Hydrocodone help!

[Bungee7]

I am 20yo and have been taking hydrocodone for a year and a half. I recently came to the realization that I am in fact addicted. I have tried to stop many times (each time gets harder) but I haven't been able to quit all together. I was taking 6-8 10/500 a day. The last few months I have gotten down to 1-2 pills a day. Then I had a stressful couple of months and went up to 2-4. Now, my life is starting to get back in order, and I finally told my boyfriend...and he is trying to help and is being very supportive but I continue to up the ammount of pills I take on a weekley basis. Do any of you have any suggestions on how to quit? I'm thinking of going to NA and possibly even rehab. I'm not sure if NA will help and I can't afford to go to rehab. It is just so hard to quit, and my withdrwal sypmtoms are so bad-physically and mentally. Another reason I want is because I don't get my pills from a doctor and I am afraid of getting in trouble. Anyways, sorry to ramble on....This board has been very helpful, so ANY and ALL replies are greatly appreciated.

-Anthony

[southernbelle]

you are not alone, my friend.  not in any way.  we've all been there.  i'm still an addict myself (percocets and lortab)...it's such a long, hard road.  i am there for you.  if you need anything at all, please email me at ***@****.  you aren't alone.  try not to be too hard on yourself.  stay around this forum, read the archives and old posts.  stay in touch.  you are special and are cared about.  there are so many more people addicted to pills than you would realize - it's staggering.  i'm still struggling myself, so if anything, we can be there for each other.  love and peace to you.  just try to get through today.  tomorrow isn't here yet, and yesterday is gone.  just focus on today. you are okay, everything will be okay, don't be too hard on yourself.

[Bungee7]

Thank you so much. That's why I like this forum--everybody is so supportive and understanding. If only I could find a group like this that meets in person(if you know of anything like that in florida--let me know). Thanks again,

-Anthony

[Adaluver]

I am new to this forum....I have been taking various painkillers for over 10 years....also I have been mixing them with xanax or valium....Which, from what people tell me makes me appear drunk although I cannot tell myself.....The time has come where I need to find my way out of this horrible cyclone of despair....for myself and my children....Recently my children discovered my "dirty little secret" and I have feelings of guilt and worthlessness that makes me feel as though Iam fighting a battle I just cant win....I have only been clean for 2 days and I know that the worst is yet to come.I just wonder if anyone else has ever dealt with the cross addiction of antidepressants as well as painkillers, as well as any other advice or words of encouragement that may help me beat this for once and for all....I am a 38 yr. old single mother, who, unlike most here, got involved with this plague out of a purely recreational thing....had I ever realized that over a decade later my whole life would revolve around finding, getting, and taking pills....I surely would have never taken that first one. Can anyone relate??? I feel like im running out of time???

[Bungee7]

I had the same problem...when I first started taking the pain meds I also started on xanax/valium. I found it very easy to stop the xanax(even though I was addicted)because I was still taking hydrocodone. So maybe you should try and quit one pill at a time. Now of course this is just my opinion, it's what worked for me.

-Anthony

[Amethyst11]

Hi!  I am new here, first post, and need some information.  I just learned this past week that my 20 year old daughter has been doing drugs for the past three years.  When she came home January 2nd she looked so sad and angry that I knew something was wrong.  After me questioning her for 30 minutes she finally told me she needs help because of her drug use.  She mentioned pot, crack (or was it meth), opium and the latest cocaine.  About a month ago she told me she needed to go to the doctor because she had blood in her urine.  We didn't make it to the Dr because she is never home -she works and attends Jr. College, is Phi Theta Kappa.  I made a few phone calls and found a treatment in our area (we are in the boonies), but the lady told me they might refuse to treat her if she had a medical problem.  I took her to the doctor that day and told her to tell them why she was there.  As we were walking out of the clinic I asked about the urine test.  She informed me that they didn't do one because she told the doctor she couldn't go again!  So I paid almost $50.00 for him to look at her rash.  Yes, she has a rash all over her body that itches.   Is this rash related to the drug use?

Also, LISABET posted:   check out posts by Bodymechanic, hippee, thomas (who supplies the "recipe" that has helped so many strugglers, including myself),    I have so many questions. Where do I find this recipe?  Will it help her?

Thank you for any help you can give me.

Thank you for any

[kebby]

Hi guys, I am having a really bad day. As you may remember, I am on day 11 of no percs. Yesterday, I came down w/ strep throat, and the pain has been horrible. I have not been through the flu, or strep, or even a cold w/out my happy pills! I almost went to a walk in clinic today. Rationalizing the whole thing! I thought that I was over the worse, and now this. Also, w/ this struggle came back that old familiar depression. Also, my dh has been really good up until now, but he now feels like...O.k. the whole ordeal is over, get over it. Which of coarse make me want to use, so I can handle the illness, and take care of the kids, and keep that house clean! Thanks for letting me vent. Keb

[southernbelle]

just wanted you to know i was thinking about you.  just do one thing at a time, but above all else---take care of yourself.  strep can be very serious, i know first-hand.  i almost lost my oldest daughter because of complications from strep  --- serious stuff!  take things one day at a time and DO NOT BE HARD ON YOURSELF.  you are not in this alone.  i'm in this with you, hell, everybody here is in this with you.  you are unique, wonderful and special, so don't be hard on yourself.  like hippy always says, just take it one day at a time. yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn't here.  i'm here if you need anything.  love you, mean it.

[southernbelle]

i'm in georgia -- miami would be a long drive for me, but i'd love to meet with you some day.  everybody needs a friend, and i would make a long drive to mee somebody who i could help and be there for.  i don't know if that would interest you, but i'm here if you need me, and i sure need a confidant.  again, you can email me at ***@**** anytime.  everything will be okay, just take it one day at a time.  love you, mean it.

[Bungee7]

SB--Thank you for all your positive feedback.

Everybody--Another day has gone by and I've already taken 2 pills and wanting/needing a 3rd-4th. I don't know what to do anymore...I want to get help, but I don't know where to turn. All the NA and help places in my area don't seem to be helpful
(or maybe I just dont want help???). I think what I need is rehab, unfortunatly my dad just passed away and the medical benefits I was supposed to have until I'm 23 no longer are there. Do any of you know an estimate on how much a 10-30 day rehab/detox program would be? Also, this may sound dumb, but will they "work" with you and accept payments? The pain I feel is just so awful sometimes( even though deep down I know there is no real pain). Although sometimes I think there may be something wrong, maybe I really do need some kind of pain managment? guess I should see a doctor? I'm just at a loss for answers.....so I appologize if none of this makes sense, I'm just seeking answers. ALSO, Recently I have been losing alot of weight, and have been having stomach problems...I thought it was stress, but now my life is getting back to normal, and other than the drugs my stress level is somewhat low, but I'm still losing weight...I am 5'8 and 128lbs, I'm usually 140-150...is that maybe due to the fact that I keep trying to quit and then when I start back up I take more pills???? Again, ANY and ALL answers are much appreciated!!!!

***Also, I was thinking, we should have a chat room here. It would be very helpful.

[kebby]

Are you in Miami? If you go down the thread to OC> withdrawl c28, Lifeisbetter, detoxed at a very good hospital in S. Miami. She went in under there indigent program, or something like that, and did not have to pay a cent for 6+ weeks.! Good Luck, and just do it! Keb

[kebby]

Hi girlfriend, I was worried about you! I knew you took your last two pills on Mon., or Tues.! Well I guess you got more. I live in the Atlanta area. Where in Georgia are you? Keb
The coffee chat sounds real appealing! :0)

[Rex1]

Yeah I was in Atlanta for 13 years before coming to San Diego.

