How long does hydrocodone stay in the system?

[blessed2]

I have been off painkillers for about 2 weeks and still get the chills and diarrea (diarrhea). Is this still the remainence of the hydro? If so are there any ways to cleanse my system besides water? Thank you for this forum. I really enjoy reading all the support people give each other.

[J. E. W.]

Yes it is still from whats in us. Think how long we put the **** in us. Keep drinking fluids until your going to burst and eat good to this helps flush our systems out. Get exercise too.. Myself I hate this part but the more we exercise the better we feel..  I hope I helped some it take along time to get our minds and bodies back. But it took along time to get us where were at too.. Hang in there it does get Easier and better over TIME!!!!! Ill be praying for you.  God Bless..                       J.E.W.

[Thomas03]

Some of our opiate receptors control bowel motility, which is why opiates constipate. When you detox, diahrea is the consequence. Over the counter Imodium (immodium) will take care of the problem. It is an opioid drug that binds to the receptors affecting bowel motility but not those that bring euphoria or pain relief. It is effective without being addictive. Keep a few in your pocket and use as needed. As for the chills, time will cure you of those. Until then, dress in layers and respond to how you feel as you feel it. You've gone two weeks. That's an eternity! You're over the worst. It's your mind that you must contend with now. Feel better.

Thomas

[Vicqueennomore]

I am not new to this forum because it has gotten me by for the last 2 weeks. I just haven't had the inner strenghth to "get involved". Today is day 14 of no more 10-14 a day 7.5 vicodins. The first 4 days were hell especially with 3 kids and a somewhat of non understanding spouse. He is glad I am off but doesn't understand how I "let myself" become addicted again. (I rehabed 3 years ago from a 2 year habit then) I was at first taking them for pain from a car accident but have an addictive personality and it wasn't long before I really, really "fell in love" again.
I am on here now to say that you have all helped and especially if it is you thomas03 that discovered the Thomas Receipe, you are my hero. It has helped tremendously, I know because I didn't have it 5 years ago when I detoxed before. I am not 100% yet and look forward to that time but I would have to say I am about 75% and that's alot better than a year ago when I felt as though my whole life depended on when I can get my next refill and how (consumed more than the prescribed amount and pharmacies and doctor started catching on). Never knew you could get them on the street and it's definately a good thing.
Don't get me wrong, if someone offered me one I would definately have to think and struggle but I beleive the last 2 weeks will have an impact of whether I really do it or not. ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!

[Esmith28]

I am sooo proud of you guys it is a great thing to make it two weeks. Hang in there...YOU have come through the worst...sooo proud!!

[Vicqueennomore]

I just would like to know that one day soon, really soon, I will feel like a normal person. I didn't go out this weekend with friends because I was afraid I wasn't going to be my nice, fun, confident, normal self and they may not like the some what anxietied me.

[lifeisbetter]

Hello, my name is Kent and I'm also a mom to 3 kids and I know how hard it is believe me, I was up to snorting 4 80 mg oxycontin a day. I used to take so many pills nothing got to me, it was like who cares if the house is trashed I need to find some pills! I thought I was a good mom at the time because I was the "cool" mom who let all the kids play at my house. That was because my kids would play with them and leave me to my isolation. I wanted everyone to just leave me alone. I would yell at the kids inconsistantly and had terrible mood swings, the poor things never knew what to expect. After I yelled, I would go in the bathroom snort a pill and come out all smiles, no explanation just ok lets play now! I remember when I first got clean, one of the things I wrote in my gratitude journal was that I was thankful that now when the kids got on my nerves I would still yell at them but this time I would go in the bathroom and PRAY. I just kept saying "Lord help me, make me not so angry!" and when I came out the kids would usually get an apology and an explanation as to why their behavior needed to change. I changed from acting like Roseanne to acting like Mrs. Brady! they must have thought I was wacko! (well,I was)I am sooo very glad that I stopped while they are still young, my 2 younger children don't even remember, but my 8 year old does and definately harbors resentment towards me. Even now 2 years out of rehab (well actually 13 monthes clean after one 6 week relapse)I don't think she can really trust me yet but it is slowly getting better. I won't even go into the husband thing lets just say I relate to not feeling supported by your spouse. Although I have to admit, I have a good friend who is in the midst of it and even with everything I know I still get angry at her because she's not getting how badly she can screw up her life. It gets so frustrating sometimes. I guess God is trying to show me why my husband did what he did back then. You said you went to rehab so you have the tools to stay clean now. You know what to do. First off find a real live person that you can call and I went to meetings alot in the begining not everyday becase of my kids but enough to keep me grounded for awhile. Fourteen days is a long time without a pill. At your stage one hour feels like one day so your really doing great. Keep posting, there are alot of moms here that can help you to and of course you can help us to. Remember we are all in this together.
Hugs and welcome!

