How can I do this?

[LonelySoldier]

My name is TJ, i recently graduated high school in 2012. I am 18 years old, and i am addicted to Hydrocodone. I have been taking these pathetic pills for about 6 months. I am so afraid to quit because of the withdrawls. i am so young and can't even start my life because i am too worried about the next pill. I desperately need help, i have been hiding this for so long from everyone and i want to quit to be the man my mom raised me to be. i am alone and depressed and have thought on several occasions of quitting. someone please talk to me and pray for me, i appreciate it more than you will ever know.

[killerzoey]

Good for you for not wanting to continue on this path. I put off quitting for nearly a year, I was so afraid of withdrawals. Withdrawals can be bad, but I've read more than one person write that the withdrawals weren't as bad as the FEAR of withdrawals. There are lots of great suggestions on this forum for making it easier to go through.

How much have you been taking?

[LonelySoldier]

Thank you everyone for the help. it means the absolute world to me. Im sure you all will be happy to know that today is my official quit day. i deleted all my dealers numbers, and threw out all my pills. i did something horrible recently that changed my life. Someone sold me fake pills for a lot of money, me and a buddy ran in that guys house with loaded weapons and threatened to take his life if i didnt get my money back. i realized this isnt me. this sint what i do. im the nicest guy you will ever meet if you ask anyone. i care about people i dont even know. im glad i decided that today is my day to quit. the WD are horrible already. does anyone have any suggestions on keeping the WD down? once again thank you all so much for helping me and not judging me in any way. You all have a big spot in my heart and love you all  so much
-TJ

[LeaAnn807]

Honey, please don't say that you're thinking of taking your life over this.  It's NOT worth that.  Quitting is basically easy and won't hurt anyone.  If you aren't here anymore, your mama and sister would be crushed.  So, let's just work on quitting, and that way you can be all that you want to be and accomplish all sorts of wonderful things in your life!

I think that you should just stop right now!  Monday is still two days away!  Anything can happen when we use for even a day.  I don't want that to happen to someone so young and obviously sweet.  You clearly care a lot for your family.  Your sis will be proud of you like mine is of me!  I used for probably 15 years, but I've been clean for almost 3.  You can do it too!!!!  And you'll have your entire life ahead of you and won't have to waste years on drugs the way I did and the way a lot of people here did!

So let's work on quitting and stop talking about not living!  You have a LOT of living ahead of you honey!

[Teresa1717]

Hi TJ, Im so glad you found your way back here!! I have been thinking about you and worried that you were ok! I know that its hard for you but youre so young and you have your whole life ahead of you. As others have said, your mom would be heartbroken to know your suffering like this! You should try and talk to her if you can. EIther way, I am glad your back and please keep talking to us!! We are all here for you!!

[atthebeach]

hi TJ, my daughter is 21 years old. she had been abusing drugs for a few years. I knew she was. she always denied it. she stole money and jewelry from me. she was in a dysfunctional relationship with a guy who introduced her to opiates in the last year and a half.

as mom's we have an intuition about our children we know when something isn't right with them.  when they hurt, we hurt, when they are sad, we are sad. I think your mom might already know that there is something wrong. . has she ever mentioned anything to you about it?

my daughter made a decision that changed the course of her life 4 months ago. she went into a Christian rehab and is still there. she is doing awesome. I want to tell you that I am very proud of her for going. she knew she needed to do it for her. addiction only ends in terrible ways, jail, institutions, or death.
when I see an obituary of a young person that wasn't in an accident and didn't have an illness I know they died of an overdose. it is a real consequence of drug abuse. in my surrounding towns we have had more young people die  then I care to remember who have overdosed. friends of my 2 oldest children have died.
your mom will be happy that you were honest with her and asked her for help. if something would have happened to my daughter and I know that I didn't get to help her I would have been heartbroken.
we are here to support you and encourage you.
get rid of all the pills you have, cut off everyone you know who does drugs.
don't worry about a girlfriend right now. you need to get yourself clean.
ask your mom to let you go to a psychologist, talk to a pastor, go to an aa or na meeting. reach out to a trusted adult for help.
I am praying for you,
Debbie

[Sweetness91]

Tj, I want to give you my opinion also on telling your mother. Believe me when I say that when you are a mother, nothing and I do mean NOTHING that your child ever does, makes you stop loving them or supporting them. Sure....she may be upset with you, but can you honestly tell me she's never been like sooo pi$$ed at you she couldn't see straight? And she got over it right? And parents don't judge their children, after all, they are an extension of themselves. And I also believe you must tell her so that there is some accountability. It's so much different when you tell a very important person in your life what you're trying to do, because once you have, you try harder to achieve that goal. I'm 39 yrs old, and five days into my w/d's I called my dad and yeah...I did say 39...and told him everything...just because I know I can't let him down too and choose pills over life. It doesn't matter what age you are, your parent(s) have your back!! Think about it :)

[luvabugga]

TJ....I followed your story and it truly broke my heart.  I have a son(actually 2) your exact age and I would do anything to help them.  It would kill me to know they were going through something like this and I wasn't able to help them.  Please think about confiding in your mom and letting her help you.  

You can absolutely do this!  Stay focused on the goal!

[BarbRTR]

TJ, please think of telling your Mom! I have a son your age. I would do anything for him!
A mothers love is something you don't understand. It's the strongest love out there.