Chamblee
Doraville
Norcross
Decatur
Marietta
Kennesaw

[southernbelle]

just tell me when and where!  i'll be there.  i'd love to sit and chat for a while, i could meet you half way!  i'm in the Aug area.  you are right, i got some more.  like i said earlier, i just don't have the energy to quit right now.  it's such a long/hard battle, and right now is just not the time.  but it will be soon.  email me when/if you get time, we'll try to set something up.  ***@****

[southernbelle]

you're just a good ol' georgia boy after all!  hehe

[Rex1]

Yeah right!

I think I hated every single winter there more than anything else.

I loved Atlanta, then I hated it. What happened. I got married, and then the happy hunting ground lost some of its luster!

But what I wouldn't give for a rack o ribs at Old South Barbecue, or breakfast at Cracker Barrel tomorrow.

What's the plural of "Y'all"?

"All Y'all"

Rex

[oxic]

Read lots here.....all kinds of info.
The Thomas recipe can be obtained by emailing ***@****.
It is posted elsewhere on the forum; so if you can't find it by searching thru the posts, hopefully Thomas02 can provide for you at the above email.
I hope things work out for you and your daughter!!!

Percs No More

....hate to speculate on the skin rash, but numerous drugs have reactions similar to what you describe.  Itching is certainly something most of us opiate consumers have experienced too many times.

[oxic]

I found it for you:Thomas Detox Recipe

PLEASE NOTE: I am not a doctor, simply a long-time Rx opiate junkie who has had many opportunities to develop a way to detox. This is a recipe for at-home self-detox from opiates based on my experience as well as that of many other addicts. It is not intended as professional medical advice. It is always wise to make sure none of the recipe ingredients or procedures conflict with medications you may be taking. Likewise, if you have any medical condition, disease, allergy or any other health issue, consult your doctor before using the recipe. Thanks, Thomas

This recipe is designed for cold turkey opiate detox. It assumes that you can get about 5 to 7 days away from your job or household responsibilities during which you can sleep, veg and act as miserable as you feel. Opiate WD mimics the symptoms of the common flu, so, if you need a smokescreen, hide behind a bad case of the flu.

If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.

For the Recipe, You'll need:

1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.

2. Imodium (immodium) (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).

3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.

4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.

5. Vitamin B6 caps.

6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).

How to use the recipe:

Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.

During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.

Use the Imodium (immodium) aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.

At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.

With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.

As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any medical complications, first check with your doctor before detoxing to verify that this regimen is safe for you.

[kebby]

Hey, S.b. my husband actually has Agusta as his territory. Maybe we could work something out where I go w/ him!?

Rex, I'm actually up 400 N. Do you remember when Holcolb Bridge and 400 were considered way out!? Well, I don't know how long you've been gone, but that area is actually considered close in now! Wish you were local. Thanks for the walk down memory lane w/ Buckhead and all of its single sceens. (Otto's , East Village Grill, Peachtree Cafe) just to name a few.  Keb

[lisabet]

Hey percs!  Read your above post with interest.  My skin itches like a mangy dogs....smiles  I thought it was just the dry electric heat - it that a sympton of withdrawals? I've been dousing myself with vitamin E (internally) and Vaseline Intensive (externally), but I actually wake up at night scratching at my legs!  Damn - you can learn all kind of things on this forum!  Love ya, percs, Lisabet

[jerry dignan]

i need help.
i started taking norco like a year ago. just 1 or 2 10/325 tablets a day.... ever since then ive done everything it seems, all the hydro and oxycodones, diazepam, etc....


for the past 3 months ive been taking about 120mg hydrocodone a day (12 norcos) which is 120mg hydrocodone and 3900mg acetominophen(tylenol) ive been taking this along with 80mg diazepam (8 10mg pills to sleep/get high) and it was getting bad.... i was crushing em up and high 24-7. lately ive been doing what i thought was tapering off, by going from 12 to 11 to 10 etc on a daily basis....just dropping a pill a day. about half way through the day i start to get the heat/cold flashes and fast heartbeat with slow breathing (i have asthma also) but the tapering doesnt seem to be working and i just wanna clean up and quit this.

also....i was wondering is it dangerous to taper off valium at a fast pace (same question with the norcos) like i said i just have been dropping a pill a day. now im down to 20mg hydro and 30mg diazepam today. hopefully tomorrow will work out to 10mg hydro and 20 mg diaz.


thanks

[sumeria]

The type of narcotic meds you are taking are short actng 4-5 hours.  It is hard to use those to taper.  I traded my doc all my supply for a prescription for 10mg oxycontin tablets.  His advice was to tske 1 every 12 hours, this keeps a small but helpful supply in your body.  I did this for a week, and now I take a 10mg tablet every 24 hours with only minor discomfort.

What I actually did was increase the number of hours, everyday, between doses, 12 the first day, 13 the next, 14 the next.  After a few days I was not "craving" the dose and waiting the extra hour was a bit easier.

He also prescribed 300mg of Wellbutrin a day but I am not sure that is doing anything, though I may be wrong.

I also had been taking a 1.5mg dose of klonopin, a bemzodiaxepine, everyday and wanted to taper that as well.  The doc's advice was to taper the oxy first then the benzo.  I did start tapering and I did i vey slowly, like I went from 1.5 - 1mg in a week.

Let me know how you are getting along, I am waiting 26 hours today to take the next 10mg dose of oxy.

allen

[southernbelle]

just let me know.  i'm sure we can arrange something.  i'd love to meet you and TALK over some coffee, you know?  what a blessing it would be to have a friend that understands this crazy roller coaster ride of addiction.  again, my email is ***@****.  that goes for anybody else, too!

[FrankVaio]

I'm only on my fifth day and I'M already looking at life in a better way. Before I wondered how people could get up and deal with the daily grind without pills. It's becomming clear to me now. I don't drive like an ******* anymore instead now I'm looking at everyone and saying to myself "this is how people live without getting high". I enjoy spending time with my family more than ever I also have 3 rugrats that are 8,4,2. I wish I made up my mind to quit before cause I watch my 2 year old and I now notice EVERYDAY the little things about her it amazing how much pills fog up your mind. I missed out on the other two because of oxy's glazing over my eyes.
I used to feel guilty everytime I wasn't home, even if it was just an going to couple stores cause I was filled with the guilt of living a second life of drugs. I can't tell you enough how much reLIFE it is to be almost over the hump. I feel like someone took a million pound weight off my chest. I've been eating good food and lots of it. I used to not eat much cause I didn't want the food to absorb my oxy I want to make sure I got it all in my blood w/a couple beers. How sad is that I was posioning myself an did even know it or care about.
Don't be fooled by what im saying it's not an easy thing to do by any means. But you all know GREAT THING DON'T COME EASY. It's a small price to pay to have your life again. I feel like I'm 10 years again. Remember that feeling of having energy and being happy without drugs, You can get it back. JUST DO IT the only regrat you'll have is that you didn't do it sooner. Everyone reading this cares about themselves or they wouldn't be here. Think about all them people that are on there death bed and saying "I WOULD DO ANYTHING TO MAKE MYSELF BETTER" but they can't........... you can!!!!!!!!! take advantage of the choices you have in life.
One more thing I would do is goto a NA or another support group cause belive it or not you (we) need help from ourselves. NA is helping me and I only went twice for 1 hour that says alot. They say we have to turn our addition over to a higher power. I'm having trouble with that cause I don't know who my higher power is YET. (It could be anything) GOD maybe?????????? I'm willing to try anything cause my mind is made up not to get high TODAY.

Good luck everyone

Remember one is to many and a thousand is never enough!!!!!!!

[southernbelle]

loved your post.  i'll be glad when i get to that point.  i know i will one day soon.  i just don't have the energy to devote to getting off right now.  it's so hard, and i just can't do it right now.  thanks for your inspiring post.  it reminds me that it can be done and should be done.

