methadone, but I was a dilaudid junkie.  I have been on methadone twice for addiction.  It has really helped with the using dreams and craving.  I was having some on a lower dosage.  My counsellor suggested we raise the dose.  That fixed it.  Now I am on my way back down to a lower dose.  I just cannot ever take another pill or shoot another pill again.  "One is too many, a thousand never enough".  I will go to whatever length I have to go to stay straight.  If I can stay a lower dose of methadone, fine.  If the monster is getting too close, I'll take 100mg/day.  
I hope your using dreams and obessing does not lead to that compulsion to use.  You seem strong.  I had to get strong and mean about drugs.  If anyone offered me something, they were no longer a friend.  I just wanted to let you know I have had those cravings and using dreams, too.  It is indicative of the addict.