Hydrocodone Addiction

[Scared179]

I have been taking 4 hydrocodone a day for the past 2+ years and have been increasing up to 7 per day. I feel like its destroying my life and am scared for my little girls 4 and 8. I need to get off for them as well for my health but withdrawel is the worst feeling and I feel like I will not get through it and succeed. I know many will tell me it will last a few days and get better in about a week. But will the craving for it ever go away or will I live with the feeling forever? also my wife just got laid off from her job and feel like the weight off the world is on my shoulders to pay the bills with just my salary. Please help!!

[BIKERDAD1963]

Well I would suggest taperring down first. It will give you confidence that you can get off them completely. I would lower what you are taking down a pill a week. You will feel some mild withdrawal during the process but you will also notice yourself feeling better. Once you get down to 3 pills a day start cutting the pills in half and lower 1/2 pill a week. Soon you will feel that you are ready to get off them completely. Once off you will go thru wd but you will be ready and you will no that when over you will feel great. Just get prepared for the wd and educate yourself on what the wd will be like and how long it will last. The more you are ready the better it will be. The dose you are on really isnt that much so if you are up to it you can just jump off completely. And the craving will past but it will be the longest part of the wd. Go to meetings and find something constructive to endulge yourself with instead of drugs. Good luck and ask lots of questions.

[Scared179]

I appreciate your help and comments they do help. I forgot to mention that I stopped cold turkey going on 2 days now and just wanted to know how long this will last. I didnt have anymore to taper down. Its reassuring that you think my dosage was not as bad as some others struggling with this demon, but I know the road ahead will be challenging. My body aches alot and I have no motivation to do anything and trying to get through work is hard. I have some xanax and was wondering if that is ok to take for a few days while I try to beat this. Also ambien helps me sleep. Thanks again and wish all a quick recovery.

[notgoingdown]

You should start feeling better within another 48 or so. The physical wd's last about 3-5 days so you are close to thru this... dont give up now. Be careful with the xanax and the ambien as they are both addictive... dont take them any longer than needed to get thru this. Use otc meds for pain, benadryl is good for sleep and hot baths for the aching / restless legs.

GOOD LUCK!

[peaceinknowing]

You're on the right track. Everyone's different when it comes to how many days it takes for this person and that person to feel better when it comes to the WD periods. You have to keep in mind that nothing negative will come from getting off of these pills. That is your number one priority right now. Like I said, you're on the right track.

To help keep your mind off of what's going on with your body physically, post as much as you possibly can here on the forums so it lets you focus on something other than the WD symptoms. I am a little over 60 days sober from Percocet, and I will be the first to let you know that this site was my saving grace when I was going through what I thought was hell. Looking back, I had it easy compared to a lot of the other members here on the forums.

Keep your head up, and try to remain calm about everything. If you work yourself up, then the symptoms will come on more than they really are, if that makes sense. Please keep us all posted and let us know how you're doing. Just remember that we're all here for you if there's ever anything you need.

[Totsie59]

I went ct back in Feb. 09...I am not gonna lie to you...my wds were awful...but I am now over 6 months clean...and have never felt better....after 2 wks...I still felt weak...but knew that I was getting where I wanted to be...

Make yourself exercise...take long HOT baths...eat foods that are good for you...drink lots of water or green tea...take vitamins...take care of yourself....the wds will pass...the mental part was hard on me...crying and having pity parties...LOL

I have no craving for the pills anymore...I am now in a battle with my cigs...gone down from 2 packs a day to 1 or 2 cigs a day...some days none..

We didnt become addicts in one day or one week...and we will not get over the addiction in one day or one week..

keep posting...Medhelp saved me...Best of luck

[worried878]

ur choices..in reality..or to stop or to not stop...u r worried about ur bills...can u reflect back and see where ur 4 pill a day habit progressed to the 7 pill a day habit?tolerence makes successful use of narcotics virtually impossible,,u r worried bout ur kids...5 yrs from now u may shudder at the dose u will have to take each day just to feel normal...much less feel energetic...it is a vicious cycle

u r gonna have to take a few days off and let some of the weight lift from ur shoulders..u r feeling like there is not a solution...the pills turn on us after they weave their web around our brain making us beieve we cant survive without them...in reality they r smothering u..slowly but surely...they have become another weight on ur shoulders///and i sense u r tired//sick and tired of being sick and tired...sumpin has to give....continuing to use is not the anser and u know that