[Rex1]

Frank,

Should you ever have any questions on the higher power thing, I would be hapy to talk with you or answer any questions.

Hint: Yes. It is God, in my humblest of opinions...

Do you ever wonder if this addiction thing was part of a bigger plan?

Rex

***@****

[FrankVaio]

I know, It's the hardest thing I have ever done. And I'm still working at it .So with that thought in my head It makes me even stronger cause i know I can do anything I put my mind to. No one can do it for you (wouldn't that be nice) I'm serious when I say get mad at them (them = pills) for taking away your life. And never forgive them for it. Why be freinds with such a bad thing. I know I sound like superman but you have to be stronger than you ever had to before. Just like if you hanging off a cliff you would find the power to hang on no matter how bad your arms hurt. (It will be worth it cause your the most important thing in your life) .........(unless you have kids then your second.. ha-ha) I didn't even do what most of you are trying to do, gradually cutting down (this time). The last day I did the total opposite I took more than usual cause I said to myself this is the last time so I going to get ****** up. Probably not to smart, But it made me hate them even more for making me feel like a train reck the next few days when i wasn't eating/snorting anymore. Anyone can do it if they what it bad enough so make up your mind do it. Don't get me wrong If I had one in front of me right now I would probably eat it with out a second thought. Because the feeling is so addicting. But I will never put one in front of myself I never want to see one again.
I can't say it enough that you (we) can't do it alone you need a (real) freind, family member, or support group to sit with and talk to about this sickness.

Good luck ,,,

[FrankVaio]

I'm still having trouble with the god thing but I'm open minded about it, an will find out more. So I will listen to any advice or belives about it. Cause now is the time to find who I am and why I'm here.

southernbelle I bet myself up for three months saying what your saying "I'm not ready yet life is to much right now so I'll wait for the right time". Well there is no right time it's going to suck no matter what (or when)........ So you have to ask yourself "do I want to be afraid of quitting or do I want to bet the **** out of it". Think of it as a person comming into your house trying to kill you. you can either pick up a baseball bat or you can lie in the corner an hope it will be quick death. It is fight that you have to do no matter when so just get it overwith an get on with your new, better, REAL, life cause we are (were) all living in a dream.

Will live for drugs and need drug to live.........It's one big circle going nowhere...

Be strong an get it over with..... You either have to quit someday or die from it someday... you can't live alife of drug knowone has an know will. It will kill all of us someday if we don't stop.

I'll be back and I hope something has stuck.

[lisabet]

Hi again Frank.  I like your visulization about comparing the pills to a murderer, then beating the hell out of them with a baseball bat...smile.  Maybe that's the mind frame I should put myself in; guess I tend to think of them as "friends".  :)  Good post. Keep fighting the good fight.  Lisabet

[southernbelle]

everything you've said has stuck, you speak from expereience and i can tell you know what your are talking about.  i'm just taking it one day at a time.  i can't help it right now -- my life has been so stressful the last three months, i just can't do it right now.  enough of the poor, pitiful, me stuff --- i know what i've got to do.
about the God thing --- i'm in the same boat you are in regarding that.  the jury is still out for me....i sort of agree with Forrest Gump.  remember in the end when he's speaking to jenny at her grave?  somehow life has a purpose/creator/origin, and somehow we're floating about free as birds with free will, i think it's something sort of in between the two.
back to addiction, the purpose of this forum --- i know this ride will be over soon, i know i can't keep taking pills.  i'm seeing a psychiatrist to see what's really wrong, why i'm so anxious all the time.  i just can't do it right now...love and peace to you...

[FrankVaio]

Sorry for being so blunt I know everyone is different. I just what to see everyone off these things. I was kind of venting. I'm in no position to give advice cause I'm not totally  recovered YET. Thats why I said go to NA or other group and listen to what the recovered say. Some people there have been clean for ten years and still need to go to meeting to stay clean. Image that......This is really a sickness that we suffer from.
Good luck with your recovery

P.S If I find God I will pray for you,,,,,,,,,,

[Amethyst11]

Thank you oxic for finding the recipe for me.  :)

I do believe in God.  At one time, many years ago, I was close to Him.  My father was a Pentecostal minister and I grew up in church.  Although I don't attend church now, I still believe in prayer.  I will be praying for each and everyone of you that you kick the drug habits and find peace in your lives!  {{{HUGS}}}

[teeitup]

Amethyst11- Good luck with your daughter, get her to read these post maybe it will help her want to quit even more.

frankvaio- congratulations on your accomplishment, stay strong!

teeitup!

[Amethyst11]

teeitup, thank you so much for the words of encouragement!   {{{HUGS}}} and may God bless you too!

[Bungee7]

Southernbelle,

Hey...it's been a pretty good day. Cravings were minimal, I only took 2 pills!!! I'm hoping all goes well and I end up going to my first NA meeting this week. Things are really looking up thanks to you and all the others who have been posting. Thanks Southerbelle, hope to hear from you soon!

-Anthony

[sharonver]

It is true that you can do it, my fiance' has the same problem.  After a couple of years on a high dosage of 3 different opiate drugs, he just went cold turkey and stopped.  He said he didn't want to be dependent on them.  He refuses to have back surgery, so he lives with the pain, or takes a milder drug (on occasion). I wish I could  be that strong myself, I know everyone is different.  But this is just another example to show you that it can be done.  There is a  better life!

Sharon

[BLUE501]

I appreciate all the responces. I truley do not take what you said as harsh.  I understand that i have an addiction. And that doing something about it is the best bet. In answer to your question can i live a half way normal life without meds, the answer is that it has not worked as of yet. I was off all narcotic pain meds for 4 months and was unable to care for my 2.5 years old son. when i say undable to care for, I mean when it comes to being active with him, or lifting him into a crib or to give him a hug, i was unable to do that. I would love nothing more than to be able to do those things without taking medication. In terms of surgery, I ask my neurologist if I could have the fusion and he told me no because i was to young. I a 29yr old single mom. i would like to hear any advice and imput you have. I do not take anything as an insult. I am open to hear all you have.

thanks

[jerry dignan]

yeah im a screwup. today i did 70mg of norco, 6 endocets and 3 valiums.


i feel sick.


man.



jesus help. seriously.

[FrankVaio]

I sleep last night for the first time since 01/01. 6 day's of hell was worst the one morning waking up not feeling like a train reck. And it's know it's going to be even better now, and for rest of my life. I told myself that I'm 30 years old and 1 week of hell is worth having 30-40 maybe 50 more years of independence.
Everyone stop beating yourself up and bit the bullet for a week get it over with. I was eating/snoting 160mg of oxycotion a day. costing me $80.00 and my Health.

Good luck

[sharonver]

I wish it would only be 1 week and get it over with for me! But not when you have been on meth. maint. for 15 years. It stays in your system for sooo looong and it takes months and months to get out! I am trying though.

Sharon

[Rex1]

Like the rest of us, it will be hard to do this alone.

Have you considered talking with your doctor, a friend, a spouse and laying everything out for them.

There are always people (here as well) that are willing to help!

When do you want to be sober by?

Rex

[BLUE501]

hi, i'm new to this forum. I have been on pain meds for degenerative disc disease for 2+ years. Oxycontin 2x a day and vicodin hp 2-6hrs. I get sooo frusterated because my tolerance and my like of the pain meds has me taking more then prescribed. It is a doubl edged knife because i need the meds to be able to live a half way normal life, but everymonth i go through withdrawls because i take my meds too fast. What is the answer?

[teeitup]

When you get a chance read all the post, you'll find a lot of the people here are in the same situation you are. Discipline is the only answer, not an easy answer but the only one. Keep posting and I think you'll find this forum is a good start to helping you cut back. Good luck!

teeitup!