[hippy]

what thomas and the other said is just about
all there is to say,you will be feeling better soon,
keep posting.
2 weeks more than great its wonderful.
i will keep you in my prayers, keep up the good work.

peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!hippy

[Vicqueennomore]

Wow!!! Tears are filling my eyes right now. I can so relate to being the "cool" mom, yelling one minute taking a couple of pills and wanting to be their best friend. They are young and do not realize drugs are the reason. In the last 14 days I was "sick with the flu" and now am recovering but will need a little help from everyone as a family. See Vics gave me wonderful energy and I was the perfect housekeeper, maid and sex queen. Now for the last 2 weeks I am a slob, lazy and had sex maybe 2 times as oppossed to 12 like before. I just want to know when I will come to the happy medium.
This writing is helping already.....

[Erika_Ann]

Hi friends-
I just need to write to vent. Im feeling really down right now and not wanting to be around. My arthritis hurts so bad all I have done is cry for hours. You guys are my only support. Everyone that is around me has always seen the strong side of me and doesnt understand all this like you do. All I can think about is running my car off the road. I know thats bad and selfish but I cant stand this anymore. You are always there for me and I just needed to talk. The depression just seems to get worse. I need help or someone who will just listen, cause my husband doesnt seem to. I feel like I talk to a wall when he's around. SOrry for my stupid sob story. I just know you guys always listen to me. I love you all.
Erika

[J. E. W.]

I was worried about you. Havent heard from you lately. Hope you and your family are well. Ill be praying for you.                    God Bless...          J.E.W.

[Vicqueennomore]

OMIGOD!!! I totally get it!! I am at day 14 and need to talk my way thru this and was hoping it could be with the one I thought loves me the most in the world and I talked to the back of a head that had a body attached playing a guitar. I too have a non-supportative spouse but in no way will I ever feel or have felt thru this that I will let a chemical substance take something so precious away from me, my life...This forum has helped me thru these days and by the grace of God I have survived. If you are that bad you need to seek medical help, please!!

[Erika_Ann]

Thank you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much for your comment. Maybe we can talk back and forth? You seem to understand. Why do our spouses treat us this way? Would they if they knew they were going to loose us? (huuuummmm) You wonder somtimes huh?
I appreicate you being here for me?!
Erika

[Rex1]

Hey, it's not a stupid sob story - it's what we all are going through or have went through recently.

I know the depression thing, beleive me cause it hit me about 4 days ago. I come out of it in about 2-3 days and then things just turn around on me. What about you.

Are you still using or are you in detox mode? Have you been able to get any exercise? Also, are you using the recipe?

Think of all the great things in your life but most of all, try and think about something outside of you. Post some responses to the others here who are using and you will find some relief from the depression.

Pray that God will tell you why you ended up here, and finally, all evidence from everyone here suggests that each day gets a little better than the last...

God's Grace to you Erika. Hope you feel better soon.

Rex

[lifeisbetter]

Your crying and I'm smiling! I think I found my long lost twin sister! I too was a cookie baking, homework helping, project making, problem solving, over permissive super mom! For about ayear then it was all down hill. Doesn't that suck? It's good you stopped now, by the time I quit sex was the complete opposite. I didn't want to have sex at all anymore, I was numb and it wasn't worth the struggle if you know what I mean. Now, well lets just say my husband has been much more attentive and he seems to smile alot!

As far as when you'll feel better you should be getting spurts of some uptime within a few days maybe even tommorow. Its a gradual thing and at about a month clean you'll just realize you feel better and are more motivated to do things. There will still be some down times especially first thing when you wake up, I hated that! I wanted a pill to get me going so I could get the kids ready, pretty soon though coffee was enough.  I relapsed after 8 monthes clean from a rehab for a short period because I honestly believed my kids should have a happy mommy for just one night. I thought there was no way I would relapse after what everyone had done for me while I was in the hospital. I was full blown immedialtely but I crawel into a meeting 6 weeks later, cried my eyes out and someone referred me to an addictionologist who detoxed me and put me on an antidepressant Zoloft and wellbutrin)and Ritalin, yes I abused it some, of course, but I didn't need it like opiates. I don't know if thats really what helped but I haven't had that horrible defeated feeling since then. Bad moods, yes. Tears, yes. Ups and downs, yes, but not extreme like before when I'd get a rush of euphoria then a horrific fall into depths of pure agony sometimes to the point of thinking I wanted to die. I have become much more balanced, you know, the way we are supposed to "feel", sometimes good, sometimes bad, but, I have laughed so more since I've been clean than I ever did when I thought I was that supermom person. I love to laugh and my kids are hysterical (when they are not getting on my nerves)it feels really great to be normal again. So hang in there a little bit longer you will see life is so much better clean. I promise. How old are your kids anyway? I have to log off but I will post again later tonight. Remember to breathe deeply when  craving hits it will pass in just a few minutes you'll see.

