Hydrocodone Addiction Please Help Me!

[Celisha]

I am a 33 year old mother, no pre existing medical conditions, after giving birth last year I became dependant on hydrocodone, at first it helped the pain, then began to help with the energy, and before you knew it I was hooked, line n sinker. As of today I feel like a slave to these pills, and the mental aspect of knowing what I want and need to do seems like it would make it easy, as I have never had anything in my entire life with such control over me. I WANT desperately to be done, I want to be healthy again, for these two beautiful blessings God bestowed me with and for myself and my happiness. I take 3-4 10 mg daily, somedays less yesterday for instance I stopped at 2.5 yet woke up at 2 am suffering stomach cramps n restlessness. I have no where to turn, a treatment center is not ideal because I have responsibilities as a mother that I can't just put on hold, I  need to do this by myself at home and painless as possible( haha, right?!)  Any suggestions as what would help alleviate symptoms? I will also not be having assistance of a medical professional as far as prescriptions. I am looking for natural or over the counter help.
Thank You For Listening. Hope to find answers soon.

[EvolverU]

Hey Celisha! You're doing great. Are you saying that you took 20 & then 7 Imodiums on two different days? Please, don't do that you'll back yourself up. They can be very dehydrating at high doses. You need to stay well hydrated. I can't stress the importance of this enough! (2 to 3 litres per day of plain water.) Even if Imodium could help w/ withdrawals, you'd have to kick down the line. You can't take an opiate to kick an opiate. Besides, in my own experience and in my experience with other addicts - (which is considerable.) - Imodium will not mitigate your symptoms at acceptable doses. So, only use it as needed. Follow the directions. You need to flush the toxins from your system. This won't happen without hydration & extra Imodium will counteract that.
Also, you might want to add plain salt or Epsom salts to the hot baths to 'pull' toxins from your body. It also has a slightly sedative effect. So, put those headphones on and take as many baths as needed. Treat yourself well. You deserve it! I think you put your finger on it when you said you suspected that you might just be reaching for pills out of habit. This is understandable but will just slow your healing.
Hold Fast, my friend! We're here.

[Celisha]

Well Day 2, in a way, granted I took .5 mg yesterday morning, suffered alot of muscle aches(tylenol not working) hot baths are awesome especially for the muscle cramps n restless legs, slept all night after soaking. So far as of this morning I have not taken any hydrocodone, although I have this pesty 1/2 here taunting me. Instead I took 1/2 tylenol just to give my body a little of what its missing now or because of my throats desire to swallow a pill. Also took Immodium yesterday, not certain on the claims of banishing withdrawl symptoms, I was afraid it was to good to be true. But I only took 7 yday as opposed to 20 that I seen recommended in a lot of posts. I also started b6 yesterday, of course today too. This is deffintely uncomfortable, but is not as horrible as I anticipated, which makes me afraid that with the 5 mg I took yesterday, and since I was a continuous user for about 15 months that maybe I am not fully withdrawing yet? I actually felt okay when I woke up this morning, it was the strangest feeling, about 1.5 later the neck aches started n feeling a little queasy but thus far thats it this morning. I am ready for this to be behind me for good.

[Celisha]

Yeah I broke down in tears a couple of days ago and just told him everything. I am not the type to cry, so I think he understood I needed this. But no matter how much we discuss stopping, I think in his mind he is still worried about the next high. I think he is willing to be supportive, but I am afraid if he doesn't 100% get on board he could be my demise, or perhaps I have to walk away. More changes that I am scared to death to face.

[WODAgirl]

In my experience, this will be very hard for you. I began having cravings around day 6. Have you talked with your fiancé about your decision? How supportive will he be? Is he willing to quit? Remember, keep your eye on the prize.

[Celisha]

I have already started the emotional rollercoaster this morning, I am very thankful my Google search found this site. It is an incredible feeling, realizing I am not alone, hearing ppl experience what I am, and hearing stories of those who over came it. I am getting my Thomas Recipe together, luckily had B6 on hand, so have taken it. Right now  I have had 5 mg since 6 pm yesterday in which my total daily dose was 25 mg. I am having horrible stomach cramps n what comes with it. Muscle aches around my neck. And sadness. Thus far I am in total control, I hope I can keep level headed.
My fiance is addicted to Oxycontin, and I am hoping that even though he says he feels the way I do that he does. I don't know what to do after I get clean n he still uses, will this rebound me? Anyone have experience with this also?
Thank You all for you thoughtful and extremely helpful input, I have a feeling a lot of my success will come from the support of this group.

[FourJays]

Hi Celisha and welcome.....congrats on your decision to quit the hydrocodone!  You will NEVER regret this!  I can totally understand the fear of the detox and withdrawal; this fear is what stops or delays so many of us from 'just doing it'.  It is not fun, you will probably feel crumby for a few days.  But it is temporary, and these are just symptoms, nothing more.  If you check out the Thomas Recipe (link on the bottom of this page), as well as the Amino Acid Protocol, you will find some suggested remedies that can help quite a bit to ease the physical discomfort of detox.  I found that physical activity - anything, even a short walk, helped a lot.  If possible get outside and get some fresh air and sunshine.  You may not feel like eating much, but you really need to get the nutrition and keep yourself hydrated.  Protein shakes, Ensure, Boost, etc. are great if you are having trouble with appetite.  I found Vitamin Water, "Revive" formula to be a Godsend in that first week.  It has 100% of daily B's and C's as well as potassium and electrolytes - bought it by the case then, and still drink it every day (5 months later).  A lot of this is a mental battle; if you can just stay positive and "keep your eyes on the prize"; a week or so of feeling bad is SO worth what you will get in return for the rest of your life.  You can do this......and know that it only has to be done ONCE!  Keep posting with questions and for support along the way - we are here for you!  Good luck :))