[percsnomas]

Welcome
"What is the answer?"
Reading your post, I would say, "What is your question?"
Clearly you have pain; clearly you at least have a chemical dependancy(and I would bet a psychological dependancy also); and you are following a pattern that all of us have.....tolerance building, more pills to get the same effect, etc.
This pattern will only get worse, so that leaves a couple options:
1.) A "fix" for your degenerative discs.(ie.surgery).
2.) Get off the narcotics, and try to deal with your pain without the opiates.

I would rephrase the question back to you: "Do you REALLY need the meds to live a halfway normal life?" OR is that the addiction telling you, you need them to be normal.
I don't want you to fire back an instantaneous response; really think about the answer.....honestly.
If you think I'm being harsh, sorry. But I've been there done that(and made the same statements along my addiction path)
Yes I have degenerative discs, Yes I have had back surgeries(the last one considered reconstructive), and I had myself soooo convinced I needed percs, that I consumed oxycodone for almost 5 years straight.
You know the funny thing is, now that I've been off of them for almost 5 months, I found out I was full of ****.
Of course, I still have bad days where my back feels terrible, but that is something I'm learning to live with(overall, it is okay).
I know one thing for absolute certainty, you will continue to need more and more, so it is up to you to decide when you want out of this absolute progressive and destructive cycle.
Whatever you decide, I wish you the best!
Percs No More

[oxic]

Sorry, missed your post....
Wow, you are at 3/day from 20; that is phenomenal.
I'm not quite clear how long it took you to get here(5 days???), but it seems it doesn't matter(as you sound okay???)
If it was done in 5 days, you must be in the throes of withdrawal. Once you hit zero, you will still have pretty harsh physical w'd's. The good news is, the worst of it will be behind you after3-5 days(from zero).
Have you picked up the ingredients of the Thomas recipe, to help with the w'd's?


THOMAS RECIPE

If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.

For the Recipe, You'll need:

1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.

2. Imodium (immodium) (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).

3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.

4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.

5. Vitamin B6 caps.

6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).

How to use the recipe:

Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.

During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.

Use the Imodium (immodium) aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.

At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.

With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.

As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.

Good luck and keep posting to let us know how you make out. We are here for you!!!

Percs No More

[candybar]

Well, It's been 5 days and I am down to 3 a day.  I haven't had any today but will I need any?  If I go through the day with none will I still go through some discomfort?  It has been about 15 months with the last 6 to 8 months taking at least 20 a day.  Can anyone give me some advice as to whether I will need more to ween myself off?  I have read every article here and it is extremely encouraging.  Thank you for being here for me!

CB

[percsnomas]

Firstly, I do sympathize with your situation.

As far as advice or input, I could probably write a journal......(stretching, anti-inflamm's, general back maintenance,etc) HOWEVER
You and I both know that opiates are going to make you feel(and function) best with your 2.5 year old; and I think you know that this cycle will get worse, so once again it gets back to when you want to get off this destructive course.
What I mean is, right now you have a 2 1/2 year old who probably is getting into everything, so it is easy to justify continueing narcotic useage. But next you will have a 4 year old that requires tons of attention; then you will have a 6year old that is...... You get the idea.  By this time with absolute certainty, your habit that used to represent a monkey, now has evolved into a Gorilla...

People with chronic pain are faced with this situation all the time, so there is no easy solution.
I guess if opiates didn't suck the life out of a person(at least they did to me), with that ever increasing useage due to tolerance-building(not to mention they make you feel good.....for a short while), they would be "better" for long term use; BUT unfortunately that is not the case.
Again, I wish you the best.
Percs No More
(...and yes I have a 2yr old and a 4 yr. old)

[BLUE501]

thank you for your response. Maybe the first step is for me to lower the AMOUNT i am taking each day.  I am prescribed 2 40mg oxycontin a day and 6 vicodin hp per day. I would ideally like to get down to only taking the 2 oxycontin. I take them like you are supposed to. Whole not crushed. I'm just not sure what to use in place of the vicodin for the breakthrough pain. I really do enjoy this forum. There seems to be a lot of support from all the members.

thanks

[percsnomas]

Cutting back would be great.....but it can be extremely difficult!! That is why you read soooo many people having trouble tapering, when they are trying to get off pills.
But it is not impossible.
I'm sure your awareness, just by reading here has gone up exponentially, so it will perhaps help you with cutting back.

Percs

ps.... You know the 2 40's you consume per day are equivalent to 16 percs(5mg oxycodone) per day.....just a reminder.

[toria]

I am new at this soi really dont know where to start i guess i can start by saying that i have been addicted to tylenol w/ codiene than it moved on to vicodin than to percocet i am currently still on the pills i really want to stop but just dont know if i can i have only now learned to function with the pills now i have to learn to function with out them i know itwill be hard and quite scary  i am so scared of what damage i have doneto my liver and im also scared of the withdrawlsi wonder if they can kill you if you have any suggestions on how to get over the withdrwal and any other support would be greatly appreciated and how much tylenol can your liver take and still function normally and if i have damaged my liver when i completley get off the pills will it repairs it self?

[percsnomas]

Hey Welcome Here!!!

You are not alone!
How much oxycodone and how long have you been taking it??

If it is solely oxycodone, the withdrawals WILL NOT kill you.....probably just feel like it for a few days.
The fear is usually more incapacitating than it need be in many cases.

The rule of thumb(not engrained in stone) is consuming more than 4 grams(4000mg) of tylenol can be dangerous and toxic to the liver. If you are around that amount or more(many of us exceed that "cutoff"), you are at risk, as you are injesting that amount day after day. The good news is the liver is relatively resilient, and one of the few organs that truly regenerates itself. Have you had your liver enzymes run?

Post more info., so we can lend a hand.
Percs

[toria]

i have never had myenzymes ran i thinkim kind of scared to for the fear of what they will tell me 6or7 mon ago i started on the percocets i just want to fel normal again i see people walking downthe street and wonder how they do it with no drugs i guess it is really time to get help i only take about 5000 ml of tylenol a day  i guess my question is should i stop cold turkey or ween my self off which is better?

[Bungee7]

I also ofter wonder how other people do it without pills. It's been so long since I have not had any drugs in my body, I honestly don't even remember what it's like to be sober. Isn't that sad? I know it's time to stop, but I don't know how to do it! Sometimes I wonder...what is life like without the pills? Will I like that life? The pills give me a sense of security and control(although I feel out of control right now). For the last 14+ months the pills have been me, I have done everything while taking these pills. I guess I'm just scared to death of life without my pills. Thanks for listening everybody,

-Anthony

[toria]

I also have another question for whoever wants to answer it while you are taking the pills do you feel more paranoid on them i seem to and do you think its a good idea to get back on the antideppressents that my doctor perscribed for me for another reason do you think it will helpme you dont know how glad iam to find other people with same problem as me i have never took any other drug or drank it wasnt until i had problems with my teeth and was prescribed this medication that was when it all started i have went so far as to hospital hop call doctors with fake pain and even went so far as to send my friends to get pills for me theni found a steady connection and it went from there so here i sit praying god will give me the strenght to get off these pills.I guess he heared my cry for help because i found this web site i hope you guys are the support i need to beat this if you have any suggestions or advice or need someone to talk to just drop me a line we can traid war storys ha! ha!

[percsnomas]

It's always easier on your body to taper of the meds; that is not to say it is easy to do. Most people cannot taper, however i(as well as others) did successfully, so it can be done. You might want to have someone you trust dole them out to you. Just remember the rule of tapering, the lower the doseage, the slower the cutback. Allow your body to stabilize for a few days at the reduced rate before making subsequent cuts.

I've copied and pasted the Thomas Recipe, which could be of real assistance to you :

THOMAS RECIPE

If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.

For the Recipe, You'll need:

1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.

2. Imodium (immodium) (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).

3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.

4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.