[Vicqueennomore]

Mine says he can't understand why I can't just quit and why am I not the same person anymore. I have too much of an insecurity to test the waters of would they be this way if they thought they were going to lose us? Unless you are taking in the life sense and not just the relationship sense....then I think if yours has the personality like mine then he would say I was just another crazy woman...(he has an ex-wife that I think was/is bi-polar)I think he is de-sensitized....Don't get me wrong he is a sweetheart deep down and would never intentionally hurt me but he is somewhat numb to feeling emotions. I have known him for 8 years but have only been involved for 2. He is not my spouse legally but we live together, just thought i would explain that.

[Vicqueennomore]

I too feel as though I found my twin as far as wanting and thinking I am supermom with the homework, desert and a bed time story every night. I got goosebumps when you said the word balance because that is what I want now. Not the high if the really, really low has to come with it. I want the good with the bad, not the really, really good with the really, really bad. Does that make sense?

[Erika_Ann]

God, everything you said is identical to what Im going through. Weird. Yes, my husband is just like that. Why cant you be like when I first met you? Always, he says, I want Erika back. Ya, well I do too. Its not that easy is it? I can really relate to you. Promise me we wont loose touch?! I feel like I can talk to you and you understand. I appreciate you listening and responding. It means ALOT to me.
Erika

[Vicqueennomore]

I promise I won't loose touch with you!!! I can't always get to the computer much at night because "he" uses it alot and isn't really thrilled with why I am using it right now. But I just got laid off my job and have days avail to chat. Some nights up until like 9 or 10 but mostly days. By the way, my name is Tammy and it is very nice to meet you....

[teeitup]

Rex - How's the back bud!

lifeisbetter - Spent the weekend in New Orleans with my daughters dance company, did not go to Bourbon Street once! Must be getting old! (did go to the casino)How have you been?

Erika-Ann, Vicqueennomore - Hang in there ladies, I've lived you life from the man's side and I'll admit y'all have it tougher dealing with the kids than we do. Keep posting, everyone here is thinking about you!

teeitup!

[Thomas03]

I'm so glad the Recipe worked for you. It is hardwon knowledge not only from my 31 years of addiction, but from many other addicts as well. It's about time we started helping each other. I'm not Bill W. by a long shot, but it's easy to see that society as a whole chooses to shame us, demonize us, stigmatize us, incarcerate many of us and profit by detoxing the rest of us. We're everyone's favorite dog to kick and no one's hero -- well, almost no one's hero ... (thanks for your kind words).

So, two weeks. That's huge! If you can, use that L-Tyrosine "bump" to get into some mild aerobic exercise. That will stimulate the release of endorphins and help you recover more quickly. That's a GOOD addiction to have!

Thomas

[Vicqueennomore]

Thanks again!!
I will take your advice as well as beleive it or not my same dr that prescribe for so many years told me to do and that is exercise to release the endorphins a chemical that vics use to release. He called it simular to what they call a Runners High...
Thanks!!!

[Esmith28]

I totally understand the whole mom thing and trying to do the right thing and survive without "mammas little helpers". It is the pits. Stay strong go to a meeting if you can find one...I prefer AA to NA (NA people I have a hard time bonding with for some reason, younger more rough feeling croud for me) but I have found wonderful help through AA which is filled with just as many addicts as alcoholics...they see it all as the same...unless you live in the boonies and they are real old timers and not hip to our generation...I have friends who live in a small town and they have the hardest time finding young people in AA. But it is a great way of life and it will give you like this forum instant new best friends who have been what we are going through and want to help...GOD does AMAZING work there!!! God Bless you all...I am going on day 8 I think...the only problem is the mental anguish
Elizabeth
Mom of two 7 & 12...BTW I told them I take meds for my back and I am coming off them for a while to see how I do without them and that coming off them is hard stuff..and I need extra help with patience... :)

[hippy]

it's nice to see all the relating and compassion and love
throughout the post here today.
just wanted to wish everyone a good day.
it is really encouraging to see so much positive reality.
it really helps us all, we are all in this together.
we have so many ties that bind us together.
peace-------------hippy-------------michael

[Vicqueennomore]

I wasn't going to do the meeting thing because NA is very, very difficult to attend in my area...not really around here but AA is all over(I think) so maybe I will look into that...thanks for the insight on that and also about the being a mom and having mom's little helpers but creating a life without them is what I am looking forward to doing!!! This is the first day I have actually wrote something instead of just reading and I do see a light at the end of the tunnel, dim but a light....

[Esmith28]

Hippe...yes it is amazing to read these threads....it gives me love I know God intended people to give to anyone that needed help[...that is what I love about AA is you walk in and feel home..for the first time...and you are embraced by p[eople who are ready to do anything to help you and love you through it...just like they got..this forum is my AA online....I was saved here!!

[Vicqueennomore]

This has been my AA/NA and I am thankful to all of you even the ones that I haven't chatted with but have read their threads and learned that I am not alone, a freak, a loser, a bad mom, a bad partner, a bad worker and I will learn that each day with you all, my new found friends and co-partners in recovery.....