I'm willing to bet she would do anything in her power to help you!

But please please keep posting!! We are here for you!!

[toothfairie]

Glad you are back TJ!!   is there a specific reason why Monday is the day?  Why not today?  Please know that your life is SO worth living...please don't take that away from yourself and your family....stay here with us....we can help you!  I PROMISE it does get better.....just let us help you! Many before us have done it and i know you can too.......you just have to want it!   Keep posting for support either way!  we really do want to help you succeed!

[LonelySoldier]

Thank you everyone for your support, I couldn't bring the courage to quit, i feel like such a coward, and want to take my life. I plan on quitting Monday, Monday is my day for sure, i have to quit this, i'm done with this life style. i met a new girl, who is amazing and i am in love with her. I wanna quit for her. i wanna quit for ME most of all, and my mother. thank you so much for your support it means the absolute world to me, much love from my little heart.
-TJ

[JephWyte]

Like many others here have stated, you have a good outlook and deffinitely seem to have your head on straight, especially for your age. I had been attempting to get clean since I was about 16 and finally got it this april shortly before turning 24. I don't see many people my/your/our age really grasp recovery and want it too badly so when I do it means a lot to me. Send me a private message if you want to talk and I'll even throw you my home phone # to talk man. Someone here did that for me on this site a long time ago and he will always be remembered and appreciated for that. The least I can do is try to pay that foward. And also like some others said, the DT's from a few norcos are nothing like coming of 100mg of methadone or a gram of heroin a day. Which is where your addiction will progress to in the future if not dealt with now. Keep the faith TJ and don't hesitate to contact me.

[nursegirl6572]

I just wanted to also add my support.  You are a very intelligent, and insightful young man...that comes screaming through in your posts.  Congrats for finding the courage to tell your sister too, that's amazing.  The more support you can get, the better.  

I agree with the others about your Mom, she probably would be your biggest cheerleader and source of support.  She would want to know and would want to help you.  I'm a Mom, and would want my kids to come to me, no matter what.  Of course she will be maybe a little surprised and sad...but she won't judge you.  She'll realize you just need some help.  You're young with your whole life ahead of you...it's great that you figureg this out before you were years into it.  Only good things will happen from here.

I'm anxious to hear how you're doing.  You CAN and WILL do this.  We're all behind you!

[Missshawn]

You can do this.. Stay strong

[Teresa1717]

How are you holding up today?? Post an update when you can to let us all know! Im really pulling hard for you!

[dominosarah]

All of us here are incredibly proud of you Soldier.  You keep that positive attitude going and you can achieve anything you put your mind too.  Your hopes and dreams can become your reality~sara

[selfinduced]

Morn'in Soldier, Hope your still on track and not feeling to bad. Kenny addressed something very important. You'll have much more emotional hurdles to overcome in your wonderful life ahead. Ya don't want to get the misguided idea that pills or any substance will make those times any easier to deal with. You've now shown that you can and do solve problems as they come up. Look at you now getting this behind you. Tap in and let us know how your fairing ok?

[kkcopacetic]

little brother,, your doin just fine..give it about a week for wdraws.......look at you reaching out,,,, connecting with all these great gals.......im sorry you got yor heart broke,.bud  but you gotta know, thats what hearts are for.....aint no excuse for substance abuse.....i know that sounds a little clinical,,,   but .  W TF .   keep on keepin pn .   .............kenny

[toothfairie]

well 4 a day isn't that high of a dose.....just so glad that you decided to quit before it escalated to alot more.....and it would have.....it does for all of us....

just keep us posted on how you are feeling etc.....the WDs are doable, especially from that dosage if that's all you were taking......we are here for you for support or if you have any questions.....  :)  keep posting!

[LonelySoldier]

i was taking about 4 norcos a day:/

[YesLife4Me]

Hey kiddo...Im so proud of you for recognizing your problem and nipping it in the bud so soon.   Many of us started and stopped so many times over the years and soon 20 years have gone by!   And it only gets worse as the years go by.   You can never let your guard down with any substance.    Your wd time and intensity will vary depending on what you were taking, how much and for how long.   I would guess that in 3 to 4 days you should be feeling better.   Just keep asking questions and reaching out for help and we will walk you through this.   Sending you hugs!  

[rush2112]

Well dude, sounds like u r on the right path now u have to stay the course...u ne ver said how many pills u were taking , how many a day?

[toothfairie]

oh yea....a jacuzzi will do wonders for you!!  i was taking hot baths 2-3 times a day at first.....it's great for achy muscles and to relieve any stress....and we will be here for you!  try not to worry about the WDs...they are usually not as bad as we think they will be!  and you may not even have that bad of symptoms....just keep posting and we will get you thru it!  

[LonelySoldier]

i cant say thank you enough for believing in me. i think im ready to do it, wait scratch that i am ready to do it. i wont pick up another pill ever again. if im in pain i will take the pain as it comes because pain will go away but losing my life or people i care about wont go away. you're saving my life.

[LonelySoldier]

thank you for believing in me! it means so much to me. i hope my WD is only for a little, and i got protein, im going to try to get immodium if i can as well. i have a jacuzzi and i am going to drink lots of fluids. i just need my supporters (you) and i believe in myself i can do it.