How to quite Norcos without going threw withdraws

[SadGirl3601]

I've known I've had a problem now for awhile, but this is the first time I've ever went online or even seen people talking about the same things I'm going threw, I've always felt so alone with this..I'm in tears right now..deep breathe.. I've been battling my addiction from Norco's (and other occasional pain killer) for about 10 years now, ever since my mother first gave me one when I was 12 when I said I had a headache. Right when I took it I felt like I was on top of the world, finally I had found an excape from the f*cked up reality I called childhood..lets just say I had a lot more headaches after that. soon after I got sent to my dads, and my solution was harder to get, they use to get handed to me like candy and then all of a sudden I could only get a few when I would go and see her. The days, sometimes weeks in between I would have horrible migraines, I felt sick all the the time and never knew what was wrong with me. When I turned 17 my dad found a new girlfriend, sold the house and moved on and I was left homeless. So I started dancing to support myself (and my mother who I soon had to take care of once again) and it opened a whole new door for me, I could always find a hook up on norcos and started experimenting with cocaine and other pain killers. After about two years I stopped doing cocaine and xanax..went on a alcohol binge for a few months, and then quite cold turkey... that is except for norco, they felt normal to me "like aspirin" for the daily Life-ache I would get when I wasn't taking them..To make this long story short I've hid my problem from loved ones until recently (I use to call them my 'happy pills' I could always keep a smile, it was easy to hide). It's to the point (for awhile now) that the only thing they do is make me feel "Normal" I don't want..can not, live like this anymore, I'm so depressed. I quite cold turkey about two months ago, went threw really horrible withdraws, (felt like I was dying) went two or three weeks sober and then started taking them again, I don't know what the hell is wrong with me, I'm just so use to taking them it was hard to deal with my sober thoughts i guess. I need help! I need to find a healthy way to beat this or my addiction, or the depression it brings will be the end for me. Thanks for letting me share, I've never really said all that to anyone before...

[leeisgettingclean]

no painless way to w/d. Yo u have been through so much, you are clearly a strong person, you can do this

[mavrikmike]

its gonna suck big time......But there is no time like the present.....suck it up put on some extra clothes and you will get through it

[bmdad]

First off, welcome to the forum! Congrats on wanting to get your life back! Since you went cold turkey in the past it shows that you have it in you to quit for good. People always say that getting clean is the easier part, staying clean is the hard part. This time around you have to do something different in order to stay clean. Have you thought about seeing a counselor? It may help to talk to someone about everything to try and find out the reasons you feel you have to use the so called "happy pills". At first the pills seem to make us think we are on top of the world but actually just numb the feelings of everyday life that we eventually have to deal with. They just mask the pain of reality and is only temporary.
There is really no way to not go through withdrawals. I look at withdrawals as our body reminding us of what we were putting it through while on the pills. Your body and mind will be so much happier if you stop putting the poison in it.
In the upper right hand side of the screen you will see a link that says "health pages". In there you will find the amino acid protocol. It gives a list of vitamins and supplements that can help our bodies get back on track. I feel it also helps mentally as we are still shoveling pills down our face. Also, exercise works wonders! It helps release our natural endorphins that we stopped producing while on the pills. I know it may seem impossible to muster up the energy to do so but even a short walk will help. I would always throw in the headphones with some of my favorite music and force myself to walk. While walking I didn't really notice the withdrawals and I was kind of in my own little world. It felt great! Also be sure to eat healthy and drink plenty of good fluids such as water, gatorade, and juice. Maybe take it easy on citrus type juices such as orange or grapefruit juice as it may upset your tummy. Take immodium for the stomach issues and ibuprofen for the aches and pains associated with withdrawals. Take very hot baths. That will help relax your muscles. For the restless legs there is a over the counter med called Highland's Restful Legs. I have never used it but have heard great things about it. For the insomnia try melatonin. It is a natural sleep aid.
Most of all just keep a positive attitude. Tell yourself that failure is not a option. Come on here and post as much as you need. Come and post even if you just feel like venting. There are some wonderful and amazing people on here that will help you though this and will not judge. Most if not all have been in your position and know exactly where you are coming from. You are not alone in this battle. Just know that with each passing day it will get better and better. Hang in there and if you need anything, please let me know!
Best of luck to you!
Brian

[CODEINE900]

honey you really should stop ...go cold turkey again but my advice to you would be to seek professional help as you have other issues as well ..you didnt have a happy childhood from what you say so it wont harm to seek help and jus talk and get help with the depression which is forcing you to use .....it gets easier if someone can help ..........ill pray for you and my best wishes will be with you