[blessed2]

I want to thank everyone for their support and kind words. I'm taking alot in and truly amazed that there arent any bad post's. I'm still not sure if I will ever feel better but I'm reading that it is possiable to live without those pills, thanks again for this forum and to all that come here. Peace2all Rob

[kevs]

To All:

You people are amazing.  I have been reading the posts here for a few months now, and I love how you support each other.  

I had a few major ortho. surgeries over the last 16 months.  Fortunately, they were a success and I can walk pain free again.  Unfortunately, I will shortly have to detox from hydrocodone.  I tried tapering a few times, but it has never worked.  I would look at the time I still had to go through the taper and lose hope.  I am going to go cold turkey in about two weeks.  I will be out of drugs at that time.

I can totally relate to Erika and Vicqueen.  I got sober from alcohol a little more than six years ago, when my first daughter was only a baby.  AA nearly killed my marraige.  The meetings, books, change of social life and change in my own personality all put a huge strain on my marraige.  I slowly left AA and replaced it with more family and community functions.  My wife hated AA and the whole process of getting sober.  She has a hard time seeing addiction as a disease and treats it as a character flaw.  I am very scared of going through the process again.

When I am on Hydro, I turn into Super Dad.  I play Cinderella and Barbie, read Harry Potter etc...  I also take over most of the chores with the kids (baths, playdates, homework help...)  Basically, all my time at home is spend with the kids.  It is a lot of fun, and I am scared of losing that.  When I have tried to taper, I too got very moody.  I would yell, scold and look forward to going to work so I could get away.

I (hope) am planning to post much more once I start my detox.  Thank you all for your honesty and thoughfulness.

Kevin

[Blackbelt]

Are you taking and crying or what? Crying is an essential part of wd's because we are so pitiful and don't want to give up our "toys." Go ahead and cry.Forget the suicide demon! Cast him back to hell.
  I found when coming off Lortabs I would sneeze like crazy. Many of us fanatics believe we are expelling demons when we sneeze ,yawn and so forth. I'm praying for you. It gets better.I've been there and hope to stay this time.
       B'Belt

[straightjacket]

how are you doing , great i hope , im doing good , i have been lazy past couple of days and that is dangerous for me , so i going to start a fire underneath my ass and get it to the gym , hope i dont drown .the best to you and the people here.

[J. E. W.]

Yes for the first 7 or 8 days you really wont be super dad or husband BUTTTTTT It does get better and easier.. Im going on day 11 and I work with prescool children and Im enjoying them even more than I did with those little demon pills in me!!!!!!!!! I too was on vicodin for years plus percs. or whatever I could get my hands on. Just to keep me so called normal.. Well I feel soooooooooo much better already that I cant believe it. Your wife just doesnt understand the mind of an addict. Your not alone there either. My live in boyfriend of 14 yrs, doesnt either. We just have to beleive in ourselves and put our lives in Gods hands and he will take our hands and guide us down this path of recovery!!!!!!!!!! And along the way if we can help others we need to take their hand in ours and all kep on the path..  ill be praying for you and your family my friend.   post and let us know when your ready were all here for you.         God Bless........     J.E.W.                    P.S.I could not taper either, if I had em Id take em..............

[J. E. W.]

Glad to here your ok. Get that fire going and get off your ass so you dont get depressed my frind.. NO DEPRESSION ALLOWED  !!!!!!!!!!! Its to bad for us at this time in our lives. Take care........       and God Bless..............                J.E.W.

[lifeisbetter]

I really beleive that all things happen for a reason. We're all posting here tonight for a purpose more than just support, we just don't know the real significance of it yet, but someday we might. Isn't it comforting to know that there are people here in all stages of addiction and recovery? Early on I craved talking to someone who was either at the same stage or a little farther ahead than I was. At 13 monthes I still have so much to work on and its great to have you all as sounding boards. I value each and every one of your comments to me, even the not so nice ones, I learn alot from them as well.
    I still have alot of things that I think I can't do like "normal people". The difference between the early part of recovery and the next stage where I'm at is that I just have a little more experience "dealing" with things without drugs. I also have become painfully aware of some of my faults. The good thing is I can work on them in my own time. I know my biggest problem is being selfish with my time. Sometimes I find it much more rewarding reading what you all have to say than it is doing the mom/wife thing. I guess it does go in spurts though. Other times, when I see one of my kids do something for the first time, grinning with pride while making sure mommys watching or when they score a goal in soccer, etc. it is those moments that make me feel like being a mom is the greatesst thing in the world.
    They say when you quit using, you are emotionally the same age as you were when you started trying to escape your insecurities, troubled family, physical or emotional abuse etc. Doesn't necessarily mean drugs either. My first escape was music and books I could go in my room and forget that my brother just molested me again and got away with making me feel to ashamed to tell, we all have our own "baggage". The older I got the more I needed to do to distract me...from me. Now at 37, I'm probably around 20 emotionally. I still think of myself first but now I am at least aware of it and it really makes me uncomfortable. Of course addicts need to feel badly enough about something in order to change. So my point is don't be hard on yourselves. Growing up takes time. Fortunately its not nearly as long a road as it was when we were physically growing up. I figure I've aged 5 years in about 1, so I'm doing ok. I finally believe its ok  not to be perfect and not everybody is going to like me. My husband got the brunt of my anger and my feelings were so up and down at the early stage of recovery I'm surprised he didn't just leave, I almost dared him to really. I should give him a break and appreciate the fact that he stuck around, I guess he really did support me after all, but I'm not ready to tell him that yet. I know he's not the one to blame for all my problems but it sure is easy to blame him anyway. I still don't know why that is. We have learned the words I'm sorry though. Thats progress right? I like getting up in the morning now and I love learning how to live. In all honesty guys, life is getting better and better. So don't give in to this depression your feeling right now, you would miss so much out of life. Keep going day by day, it is all so worth it and I wouldn't change anything because it got me here and I'm enjoying the journey finally. You all have been a great help.