5. Vitamin B6 caps.

6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).

How to use the recipe:

Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.

During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.

Use the Imodium (immodium) aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.

At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.

With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.

As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.

Good luck, and keep posting.

Percs

ps....Toria.  I wouldn't say "only 5000mg of tylenol"

[candybar]

I totally agree with you about functioning on the pills.  I feel as though I am myself on them and not so if I'm not on them.  I have weened myself the passed week but I can't help the "ONE" that I know is in my pocket and can't wait to take it.  If I ever had less that 20 I would freak out.  I have 0 at this moment and want to get a few more to 'make sure' I will be ok without.  Any problem that comes up in my day I think I have to have that to help.  I have gone from 20 to 25 a day (that's 200 to 250 dollars a day)to 2 to 4 in the past 6 days.  I'm scared to death to go a day without.  I have NO energy and freeze/burn up all day (until i get that Tab in me).

I totally have to work while going through this because I have a respectible job but it's hard as hell.  I hope I get through it and I hope any of you out there that is ready have the will-power!  Good Luck - and I'll keep in touch with my progress and what comes with it.  Thanks everyone for being here!!!!!

[toria]

i didnt mean to say only i know this addiction has gotten so out of control i have 6 pills left and im access to way more so how should i try to ween myself the max plls i take in a day are 8 so should i try to stay on 8 today then tommorow 7 and so on this the hardest thing to do iam afraid after the physical syptoms (symptoms) are gone i wont be able to control the mental part but i know with support and strong will i can do this i never needed support like i do now even though i dont know you guys will you please be my support you know what im going through you hav been there and your there now so i dont have to go this alone thank you

[percsnomas]

Of course we will be your support; you just provide the will.
There are many different ways to taper, but I think one of the important things during tackling this, is your mindset. Don't look at the pills any longer as the source of getting you that buzz, flip it by looking at them as a means to stave off or help minimize withdrawals.
I believe your post says you have access to more.
So I would start by cutting between 15-25% right offthe hop, so tomorrow you would be at either 6 or 7. Remember, we could drag this out forever, so I'm just trying to relay a "reasonable" schedule. Stay at this level for 3-5 days to achieve stabilization. I would then drop 1 pill to 5/day, again for 3-5 days; then to 4/day for 3-5 days, etc.....dropping 1pill all the way down to 1/day, again staying on this for 3-5 days. When you are at 1/ day, you can break them in half, taking 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 in the p.m.
If you required 5 days at each reduced level, this taper would last about 30 days. Should be not to bad on the system.
NOTE: I tapered from double your amount in 13 days, which was too fast, but i wanted off bad!!

Many of us would probably wish they were at your intake level, so consider this a great time to get off these meds.
I'm assuming these are 5mg/tab oxycodone?????? Correct me if i'm wrong, cause obviously it would affect this schedule.
Read thru the Thomas Recipe that i posted above....

Percs

[nj593]

hi all well i need help really bad and i hope you guys can,
I have a real bad habit on and off for about 1 year now and has become worse over the past 5 months, I started with maybe 2 percs a day and now im doing atleast 12 oxycodons 5mg each a day. and atleast 1 oxycotton 80mgs along with them at the end of the day. and sometimes even more. I have started breaking the capsules on the oxycodones and sniffing them. And then taking the pills too. What can i do to quit, I have tried to quit but get very bad cold sweats and pain like my skin hurts like a flu. I hope you can help thanks. Email me with any ideas .***@****
dave

[Rex1]

Hey dave, well welcome and you will find many here in the same boat.

You are addcited and by yourself you cannot win. Have you talked with a doctor yet, or a family member? This is often the first step...

Read thru some of the posts and even the archives - they will help!

Rex

[toria]

yes that is what is 5/500 percocet i am going to try that regiem cross your fingers that it works .well i take about8 pills a day so what should i go to tommorow and are you guys online on and off all day just in cae i need someone to talk mew through this thank you..

[oxic]

Yes, we'll be here.

Do 6, or 6 1/2, or 7 tomorrow; whatever you feel most comfortable with(I'm talking mentally primarily).....as long as it's less than 8!!!

Good Luck
percs

[toria]

thanks for all your support i guess tommorow is the first day of the rest of my life so ill let you no how im doing thank you ou guysaretrully going to be my angels through this thanx.

[day by day]

hi All! I am not sure where to start, but I want everyone to know it IS possible to stop on your own. you have to be VERY strong willed. my influences are my 3 kids! I did/am doing it for them as well as myself. I was taking whatever I could get for 3 years. I started with lorcet 10. when I could not get that I started stealing from family. I felt awful because my dad was needing them for a terminal illness. my dad died a month ago! I told my mother but my dad never knew. I am 5 days pain med free! it is hard! I feel so tired. this is like the 20th time I have tried to stop. the first was terrible. I had stomach cramps, did strange things in my sleep (when I slept) was hot then cold, had tremors, I even called a narcotics hotline. of course they said you need to come in. I said to myself "how imbarassed I would be for everyone to know I had gotten addicted to pain meds" it has been a long struggle. I have taken lorcet, duragesic, oxy, norco, and finally I was able to come off by simply taking darvocet.  I was even given methadone for RSD. I havent even takin it! I can not say I will be free from pain meds forever. I am taking it day by day! I am very proud of myself so far! be VERY strong! tell yourself you CAN & WILL do it! take care of yourself & remember, you are worth it! GOD BLESS YOU!

[toria]

well so far i only took four todayi wasnt to bad but i still feel kinda tired and achey (achy) but that was a cut backof 50% well i guess ill try 4 tommorow and go down after that.

[teeitup]

way to go both of you, remember "less today than yesterday"! If you slip up don't get to down on yourself and keep trying!

teeitup!

[oxic]

Holy ****, that was a big cut.
Just don't overdo it as I'd hate for you to feel so bad, you might be inclined to work back up(on doseage).
But whatever you feel most comfortable with MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY.
I've read, people that taper slower, have a higher success rate of staying clean; but don't read that as trying to discourage you......because many people cold turkey and make it also.

I'm VERY PROUD  of you already for this huge first step.
Stay strong, and post if you need anything.

Percs No More

[toria]

what side of your body is your liver on im having alot of pain on the left side right under my rib cage what are the signs of liver trouble

[toria]

well i only have 2 pills left and told my supplier today to cut me off im just ready to get it over with, my family dont belive that it is hard to get off just stop and thats it i wish they really understood what im facing in the very near future they laughed when i told them i have a on line support group oh well im doing this for me as long as i know that you guys are here to help i will be alright thanks for the support.

[day by day]

it is going to be a long hard road but DO NOT give up! YOU CAN do it. I was up all night. I thought 5 days of no pain meds would not be so tough, but boy was I wrong! I know if I had just one pill in the house last night I would have taken it because I was so tired. just knowing I am doing this with NO help makes me proud, and feel very strong, but I never thought I could. you have to want it & be ready for the commitment! I wasnt ready, I just ran out of the good stuff, but it was the best thing & I am glad it finally happened because I knew the time was coming & I was scared to death. tapering off is best & when you finally take that last pill, try to make it at a time when you know you will have some time to yourself so you can rest. stay positive, VERY positive. think "I am doing this for me" you have SO many people that care & want to see you do it. just my opinion: the pain MAY simply be a withdrawel symptom. I had no idea of the things that could hurt when you withdraw. PLEASE take care of yourself.
HUGS TO ALL

[teeitup]

I've found this site is the best therapy there is, no matter how much family or friends try they just can't relate to our problems. Keep fighting, try warm baths when you can and you'll make it. Have a good day!

teeitup!

[percsnomas]

DtD:  You kind of summed it up real nice with your post; and GREAT JOB on day 5-6.  It honestly gets better, in all aspects.....just need a lit'l more separation from your last pill, and things will dramatically improve.