step back..take a look at ur life..where u r at and how u got there...are the pills really helping?  or are they just another burden u have to deal with...r they fun anymore?   or do they make u depressed cos u have lost control over ur doc?  u need it to work/to live/to keep from drowning under the stress u feel...in reality they/the pills/ r drowning u...the one thing u feel is helping u survive is actually the thing that is pushing u down...down to a dark place/and this crud gets no better/only worse

learning new coping skills is sumpin we all gotta do....addicts escape rather than face their crisis...avoiding dealing with ur feelings only digs u into a deeper hole

u need to seek counseling or some type of aftercare//meetings r free and they r everywher//u r not alone//that is for sure..u realize the path u r on is going nowhere..ur dose is do-able...either ct or a taper...if u get ur pills from a dr. ask him to help u taper down...if not..the thomas recipe is great...read the health pages//great info...learn wat u need to know to make ur plan...ur plan to get this monkey off ur back..u r welcome to pm me if u feel the need...worried878

[Scared179]

I am on day 3 with no hydrocodone and I wish I can get my legs to stop shaking and the nasuea and depression what go away, I have to work and feel like this and its hard to get things done. I cannot afford to take off work at this point. I can't take the feeling like I'm jumping out of my skin. I thank all of you for the sound advise and help, it truly means alot. It was so much easier to take the stuff and I was happy and always in a good mood, now I feel the world has dropped on me and I dont know when to expect this to stop. I feel very sluggish and tired but jittery all at once. I know I have to do this but it is not easy. Thanks.

[Scared179]

Hello All. Could anyone tell me when you start counting for most of the physical withdrawels to pass. I took my last hydrocodone (7.5-750) at 6am Tuesday morning and it is now Friday afternoon 3pm. Do I start counting after I take my last one? It helps me to think, WOW I made it 72 hours with none but still feel nasuea, diarehha and jittery. Please give me some good news on when I can expect this to stop. Also if I have been taking this for 2-3 years (10-325 mostly - 4-7 day) will this cause damage to my stomach now that I am off of it? I feel like I have acid reflux or maybe its just the nasuea creeping up. Please help. Thanks for your support.

[AmoreDiAmore]

The cravings may last for a while but the stronger you get the better you can beat them. But during the 1st week I think they will be at a all time high, but every day you stay sober it gets a little easier. Just staying sober for one day might give you the motivation  to stay clean a second and soon you'll be feeling better and you'll be wanting recovery more and more. So just stick with it. If it gets to hard go to a meeting, ask your doctor about meds you can take to help with cravings, keep posting, ask for help, tell your friends and family you need support. You can do this! Stay strong!!!

[missy812]

I quit CT before, and it took about three weeks to finally feel normal.  After I felt normal, I didn't crave the drug much anymore, and I couldn't believe that I LIVED on them before... But then I was in a lot of pain and got back on them.  It's VERY hard to quit, easy to fall back.
After day 3, you'll feel a little better each day.  Hang in there, and don't give in. You will feel like CRA P, but it WILL PASS.
Exercise helps.

[Cissy373]

Hang in there it does get better. Everyone is different on how long the WD's last but for the most part 3-5 days is usually the length of time. I am clean 14 days today and boy do I feel better.

I have chronic pain so for that part its not good, but those pills are from the devil and they ruin lives.

Sorry about the wife losing her job, there are so many in turmoil these days from loss of jobs, bills, etc.............but hang in there ok?

Cissy

[Scared179]

Thanks everyone for all your support, the wd's seem to be getting a little better but still a little nasuea but think it might be from post nasal drip from the flu like symptoms and also that fact that I am not eating much but my stomach is growling. Also the RLS are still there and its a pain but I am used to it I guess. Slept alright last night without any sleep aids so I am proud of that but the feeling that you want to throw up at certain times of the day *****! Though I have not actually thrown up more than dry heaving during the wd's, it still stinks. I am grateful to everyone and wish you all the best in your own recoveries. KIT.

[gettingthere7]

Well, you really arent alone. My husband took his last hydrocodone/ 10mgs on Weds  night. He was taking between 4-6 a day. Needless to say he isnt having any fun but is determined to quit CT or maybe thats because hes out. He has had back surgery and should have another. He has been taking them for 4 years or so and he has built up a tolerance to them.

I was wondering if you have read anything about theThomas Recipe. I got all the supplies for him and it seems to be really be helping. Hylands restful leg is a good one too.

I wish you all the best and hang in there.