[FINISHED!!]

Hey Rex,
Sorry I missed your calls last night. I was out to dinner with my beautiful fiance. We had a really good night...after I finally caved & took a pill. I figured, O.K. I'm seeing "trails" from the intense pain. I can't describe the pain I was in yesterday afternoon. I literally started shaking & sweating & couldn't handle it anymore. It's only been a few days since my surgery & as most of you know I had some more titanium screwed into my ankle. I REALLY tried to go all day without the meds but HAD to take one. Instantly felt better. I KNOW that the meds are used for a reason but I needed to make sure that I only took one when I ABSOLUTELY NEEDED ONE. So far this morning, I've taken another pill only after waking at 4:00 am on the verge of tears. Thank you Rex for checking in on me. To everyone out there; Rex has gone above & beyond to make sure I was doing O.K. We have been in pretty close phone contact & he's a GREAT guy. Deeanna, my fiance thanks you as well. I hurt pretty bad this morning but will manage. Also Rex, I found my Mom's cat...He's gone. I found him on the side of the road. My poor Mom is HEART BROKEN. Pray for her speedy recovery as I know you prayed for the return of her cat. It broke my heart to tell her I found him & he was gone. Had to have my cousin scoop his poor little body into a box & take him to the shelter to be creamated.

Anyways,
  How are you doing this morning? How was that Disney movie? Pretty deep stuff huh?

FINISHED!!

[Vicqueennomore]

Day 15, wow!! I feel just a little bit better, right now. Someone said yesterday that the cravings still happen but they pass each day quicker than the day before. I think that is true. I agree with yesterdays threads were wonderful and yes there was a purpose...I have been reading these for 2 weeks now and never read anything about feeling like a "super mom or dad" and the fear of losing that when the "parents little helpers" are gone. Lifeisbetter....you gave me hope that I will soon find that "balance" of good and bad in parenting and in life.
I also beleive that our age stops at the time of when we tried to escape, I too escaped into my room hiding behind Cat Stevens and whoever else could sing a sad and depressing song that I could relate to. Molestation being the culprit also. I have to learn all over how to deal with things and not escape from them. It's hard to do when you are 40 years old but you stopped growing emotionally at 12.
Kevs...I am sorry for your suffering as some of us know first hand how unsupportive a partner can be when they look at us as having a flaw and not a disease. That was well said and so true for some of us. Keep posting &/or reading this does help, everyone here is great!!
Erika, how are you today???

[J. E. W.]

Glad to here your doing sooooo well. All that pain and not abuseing is great. You have so many friends praying for you. I have NO DOUGHT youll make it. You have already come so far with so much that your bond to get better and better..........               God Bless..         J.E.W.

[Erika_Ann]

What would I do without you guys? That is my question. Thank you so much for your support. I really need it right now. Im really down and sad right now. I cant think straight and my arthritis is really bringing me DOWN. What I need right now is just your support. SOmeone to talk to. I thank you so much and wish I could give you both a hug. (((((((hug))))) Thanks for being on my side. I will write more later. My fingers hurt soooo bad right now.
Love, Erika

[Vicqueennomore]

I really feel for you, I am just an addict, no more pain in my life and everyday is a struggle still. I couldn't imagine w/d and still having pain. My prays are with you...I hope you feel better soon and are able to wrtie soon, I always look forward to hearing from you. How's Mr. Wonderful being today? I told mine that I have been chatting now and he may or may not be releived that he doesn't have to hear about it so much now but at night he takes possession of the computer so I am only avail during the day except on Tues., he has band practice (yeah!!)
Feel better soon!!!