Toria:  I AM NO DOCTOR, so I will NOT speculate on the liver.....as I mentioned previously, if you are worried, a simple blood test could put an end to your worries.
My GUESS is exactly what Day-to-Day said.....it's probably related to the overall aches and pains of withdrawaling.

And lastly, as Teeitup mentioned, hot baths hot baths and more hot baths!!!!

[day by day]

thank you SO much for the reasurance! I slept for about 3 hours & I do feel better, feel like I have a little more energy & strength. do not seem to be as weak. (thank goodness) I wish I had found this site a long time ago! everyone is so supportive. I felt like I was the ONLY mom of 3 with a pain med addiction. just ashamed!  it is great knowing I am not alone, but sad in the same sense that so many others are struggling with the same. we need to keep each other strong. take care all!!

[percsnomas]

Geeesshh....it must be early; In one sentence I said I won't speculate, then the next sentence I guess ???????

[percsnomas]

Withdrawaling is a ***** period. Trying to maintain ones responsibilities and sanity(ie. running a household with 3 kiddos;WOW)while w/d'ing shows me you have incredible stength. KEEP IT UP

Sorry about your father.

[day by day]

thanks for your condolences. I think of him often & know he is giving me strength to make it through! lol, dont get me wrong, I am still not "running" a household. it looks like a tornado hit it. I am making it though. how are you so supportive of everyone here & able to take care of yourself? how are YOU doing??
HUGS

[toria]

i think i will see a doctor next week thank you for all your support i knowi can do this thatis what i keep telling myself check in later oh and you are not the only mom with this addiction im a mother of 5 all 7 and under.

[bmac]

Hey Percs you giving out advise again? How's everything in the other part of the world? MIL?

[percsnomas]

Brother Bill..........still waiting on the pony-express.
Yes it seems just because I consumed a few percolators, I can give out advice....presumptuous EH!! Things up here are cruisin along, and MIL is determined to make it(doing the 90 meetings in 90 days).  Overall, no real complaints, except it is my moms' 1yr next Thursday.....definately weighs heavy on the heart.
I see they upped the Kad. for you, so thats good....gotta be painful....still no date?  Take care(I'll mail you tonight)

DaybyDay::: I'm sure in a few more days, you'll have a lot more energy to tackle the tornado. Besides, who cares, you are in the final stages of putting to rest, a much more powerful storm!!!

I'm doing very well(thanks for asking). On the 19th, it will be 5 months off percs, and feeling real good.

Take Care

[percsnomas]

Wow, just when i was bending my mind around 3 kiddos, you pop up with 5........Keep reminding yourself, you can do it. Cause,  you can!! You are closer than you probably even realize.

The Doc. idea is a good one, as I just don't think I can comment on the liver thing----as I'm convinced I excreted mine out several years back, after constant bombardment of tylenol.

[toria]

oh god im sick 2 days no pills i really feel like im dying if the withdrawls werent so bad i would alright i have a pounding headache and im freezing and hve no energy are all these symptons of withdrawl and when will they ease up i just keep telling my self i know i can do this but if i dont start feeling better i dont know.

[toria]

oh god im sick i dont know if i can deal with this i feel so sick headaches body aches cold than hot my stomache hurts so bad how long does this last when does it peak and start to get better i just hope i can hold on that long

[oxic]

Yes, these are all withdrawal symptoms
Try to have lots of hot soaks, ibuprofin, gatoraid/water, etc
The good news is, by the end of the weekend, you should really be coming out the other side.

Just remember with each hour that passes, that is one less you have to go thru!!!!
And not to scare you, just a reminder, that withdrawal gets worse each time we try; so kick it this time.

Hang in there toria!!!

Percs

[toria]

thank you that really helps me im still hanging in there.

[DubeMechanic]

Im almost positive the liver is on the right side.

Day 2 does suck but thats pretty much the "hump." Dont give in now! Another day or two and youll be feeling better.

Its day 8 or 9 for me depending on how you count and Im worlds better. Started feeling better about day 4 as I recall. Still sucked a bit but nothing like the first two.

Keep it up! You CAN do this, youre alread halfway there!

God Bless

DM

[toria]

well i feel alittil better i took alittil of a xanax to ease up the jitters i felt i have never took a xanax before i was kinda scared at first but i was despert well still hanging in there thats the most important thing right now thanks for all the support check back later.

[DubeMechanic]

Thats the way to do it! One day at a time. If you have xanex dont be afraid to use it. As long as you dont keep taking the xanex for more than a week you shouldnt get addicted. Thats about all youll need it for anyway. I used Klonopin (a stonger longer lasting benzo than xanex) for 4 days and then stopped no prob. Just be careful driving if youre not used to it.

Day 3 may be a bit rough but it will should only get better from here. Youre over halfway there as far as the worst of it is concerned.

We're all rooting for you!

God Bless

DM

[teeitup]

Good job, keep it up!

teeitup!

[toria]

soi will only get better i can only hope thats the case i almost gave in today the support i hope for from my family isnt as god as i hoped but im still pushin to day3 one day at a time thats all i can do thanks for the help check back later

[oxic]

Hey Girl,
Please hang in there.....you are doing awesome.
You don't want to go thru this **** again, so lets just tackle it 1 hour at a time even.
Lots of us know what you are talking about with the family support thing; lack of understanding, can directly translate to questionable support.
Stay Determined Toria.

Percs

[Oxy-Jeeper]

I'm new posting here, but have been following along with all of you advise.  I'm now on day 5 without taking Oxycontin.  After being on oxy for 4 years, I can't tell if the pain I feel is real or if it's all in my mind.  I'm trying to get off these because my life has become pretty miserable.  I get home from work, and just watch TV all day and night, sleeping on the living room floor (I started sleeping on the floor when I hurt my back 4 years ago... Now It's just seems more comfortable than sleeping in my bed).

Toria:  I'm prowd of you.

[Bungee7]

Toria,

Hang in there, you can do it. I'm scared to death of my upcoming detox---but I see all these other people who have done it and I get strength from them...if you need anything just email me:  ***@****   or IM me @ Bungee7!


-Anthony

[toria]

well day three no pills i feel alot better i just keep thinking about them but im still fighting it for allwho are trying to stop you can do it if i did it anybody can ,check back later.

[day by day]

hello again. I am now on day 8 & I have a question. I am feeling better in a way but I stay cold during the day & sweat (cold sweats) & am hot at night. I am not sleeping worth a ****!  I slept better the first 2 nights without meds. any ideas of whats going on?
thanks

[percsnomas]

Great to see you still hangin in firstly!!!

You are depicting what I felt like when I detoxed off percs.....very similar. It felt like my body was never going to be back at its' correct temperature; but of course that passed. You should start to shake that yucky, fluey feeling any time now.
I always tell people, that things dramatically(as in exponentially) improve around the third week away from pills(of course depending on what and how much you were on.....but generally)

I just checked my detox journal, and I see I stopped counting the hours at the 246 hour mark......or ten days; so I must have really turned the corner around there.

I believe the sleep pattern disruption is one of the most lasting of the symptoms (I know I know, the mental part or mind-f&*k can be tough also).
My doc. gave me trazadone (MAOI), which in relatively low doses has reasonable sedative qualities....and that really helped getting me to sleep; at least for several hours at a time.
I still use it occasionally, or 3mgs of melatonin at bedtime; but overall my sleep patterns returned to as close to normal around 60-75 days.  

Just remember, it takes time for the body to fire on all cylinders again......

[day by day]

60-75 days of little sleep?? YUK! well, I am still proud of myself, and knew it would not be an easy road. the body temp thing is messing with me. I HATE IT! thanks for responding. I am still counting down the hours & days.
take care
Oh yea,
the tornado has pretty much left. I am doing bit by bit around the house.
thanks again for the reasurance!!