[Scared179]

My nerves are shaking from the withdrawels and is making me sick to my stomach, is there any relief and how much longer this will last? I am on day 5 of wd's. thx

[corey411]

Hi hon, It should be ending soon. Sometimes it's common to begin to feel a bit better and then take another turn for the worst. Day 4 was always my turning point but some last a week. Sleep is a big factor in how your nerves will be. Make yourself go out and take a walk...a long one. I promise it will help. Also mornings are always worse. Get up, out and get those endorphins pumping...This is what I am going to do right now and my wds are over.....still makes you feel better. Good luck hon. It might be a slow weekend on here as it is a holiday. I will be checking on and off throughout the day. Feel free to send a PM if u need xtra support.

[Scared179]

Thanks for your support it really help, I have been walking the past 2 morning, really nice out so took advantage of it. Today I actually am not really sick except for my nerves shaking a little and tired and weak. Also RLS is a pain in the butt cause it wakes me up. I hope it goes soon. I have been taking excerdin migraine and seems to give that caffeine boost and good for my headache. I think allergies are not helping either. Again thank you, I;m gonna do this.

[gettingthere7]

I just wanted to say that walking is good-very good. I wrote you yesterday that you should get some Hylands restful leg. I found it at a local health food store and it has helped my husband so much.

Sounds like you are doing it and I applaude you. Watching my husband work so hard at this I am so impressed with you.

Hang in there

[Scared179]

Thanks I do feel much better and the only thing now is the sleep, energy and RLS. I am glad to have gotten this far. I do have mild aches and pains and it wold be easy to pop one and feel better but BOY do I know what comes when you stop and it is horrid! I am determined to do this and I hope your husband has success as well. Like my wife is my support, you are great to be there for him. Thanks for the advice. Please keep posting.

[Scared179]

This is so frustrating, yesterday day ( day 5 ) and I felt good. I can't take shaking and how weak I feel. I dont know when I will be back to normal. Do you ever go back to normal? I am tired because not getting a great night sleep even on ambien. The RLS *****. When I was taking the demon drugs I felt energy to do things now I dont want to do anything.  I hope this ends soon because I can't take much more of it because I need to work and get things done around the house and my kids need me. I feel helpless. Thanks for listening.

[gettingthere7]

Hey, youre still going in the right direction...thats so good to hear. My husband is struggling quite a bit too. Its the old is there light at the end of the tunnel. From what I have read EVERYONE is different. It seems that amount and length of time makes a difference but not always. Its a **** shoot but worth it.
Why havent you gotten Hylands yet for your restless leg s****t? I found some today at our local CVR pharmacy so you dont have to go to a health food store. Do I just sound like a nagging mother?..sorry
Also a couple of people have talked about a book called End Your Addition Now, by Charles Gant. I havent seen it but I plan on getting it for my husband. From everything Ive read its the head stuff that lasts the longest. The brain is a powerful machine and right now its not on your side. You are in a battle to get control of it again. Think of how proud you will feel when you have that control back.
I must go and tend to my husband. He is sighing away downstairs. Today has been a rough one for him so you are sooo not alone.
Keep posting and hang in there

[elusive2u]

I cold turkey'd over ten  lorcet 10/650 a day and managed to get through three days.  

I caved on refill day and failed.  I feel like a failure.  

When you do start the process of getting off.  Don't give up.  Keep through.  When the leg shakes.  It's for your kids.  When the back aches it's for your kids.  

You will not die.  Keep that in mind.  Everyone here is pulling for you.

As a failure of a withdrawler I know I am.

[elusive2u]

PS.  Once you get it through your mind that you will NEVER get the feeling like you did the first few times you were on it.  you willl NEVER achieve that buzz again.  

[Scared179]

What section of pharmacy do you find Hylands Restless leg in, I cannot locate it in our CVS or Walgreens? I haven't really slept in days and its really getting to me. I feel like I have so much pressure on me right now and I'm depressed as hell even on Lexapro. I just want my sleep and energy back. Today is day 7 clean and I dont want it ever again but I do want to feel even better if possible.

[gettingthere7]

So sorry to take so long to get back to you. Just got on and checked on you.First off Im so proud of you...day 7...thats great. My husband went to work today but says he feels terrible.

I went up to the pharmacy window at CVS and asked them.  Also you should be able to get it at any large health food store. I also have been feeding him bananas but he doesnt have an much of an appetite.

It seems that the depression part ends up being the biggest problem. Keep reading and hunting through posts because on one of them is talking about how the brain is affected by opiates. Its amazing stuff and it helps to understand why you are feeling that. If you cant find it let me know and I will try and hunt it down for you.

Did you check out theThomas Recipe?

I wish you all the best and please remember Im here for you.

