Hydrocodone/Oxycodone

Question

I have been taking hydrocodone and/or oxcodone on and off since 2007 which started after surgery for a partial hysterrectomy. Now I can't function without them. Whenever my supply runs out I go to friends who are taking the same meds. Why are these drugs so hard to get away from?  I find myself taking them just to feel good about myself or put myself in a good mood. They do not make me sleepy so taking them at work isn't an issue. I had never even heard of these types of drugs until that surgery in '07. Is there anyone out there who take these drugs not just for the feeling of getting high, but to feel good about yourself? I sometimes have a drink with them to maximize the effects. I know this is dangerous, but I can't help it. I started out taking them as prescribed, one tablet every four hours, to taking 3 at a time every 3-4 hours. The effect does not last long anymore. I am afraid I will start taking more and more just to feel better longer. Sometimes I do have real pain and I find myself liking the fact that I have a real reason to take them and would wish the pain would stay around for a while so I could take more. This is so crazy. Anyone else ever feel that way?

cutie3261 · Answer

Thank you. Sometimes after a particularly hard day at work, I convince myself that I am in some sort of pain and that justifies me taking a couple. I end up feeling so rotten afterwards about what I've done I vow never to take another one until I am "really" in pain. I have even got to the point where I make up stories to tell my doctor so that he would prescribe me more. I am careful not to make it so obvious...I would get a prescription and wait a full 5 to 6 months before I call the doctor's office again. In the meantime though, I am craving some so bad that I hit my friends up time and time again. I find myself lying when they ask me if I have any to spare for them. I want to keep my stash all to myself.  Thank you again for your post.

want2live71 · Answer

How are you doing today? Once you get to the point that you would rather be sick for 5-10 days(depends on the person and how much/often you used then to take another pill that might make you feel good for a few hours then you will be able to do it. I'm 7 days clean and going strong. I feel so much better and it is so nice to feel normal again. It is so nice that I do not have to hide my pills or spend my hard earned money and time looking for them. Good luck!!

Tom86 · Answer

Sounds like how I started.  If you continue your tolerance will get higher and higher.  You will start to obsess about them.  if you dont stop soon it only gets worse.  pain pill addiction just ruins lives and the ones you love.  I am an addict.  I am now clean but I have ruined the life that I used to have.  It got so bad that I put the drugs over my family.  My brain was telling me that if I did not have them I would die.  For the last year that I was using I wasnt even feeling any euphoria.  I was taking them to not get sick.  Withdrawls are very bad.  No they wont kill you but they last a very long time.  Please find a way to get off of them and stay off of them.  It is a disease that is genetic.  You may already be an addict feeding the monster and you dont even know it.  good luck

want2live71 · Answer

OMG.. I know exactly how you feel!! I would take just to FEEL good to Feel happy with me! And I only took them when I was supposed to then I would take one and a half then two until I was taken 6-7 at a time!!! Today I am 5 1/2 days clean and let me tell you Life is good and I really like myself. I'm funny and happy and have more energy. Best of luck to you!

littlebit667 · Answer

If you read some of the stories here, you will see that is what makes the difference between dependence (for the pain) and addiction (for the emotional needs)!  I decided in Sept.  I was tired of the roller coaster.  I tried them to quit and succeeded for a bit and then relapsed.  I came back over 60 days ago and am now clean and doing OK!  The cravings are better and not hard to ignore now.  Was is easy? NO!  Was it worth it? YES!!!  I am over 60 and happy I made the choice. I have pain, but I have found that with my doctor's help we are finding non addiction methods.  I am so glad she was willing to help me.

 Look at why you are taking them??  I found I no longer had motivation to do anything, but sit on my tush and waste my life.  I am now thinking about getting stuff done and actually doing it.  Is it perfect?  Nah, but then it never was.  You have to decide to I want this or do I want to see the world not caring??  I hope you find the answer.  We are here when you do.  Glad you got here.

minn66 · Answer

Yes, I have. I do have chronic pain and it started taking more and more meds to get relief. It scared me so I stopped cold turkey in November, 2011. It was so hard, and I didn't even find this site until day 4, when I was trying to work and make it through wd. 

You can stop, but I recommend you be prepared. Get plenty of Immodium for the tummy troubles, Gatorade or Powerade or Vitamin Water for nutrients, multivitamins, especially B Complex. Soup or broth and crackers and other mild foods. 

If you can, take a few days off work. After day 5 or so you will notice incremental changes. If you do have pain issues, you will need to have a plan in place for when you have flare-ups. 

Once you feel up to it, a program such as NA or individual counseling. 

Posting here really helped me a lot. I hope you stick around. 

Minn :)