[toria]

boy aint that something while i was in the forum a pop came up and said buy percs and vicodion 80%off i guess that is the true meaning of throwing something in your face check back later.

[toria]

after8 days you start to feel that flu thing again i already felt that i slept pretty good last night i didnt need to take anything to sleep i was happy about that.well i still feel cold all the time im always hot so thats a change but still hanging in there well check back later.

[Rex1]

Good to hear things are going better for you my friend.

Day 50 for me.

Rex

[percsnomas]

DAY: You should be very proud of yourself. I was just pointing out the 60-75 days, for normal sleep for me( I never was a great sleeper anyway),; doesn't mean your normal sleep won't return much sooner!!

TORIA: Don't be disheartened by reading after 8 days someone CAN still feel shitty. You are getting thru the worst of it, and  that is all that matters.  I believe it's better to know the ranges of recovery times, so that if your withdrawals seem to be dragging out, you won't try to convince yourself that its never going to get better, since its past 3-4 days, and say "F*&k it, give me the chains(pills) again"  You are doing really great.

REX: Huge congrats to you!!!! I often think, as i'm reading all your supportive posts to people, I hope he (as in you Rex) doesn't forget about himself, by REALLY acknowledging what he has accomplished.
Although I'll be at 5 months on Sunday, I still periodically read my Detox Journal, that I labelled as "Reasons to Succeed"
        : "It" will only get worse
        : Don't feel anything anyways
        : Relapse = Worse W/D next time
        : No more radical mood swings
        : Save mucho bucks (if having to buy them)
        : Adequate back maintenance with OTC meds and antiinflams
        : FREEDOM (every time I say it, I think of Mel Gibson at the end of Braveheart)
....of course this list could go on and on, but this is the one that helped me thru.

Percs

[toria]

well i thought i was doing better but a state of depression is starting to set in i dont look forward to nothing now i feel as if imjust going through the motions of life. is this part of the w/d or was the pills just covering up something thats always been there i dont like this at all i keep thinking if i just take one i feel better well i hope this goes away soon it really sucs anybody got any suggestions please help me.

[toria]

i guess the true part of my disease is coming to a head i know i learned that addiction is like a pittbull fighting for a bone once it gets a hold it fights to stay there no matter what if you let it it will win and that battel is starting to get the best of me i sat down and cried today for what i have done to myself what im putting myself through why i let it stay around that damn long the w/d dont even worry me just the mental separation from my crutch i really thought that it was helping and all along it was dragging me farther down and now trying to climb up is the biggest fight i think i have ever fought its like a slow hell please god let this ease up.

[Erika_Ann]

Hello- Im going throgh the exact same thing you are. Depression has set in and Im on day 9. Going through the motions just seems unbearable huh? IF you ever want to talk Im here. I could use a friend too who understands. All I want to do is sleep and forget about the day. Im thinking about you. Please take care and know that I am here.
Erika

[toria]

well i hoped i wasnt alone thank you im there for you to

[J. E. W.]

Im going through the same things as stated above. Ive been writing on different threads but no one seems to be out there right now answering post. Is this a bad time of day to post? Or am I just antsy from my wds? I just feel so all alone right now. And thats when my body starts aching and I feel like all over poop! I have a good book to read but know concentration level to sit still! The only thing I sit still for is to read these threads! Is this something anyone else is or has gone througth? If I just sit I start to cry alot. If I go for a walk I want to be back safe at home. Do these feelings go away after awhile? Im on the start of day 4 ofCT WDS.        J.E.W.

[Erika_Ann]

Do you want my email address so we can talk? If you do just let me know. How are you doing today? Hope all is well... :)
Erika

[Erika_Ann]

Hello- Your not alone. Those are all normal feelings. Im here to talk and I check the threads alot. I am on day 9 off of vicoden about 15 a day. Ive had just about every narcotic under the sun. I know its hard for you right now to even concentrate, I'm sure. I found myself just laying in bed with the heating pad and taking alot of baths. They really do help and make a huge diffenrence. What exactly were you on? Im here to talk if you want. I will keep checking the posts for you!  Take care---((((((((((Hugs)))))))))) Erika

[toria]

i go from high to really low boy im really f#$#ed up! I KNOW I WILL SURVIE at least i hope so. if this can be done i will do it!i know i have your support thank you very much!!!!!

[drodone420]

i havent been here for a while,and pretty much im not doing as good as i hoped,now taking about 18 20 vicodens a day,i was thinking about going into detox last night,seems like a good idea to me

[Erika_Ann]

Are you okay? We are all here to listen and support you. Sounds like you want to get help. Everyone here is so understanding and honest. If you want to talk we are here for you.
Take care-------

[J. E. W.]

Thanks for the response! I was taking vics  percs  what ever I could get. I even did duragesic patches for the month of DEC. But the lady I was buying from went into a nursing home. I have been off in 1998 for a couple of years. But as soon as you do those first couple again your hooked!!!!!!!! At least thats me. I was up to 10 to 12 a day! The patches were 50 mg. three day long. I did 8 of the patches in Dec.!!!! But Im tired of this **** running my life.. Wondering where my next supply was coming from ect.......Thanks for listening to me ramble!!!!!            J.E.W.

[Erika_Ann]

Im glad you replied I was worried about you. I know what your going through, for me the pain med calls my name everyday and I sit and look at the phone. (should I call my dealer or not?) Its not easy when you know you have access and to hold yourself back. I feel for you. It takes alot of will power to stay off. Somedays are easier than others. Please keep in contact and Im here for ya!
Erika

[J. E. W.]

Im having a better hour right now! It is a hard narrow road that we are on but we can make it! RIGHT!?!?  I have been down it before. Just have to stay on the narrow path... And if we fall   just get up and do it again.  Its been said over and over again life without those pills is better than eventual death from them!!! They are evil to those of us who cannot control our dosage. But very helpful to those who can. Myself if I tried to cut my dosage what a joke.. Id have the full bottle in one hand and worring how and when to get more. No matter how many I have at the time... Im glad to say that I am in day 5 of detox... I am feeling a lot better for the min.  But who knows about in the next hour...  so im taking it one min. at a time... Thanks to the ouytlet of talking to everyone on thes4e threads I know I will get through it..   God Bless to all!!!           J.E.W.

[LouAnn]

I know how you feel, I have three small children.  Hang in there, things will get better.  A friend of mine sent me an email titled "Thoughts on Housework".  I hope these make you laugh.  Take care.    

-Cleaning house while kids are still growing is like shoveling snow while it's still snowing.

-No husband has ever been shot while doing the dishes.

-I clean house every other week.  This is the other week.

-Housework makes you ugly. (My favorite!)

Lou Ann

[Erika_Ann]

Glad to hear from you. You have the right attitude and positivness going for you and that will get you through. We can help each other through this horrible time, and hopefully down the road we will survive.!
Take care---Hope to hear from you soon. ((((((hugs))) Erika

[SICK NICK]

WHY DID MY POSTS GET TAKEN OFF, ID LIKE TO THANK EVERY ONE THAT HELPED ME,I WISH EVERY ONE GOOD LUCK ,IF THIS POST GETS PUT ON , PLEASE I NEED A RECIPE TO DETOX FROM OXYCOTINS, THANK YOU, I AM CURRENTLY TAKEN 2 80 MG A DAY, AND I CRUSH THEM, 1 IN THE MORNING AND 1 AT NIGHT THANK YOU, NICK............

[oxic]

Here is the detox recipe:THOMAS RECIPE

If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.

For the Recipe, You'll need:

1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.

2. Imodium (immodium) (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).

3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.

4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.

5. Vitamin B6 caps.

6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).

How to use the recipe:

Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.

During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.

Use the Imodium (immodium) aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.

At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.

With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.

As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.