[Erika_Ann]

Hey, write me at my email at ***@**** so we can talk back and forth. I really dont want to loose you as a friend. Mr. wonderful is being a *******. All we did was fight last night! Hes a definate *******.! :(     ALl I did was cry. I really needed your email today! Thank you...... Luv=-Erika

[a549056]

hey fellow junkies--

  anyone member me? oxy, morphine, percs, vics, hell anything i could get for the past 7 yrs. strung out bad. thought the world was over. i'll never feel better again....ahhhhhhhh
  well,.........47 days my good friends. feelin like i can whip the world. take it from me.....ya gots ta go to the depths of hell, suck it up, hurt like you never hurt before, then.......................SUNSHINE my good people. IT..............DOES........GET............GOODDD!!!!!

[J. E. W.]

Thanks for your post. Its so nice to here it does get better. Keep up the good work and keep on going forword.                 God Bless....        J.E.W.

[Vicqueennomore]

You are who I have been wanting to hear about...someone saying it does get better when you stay clean....it is because you are junkie free and not cuz you won the lottery or something, right???
Good for you and keep up the good work, I will remember those like me when I am days ahead like you!!!!

[percsnomas]

HEY TOM!!!
I remember you.... 47 days....HOLY **** BUDDY...GREAT JOB!!!

The last I talked to you, the struggle over your supplier coming to town, and 600 percs was being played out.

So nice to hear from you again....fill us in.
How'd you finally kick??

[a549056]

hey there--whats your evil lil lady? pain killers? let me know your situation. no maam, didnt win the lottery. hahaha but let me tell ya--it sure feels like i did. after bout 30 days, no more withdrawls. its a mind game now, and im winnin. its tricky tho---gots ta keep ahead. how far along are ya? i fell off the wagon 7-8 times before i finally got the brain figured out. i'll tell ya, i thought after 3 weeks that i would never be able to quit. it just kept hurtin. all fu--in nite. no sleep, parinoid, feelin of helplessness, deep depression, cronic pain, stomach shot, very weak, scared something was going to happen and i wouldnt have my dope to handle it, scared of people, shakin, chills, sweats, feelin of vertigo, in and out of my body, cry for no reason, dribblin shits, dehydration, dry heaves, no appitite, chest cavin in, heart beatin 90 mph. head pounding, bad taste, strange smells, no sex drive at all, joint pain, trouble breathing. i thought this **** would never end. during all this, i held 500mg of oxycodone with me at all times. security blanket i recon. 7 days ago today, i thru them out the window. GOD that felt good. there was a time i wouldda ripped somebodys head off for those. so...........take it from one of the worsed addicts around..it does go away. it really does. i love you bunch a junkies.......let me help
tf

[a549056]

hey o'l buddy. member what you told me that day? you said that i knew what i had to do. you said you would support me either way.
  that was the post my friend........i owe you feller. thank you

tf

[Vicqueennomore]

My evil is my addictive personality, the latest high was from 12-14 Vicodins ES a day. At one point Norco10/325, this all in 2-1/2 years just after a 2 year Vic habit 3 years prior. I went to rehab for 3 days back then in 97 or so checked myself out went home, woke up the next morning and bought a bottle of Vodka and drank for the next several months. Can't remember too much of how I actually got myself out of that and became clean for about 2 years. Don't remember what "being clean" was like, people that know me say I was a better person, can't remember...
As for right now i am now ending my 15th day of freedom from hydros of any kind, using the Thomas Receipe during the day and about every other night a soma if I struggle to sleep.
Nose stuffed up, still sneezing, some anxiety from habit of using before I make a phone call or surf the net or start dinner or go to work or stop one thing and start another. It could only be done when I took a pill.
You are an inspiration, I can't wait for the freedom of cravings and these petty little w/d symtoms. I sound selfish because others are going thru it bad right now but sometimes my tolerence for dealing with them diminishes.....

[wallhac]

MY HUSBAND WAS ON MANY MEDS FOR 2 YEARS AFTER 8 SURGERIES AND A MORPHINE DRIP AND VIC SUPPLEMENTS.  HE WENT INTO HOSPITAL AT ADVICE OF PSYCHE DR. DR DID NOTHING, BUT GIVE 2 1MG ATIVAN AT BED, NO IMMODIUM, NO UPPERS OR DOWNERS DURING DAY.  DR SAID "WELL YOU'VE DETOXED BEFORE, YOU KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE AND I'LL GIVE NOTHING BUT 2 ATIVAN AT BED"  SO HE'S HOME NOW. ANY IDEAS HOW TO MAKE W/D A LITTLE EASIER.
ANGEL

[a549056]

i understand kid-- if ya need 1 on 1 help, email ***@****
this address is open to everbody here. just cause im clean, i aint leavin my pals. but helpin helps me. dont get me wrong folks, im still one of the worsed addicts here. i just aint takin the evil.
i'll "itch" the rest of my life..just caint scratch
tf

[Vicqueennomore]

Thanks!!! Like I said, you are helping me know that there is hope without reverting back to my old way of rehabing, Vodka. I hope that I too can help others as my recovery progresses as well as get the support I need from my fellow addicts.....