[Scared179]

Thanks for that encouragment. I found the restful legs and it does help a bit. I agree the depression is one of the worst parts right now. I am on day 8 and feel alot better but still get nauseous every morning and dont know how to stop it. I dont know if its my sinues draining or my nerves.  I think I slept better last night but still feel really weak and my nerves are still jumping. I wonder if that could be causing the nausea? If you could find that post that would be great I would like to read it. I hope your husband is fighting through it and I know he will do much better as well. Keep me posted.

[Scared179]

Hey everyone, I am on day 11 of being clean and feel so much better. The only thing still not getting through is the depression and RLS. I dont want to take them anymore but keep thinking that it would make things better for the moment. But then I will be right back where I started. I take Lexapro and dont know if I should be on something else or will the depression subside? Any ideas? Thanks.

[kim221]

I'm going through the same thing as you right now, a couple more pills a day but thats about it.  I am on day 1 unfortunately.  You have come so far!  That's amazing that you are on day 11, you are definitely through the worst part.  I too am very worried about the depression, I also have been having that acid refulx problem, it has been waking me up at night the past couple nights when I severly tapered to about 2 pills a day.  Not quite sure what it is or what will help.  I have never actually given a REAL attempt to kick this before, so from what I've heard the depression will eventually pass.  The mental part lasts the longest.  The best thing is to keep busy and try not to dwell on it, exercise has helped me with the depression too in the past.  Its not easy, but it will be well worth it when you're past the wds and happy again!  you can do it!

[Scared179]

Hi. I have been clean for 23 days now but took 1 hydro a few hours ago because my back was really in pain and now I feel like a loser and am scared that I will have withdrawels again. I don't have any more pills just had the 1. Does it take just 1 to go through all that again? I dont know why I stooped to taking it but I did and its done with. I just dont want to feel like **** again. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[maxwell69]

dont focus on the past, you took one pill, just dont take any more, if you do have any wd it will be nothing like before unless you take more, I just got done reading your posts and I am in the reduction stage and plan on quiting soon, you were a pillar of strength as I read your posts and your long WD pains, you stuck in there, dont fall off now, dont take anymore you got it licked

[Jan706]

I am on day 3 of coming off dihydrocodiene so am way behind you.  I had a taste of what you went through when I was off it completely for 10 days.  The depression was the very worst thing - I felt suicidal and cried and cried day after day - followed closely by the aching muscles, irritability, nausea, and runs.  I am now withdrawing very slowly.  So far so good.  I am on one less tablet this week, but I have started the diarrhoea already.  I can cope because the depression hasn't started yet.  I am dreading that and I can really sympathize with you. We all have to go through it, as hard as it is, but the reward will not be far off for us.   You are doing so well!!  The fact that you have financial pressures and are detoxing ct at the same time, is incredible! That's strength that I don't have. You should be very, very proud of yourself.  Forget the one pill.  I doubt whether it will make much difference to the wd.  You hang in there - you are doing amazingly well and are a real encouragement to me.

[Scared179]

Hi again, I fell off the wagon for a few weeks taking 2-3 10/325 hydros a day because off back pain but realized what the hell was I thinking, I was clean for 29 days. I stopped again today but am scared I am going to go through the same withdrawels as last time when I was taking 7-8 a day. Is this the case, will I feel this horror all over again? I had a few left which I got rid of. I know hydros are not the answer. Please tell me some positive answers. Thanks for listening.

[NorcoQueenoftheUniverse]

Hey there.. If it helps you any..
I went completey COLD TURKEY from an 8-10 Norco habit a day.. x's 3 years.. and with the help of a modified Thomas Receipe I am here to say that I have 90 days CLEAN time...

I'm not saying that going CT was easy.. but I didn't die from it (although, at about day's 3 thru 5 I WANTED to)  

So with that said... see if you can go CT... if you can.. that's GREAT.. BUT if ya don't think you can.. have someone that you know and trust dispense your taper dose...

I really don't think I could jhave done a taper, but thats just me... I think I REALLY had to HURT in order to REALIZE I needed to get and STAY clean.. something about POWER IN PAIN!

Whatever you decide to do, KNOW that we are out here for YOU!
Keep posting and Much LOVE AND HOPE on your road to RECOVERY

Hugs,
NorcoQueenoftheUniverse

[NorcoQueenoftheUniverse]

Of note: I too suffer from acute and chronic back pain.. (had 2 lumbar lamis, spinal stenosis and DDD) but ONE thing that I DID discover was that the more pain pills I took... the more PAIN I was IN... until I STOPPED...

It took a little while for me to realize that I could live with my pain WITHOUT the Norco's and I've found that the longer I stay CLEAN the LESS pain I have...

Just a thought as I have no idea what your threshhold of pain is.. I just was able to find mine and be able to LIVE with it...
Exercise has helped me immensly.. (just walking)