Percs

[J. E. W.]

Your posts are still under loritab withdrawals. It just dosnt show everyones posts umtil you get into the thread... It took me awhile to figure that out to... Its the drugs messing with us. You have lots of feedback up there. Good Luck...               Ill be praying for you...                           God Bless!!!!        J.E.W.

[lisabet]

Hi Percs - how are you?  Still keep on keeping on, I hope. Haven't spoke to you for awhile - just wanted to say HI !!! I'm doing pretty good; after a relaspe for a couple of days, back to 4 vics a day - I'm pretty much stuck here - no more, no less...smile.  Love ya, Lisabet

[percsnomas]

Morning Lisabet!!!!!!!
I'm doing real well....thanks for asking(today is the start of my 6th month off percs; so YEEHA)

I'm glad to see you picked yourself right back up and got after it again. You know failure IS NOT falling down, but rather staying down.
It was not too long ago when 10-12 vikes and 3-4 shots of Jack per day was the norm for you; NOW it is the exception!!
I have every confidence in YOU.

Have a great day girl!!

[Rex1]

Keep the faith, girl!

Just stay on a lowering course and you will be free! We are all rooting for you.

Will be doing some relaxation stuff today with the family, if you call being out with my boys relaxation.

When I look at them I see a combination of youth, enegry, hapiness, and purity and I remember my own youth, and this often makes me sad, because of the trials I (and all) are in right now - many of our own making.

But then I think of others who have it much much worse than we, and I think this is what helps me "be" just for today.

Gag me, I sound like a guest on Oprah.

Anyway - BE for today, as happy as you can, and be thankful that the Lord gave us this day to enjoy.

God's Grace to you!

Rex

[Esmith28]

WOW, reading this whole thread for the first time since floating around here a week..I lughed, I empathized , I cheered..I cried and I was inspired...og how far you all have come....if you ever want to remember your detox...go back and read your threads
I LOVE YOU GUYS...we are gonna make it...
I am on day 8 tomorrow and I feel pretty damn good...the thoguht of taking them only consumed me for maybe 2 hours  of today. That is pretty good seeing as I was thinking about it 8 hours/day...Funny thought for all of us who can relate...Weeks ago hubby said I cant find my meds..I am going to have to get a new RX (YEA RIGHT) I laughed ...he seemed serious...well when ever I am our of mine (locet10) (he is Percocet10)I start looking for that bottle...EVERYWHERE...just calmly but diligent at times...tonight I realized..you dumbass of course HE could and would never lose a med...so I have been chasing my own tail...I never had access without Dr....cant imaginbe if I was paying for them...mny scrip was 1.15 for 30 through insurnace...if they had been through dealer...I would be DEAD OD Elvis style...THANK GOD I dont know how to either....
OK I must know who was it that said they got theirs from the dealer that moved to nursing home...I CRACKED UP...that image is killin me...how on earth did you find them? HAHAHHAHHAHHA
LOve you all to pieces....we are such a sucess together..I can barely type well since I took my xanax to help me sleep...it has saved me with this dtox..I just do it at dire times...dont really like them but will do it while I am doing the whole round of personal hell...whever my friends call they ask what I am doing...I say sitting in the bathroom smoking a cig...experiencing the wonderful state of hell I am in...we are coming out into the light...by the grace of God...10 days agao if you asked me was I thinking of quiting the next day or two..I would have said oh god no...not for at least after my epideral...funny and now here I sit onteh toher side of the worst part of hell...I love it...peace to all...everyone gets 2 Atta girls/boys and a hell of a done good..(little southern talk there...Georgial gal cant help it....

[Esmith28]

I am going to babysit for a family that had percs in their house a few weeks back..and over time I took them...I fgured she wassnt going to take them and I am an addict..I knew at that point that is when I had a BIG problem, you ask what now? I am 8 days off meds...and I am babysitting for them today and I know she has NEW medicine..I saw it last week....if there is a God in heaven she will take those bad boys with her and never leave them home again...and God knows I hope she never ask about the other..good thing is she has another babysitter that comes in so she may not be abale to figure out who did it..unless she thinks hmmm welll who has the back problem...UGH I pray she takes them with her and if she doesnt GOD HELP ME NOT TAKE THEM!!
HOw is everyone today?? God Bless you all!

[percsnomas]

Great job on getting to Day 8!!!  THAT IS A HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT.

As far as the percs go at the friends today; don't rely on a higher power to have them removed.....count on them being there, and be prepared to be strong, period; no exceptions.
I don't know how many times you've dtoxed, but I'm sure you know it gets worse each time....
When I detoxed, and right around your clean-time, I flushed the rest of my percs(about 120); and I can't tell you how great that made me feel!!  Of course, shortly after I did that, Thomas02/03 pointed out what a real OXYMORON was....not what your thinking, but rather an oxymoron is someone who flushes their stash of oxycodone, instead of sending them to him....

And with respect to the previous percs(you took), DENY DENY DENY, its behind you now.

Percs
...be careful with the xanax; if you want to avoid a much more harsh and mind-bending W/D.

[toria]

12 days no pills im feeling alot better just thought id check in to update you guys thanks for your support check back in a while

[Esmith28]

Toria...YOU rock girl...cuz I was worried about you for a while after reading all the threads...YAHOOOOO
OK I took two tylenol with codiene, they didnt do ****..and I just felt bad I took them...what  loser I feel like for taking them from someone..I dont feel that bad I ate them, just that I stole them...I have only withdrwn once and it was bad mentally, not very bad physically...have no idea why...but it has been terrible mentally...oh wellI am still 8 days away from my drug of cxhoice..Oh well back on the wagon...

[Lewi2020]

Hi, My name is Lew, I am a 20 year old college student and have been addicted to painkillers for about 2 years now. I have fluctuated in and out of usage during those 2 years. I was wondering if life will ever be the same for me again without drugs. I no longer enjoy the activities I used to love without being on painkillers. I no longer enjoy socializing with people unless I am on them. It has gotten to the point where I don't believe I will be able to ever enjoy life drug-free again. Everything is soooo dull and boring now, life drags like you wouldn't believe when I'm not on them. All I want to know is whether or not things will ever get better and I will enjoy life again.

[Shed Man]

That's my question exactly, and I still don't really understand how I got here. I was in constant pain, and my doctor prescribed me something to relieve that pain so I could go on with my life. Now, 21 months later, he cuts me off, and not only do I feel miserable, who is this person inside me now. I don't know him. I grouchy, still in pain, and I don't like the way I am around my family. What happened? Will I ever feel normal again? "All things work together for good, for those who love God, and are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28. Maybe I needed to be brought down a notch. Please help me Lord. I wanna be normal again.

[J. E. W.]

Good news it does get better  and better and better!!!!!!!!!!!!With everyday clean. When I first started to detox I remember thinking those same thoughts.. But guess what? Im on day 17 ct. wds. And feel damn good!! So please dont give in to those evil pills. It gets better I promise. I took the first 10 days of from work on sick leave. So I was lucky there. Its actualy no worse than the flue. You can both do this and the rewards are many.. Ill be praying for you both. Take care and God Bless..    J.E.W.              P.S.Try the thomas receipe it really works.  and read through all the threads to learn more..You can post on any of them..

[toria]

WELL I HAD I A HORRIABLE SINSUS HEADACHE I TOOK I PERC TO EASE THE PAIN I THINK I CAN STILL CONTROL IT THOUGH I REALLY DONT FEEL LIKE I USED TO WELL I WILL CKECK BACK LATER PLEAES DONT HOLD THA AGANIST ME.

[J. E. W.]

Sometimes we need the meds. I hope your feeling better hon.We would never hold that against you.Myself I am not that strong yet so I dont know if Id keep taking them. So I just use ibuprofin.. Take care my friend..    J.E.W.