[Vicqueennomore]

Here's another idea of my addictive personality. I use to smoke 1-1/2 packs of cigarettes a day. I kept getting sick so I quit and used the patch and then the gum. I chew the gum, Nicorette or the generic equal (less $$$)that was almost 3 years ago. Have you ever heard of anyone addicted to the stop smoking gum??? For that long???
Anyone???   Anyone???

[a549056]

dam kid, recon you do have the "personality"
ya know, i tried the patch........it kept tearin my lips up when i took it off
then tried the gum........had trouble keepin it lit

    little humor there people........uh, very little

[a549056]

where y'all from?

  little town next to the mexico border here in southern arizona

[Vicqueennomore]

heehee, I needed that smile and chuckle, thank you.....

[Vicqueennomore]

small little town in the way west suburb of Chicago...It's colder than a witch's  --- here.....

[a549056]

yeah, freezin here too. hell, its all the way down to 67 right now ;)

[a549056]

tell ya what, if ya get real down, need ta talk with someone who knows..520-387-5071 call collect, hell im savin so much money bein clean i can afford it. :)

[Vicqueennomore]

Oh you poor baby, down to 67 geez it's 10 below at least here right now.
I will reserve to these forums for now and or emails but I really appreciate the number and I will put that in a handy location just in case.....
I really liked hearing it gets better....
some day I may be a medical experiment for the gum or the first lawsuit...heehee
Everyone sues these days don't they????

[a549056]

10 below???? hell, if ya get ta "jonesin" just walk outside. that outta kill any pain in ya.
hey....the lawsuite sounds good. we'll go in tellin them your addicted, and i'll show em my torn up lips. we'll make a million.
dam, buy alot a dope with that, huh??? NOT!!!!
hang tuff my friend, you got 15 days? your truely a queen for that. its time to talk to your brain. its fooled into not producing the natural opiates. remind it to get in gear, your not doin its work no more. back in the day, i wuldda told anyone there full a **** and boilin over if they told me i would feel normal again without the"evil" today...im tellin other folks that very thing.
hell....look at kieth richards//living proof, drugs dont kill haha
God be with you---
tf

[Vicqueennomore]

There's Ozzy too...ya right??? Tell me he's no longer using...
Anyway, thanks for your insight and humor, I needed it!!!
Keep supporting us newbies and people like you will be heros for those like me who can then become heros for others and so and so and so....

[a549056]

you have a very good heart my friend. you will become the "hero" you say i am now. Tammy, this will become the hardest thing you will accomplish in your life. You will become physically stronger, mentally able to handle ANYTHING that the good Lord throws at ya. After this, nothing can hold you from bein the real you. If anyone has a problem with who you are after the "evil" has left you, then they never knew you in the first place.
Right now your scared. Its ok partner, we all are at this point. Its the nature of the beast. Remember Tammy, this is a cowardly beast. It feeds off your weakness. I decided a while back that this beast would not rule my life no longer. I was so tired of it. There was a time when I thought the only way to rid the evil was to blow it out of my head with the only two friends i thought i had left......Smith & Wesson. Then i figured, this is exactly what the beast wanted. I was bucklin down to the devil. the devil would dream of me all day, i would dream of him all nite. However, in my dream, i never made that "deal" This is where i won. It hit me like a ton a concrete. Its simple, just say no to the evil. the devil kept messin with me, makin me hurt. this made me madder and madder. the madder i got, the easier it was to shout at the beast. "in jesus name, be gone from me you lo-life no good, rotton s.o.b", i would chant over and over. eventually, the evil was gone ---------

         tf

[FINISHED!!]

Sorry to here the doc is so uncaring. Really there isn't much to do other than tough it out. There are other drugs to help to aliviate some of the symptoms but the worst is over in a few days. Check out the Thomas recipe...I hear that works great. Lots of water, exercise & true commitment are the best weapons we have. So arm yourselves people...it's time for WAR!!!!

FINISHED!!

[Son4]

Having been on what I call VIC for near a month you all are scaring me a bit here !! I dont think I am addicted to them but should I run to my DR and tell him I want off now and get something else ???? They had started me out on Darvacet and didnt do much good then to regular strength VIC and I have been taking the ES for near 2 weeks now and they just said no more so back to geular VIC any counsel from you all who have been there !! Thanks

[Rex1]

I think we would have to know a little bit more about your injury/pain, etc.

I can tell you that most painkillers are supposed to be used for short duration (2-4 weeks tops).

Is that where you are?

Rex

[Son4]

Yes started them on about the 15th  of December ! I had had percocet before as I had 3 discs removed and fusion then I have fibro and the Dr put me on Ultram 50mg 3 times a day couldnt take that because it made me very sick to my stomach so he moved me to Ultracet 37.5-325 2 tablets 3 times a day I was on that till they thought I was having appendicitis and no they havent got a clue whats going on after 6 weeks of tests !! They started me on the Vic regular strength 2 every 6 hours then as it got worse I went to VicES 1 or 2 every 3 hours now they dont want me taking that much so I am now back to 1  or 2 every 4 hours as needed ! I had no idea that so many different meds were so addictive wow where have I been hiding for 53 years !! I can go all through the nite now without getting up to have them but they are the first thing I grab in the morning as the pain is really rolling after that long with no meds I really need to shake this out all these dear folks thought they were being helped and what it has done to them I think the way you all encourage the people here is great glad I found it and thanks Rex for taking the time to ask !!!!

[Rex1]

Some people (maybe even most) can take drugs as prescribed. Is this you?

Two questions to ask:

1) Do I have an addicitive personality?

2) Am I taking medications as prescribed and for real pain

If the answers are NO and Yes, then you are using the meds for what they are intended for, right?

You may want to get a second opinion on your phys problems.

Just becareful with the vicodin - very powerful and can turn you into a slave!

Will pray for you..

Rex

[Son4]

Thank you Rex and I am sure glad I found this forum and it really gave me a startle !!! I dont think I have an addictive personality not sure ! I do smoke but dont touch and alchohol at all not sure if the smoking makes me that type of personality or not . I get very uncomforatble at times but the pain is somewhat better than last week so I am now taking only 1 VicES every four hours I will soon be out of the ES and have just the regular and ill try to get by on just one of them
I will kep watching this forum what a great way for folks to help each other and its good to talk for sure lets folks they are not in this alone you all have a good thing going here and again Thanks Rex

[FINISHED!!]

Rex has all of the answers & knows the right questions to ask. You seem to be alright at this point but the one thing that scares me is this: Before taking Vicodin ES, I was NEVER addicted to ANYTHING in my life...well except adrenaline. When I first took Vikes for an injury, I took 10 or 15 out of a bottle of 60 with 3 refills & threw the rest away. This happened for about 4 or 5 years of injury after injury. Then one day...I took as prescribed...4 a day becuase the pain from a torn rotater cup was immense. Then it stopped working. Self medication took over & 2 years later I was up to 10 to 20 Vicodin ES a day. I believe that addiction can come from a variety of sources. Learning addiction is where I ended up. This may not be a well supported opinion on this board but I know me & I know my history with meds, drugs & alcohol. I abused a few of these in my youth but never became addicted to any. Please be VERY CAREFUL in your intake of any medicines. They can grab ahold of your very soul & strangle every ounce of restraint, morals & happiness from within. You sound like you're in good shape for now & I AM trying to scare you. You SHOULD be scared. Vicodin ES is the devils tool when used incorrectly. You WILL become tolerant & you WILL begin to self-medicate if you're not aware of the risks. I will pray that you have the strength to manage your meds & not be posting here 3 months from now asking how you got yourself into the mess we have all gotten into.

FINISHED!!

[Son4]

Thank you all and thank you finished for what I consider very wise counsel and I will do just that see the Dr Friday maybe there is something can work just as well without all the danger I will continue to watch this forum I think you all have it together here as far as helping each other out and thats awesome

[luccido]

To answer the question about "How Long".....  In the case of Drug Testing, Opiates are detected in Trace amounts in the  Urine as long as a month after a person stops the usage. I learned this from asking Lab Techs.

[Vicqueennomore]

So, does that mean we really do go thru true physical w/d for at least a month if that lab tech says it stays in the system for a month? And is that based on urine test or blood and is there a difference like there is with preg tests? Just curious.....

[suzieneedshelp]

No the physical withdrawals do not last that long (varies depending on the drug, duration of habit and you) .  But u have stuff in your fat, etc stored.  Also the effects the opiate had on your body and brain systesm like halting your dopamine production  ( that feel good hormone we all need)  wil effect you for a good while and u feel the depression an d malaise everyone talks about. It take s time for your brain to get back to normal.  Can be months.  Exercise, good diket, prayer or meditation all help to speed up the process.
Its a long haul back to normalcy.. if there is such a thing!
Peace!
Suzie

[Vicqueennomore]

It's too bad it isn't only as long as it shows up in a **** test. I really don't think I have physicals too much anymore I think it's the beast of the cravings that I am fighting. I am taking the Thomas Recp so I think the depression is coverd with that because it really hasn't been that bad, but maybe it hasn't hit yet. Would of it by now after day 16? There is one thing that I do struggle with is the sex drive is gone, is that normal or is that too personal to ask on here?
Thanks for letting me know about how long it stays Suzi....
Tammy

[Esmith28]

Hey welcome indeed...pretty cool you found this site before you were truely on a road of a bad addiction...it can happen. Hey tell me about your disc surgery? I have a buldging disc and a herniated disc in L4 L5...going for an block on tuesday thinking of surgery if that doesnt help...so I am interested in your experience and what your condition was with your back...glad your here!!