Hydrocodone

[what_the_huh]

Hi-
For the past year my boyfriend and I have been taking lots and lots of Norco...I take 20-25 10/325s a day.  The longest I have gone without it is a day or so....just because we cant find any.  This is screwing up my life, and I want to stop.  My boyfriend recentley left for a few months, and I'm alone and without Norco, I had to call into work cause I feel so ******.  This is unlike me, I swore I would never become an addict because my mother is one, I moved out when I was 16 gradutated highschool early, put myself through college, and am now an RN....at 26 I find myself an addict.  I'm hot then cold, depressed, overwhelmed, having anxiety attacks.  How long before the physical withdrawls stop?  I thinking a week or so?????  I'm taking 0.25 of xanax every 6 hours to try to curb theses feelings so that I can fuction....I feel very alone, and ****** up.  Being a nurse dosent alow me to ask for help from friends or family because I could loose my license.  Just want someone to write back who relates, can give me some words of advise or comfort. I know I'm a smart, potentially awesome person, I just need to get through this...God help us all.
Thanks,
what_the_huh

[mommabloopie]

I feel your pain! I recently ended my addiction to Codeine a month ago. I will get hell for this remark (Please refrain from commenting everyone!) Methadone 10mg once or twice a day will get you through the withdrawals. You won't feel the sweat/cold/hot/stinky feeling, fast heartbeat, anxious, diarrhea, vomiting and tickling. It took me one week of Methadone (one glorious pain-free week. I have Cancer and Scoliosis) to be over the addiction. I was on it (Perc's and Vic's)for 5 years 40-50 10mg/325, 550 or 750 Vic's and/or Perc's a day. Methadone clinics are in it for the money. Go there pay their fee and get a daily dose of Methadone. Or find an understanding doctor. When the week is up, stop the Methadone! It killed my father who used it for pain relief for his back surgeries, never abused it and still killed him. I wouldn't wish Codeine withdrawals on my worst enemy, so good luck. This was the only thing that helped me.

[GoingToMakeIt]

Yup, day 5 is usually the turning point. You see light at the end of the tunnel. It will be rough, sorry but true. If you can find a DR that can prescribe Suboxone, I hear it works wonders in getting thru w/ds. There is also the 'Thomas recipe'. It is a list of ingredients to help you through the w/ds. (I posted in my journals) Immodium, vitamins & supplements, etc., designed for the addict. Good luck.

[Mdone]

In my experience, the primary withdrawal from short-acting opiates lasts approximately 4 days. That is, you'll start to feel better, rather than worse, on about day 4 or 5. Usually, by the end of a week, you're feeling well enough to function, or at least to put up a good front.

It sounds like you're a very driven person, so I'm sure you have the inner-strength to pull yourself through this. Just remember, when the cravings come, to roll the camera forward. If there's one thing an addict can always count on, it's that once you pick up again, it is a matter of absolute certainty that you will eventually end up strung out again. That thought has proven a very useful motivator for me.

Hang in there. Keep us up to date on how you're doing.

[themrs]

My husband and I have been taking Lortabs for a about a year and a half.  We recently stopped. Actually, Im on the 3rd day. I never thought we would have gotten to this point. It scared me when I realized what a problem it was. Right now, my main problem is the urges, I think about every few minutes. But everyone on here has told me their stories and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You can do it. You are stronger than any drug. None of our family or friends know anything about this problem so this website and these people are the best help. When I start feeling bad and having urges, I get on here and read other success stories. Stay strong and know that you can do it.
the mrs

[Zurich42]

When I went through wd's, I called my doctor and told him to no longer prescribe Vicodin - that I was wding from it and that I would manage any pain with Advil or something else (non-narcotic).  I then called my pharmacy and told them to delete any outstanding or 'filling' requirements for Vicodin - and that I was wding from it and that I would manage any pain with Advil or something else (non-narcotic).  I repeated the above sentence on purpose because I've been to the pharmacy before and they've laid down that big amber bottle of pills when I didn't think I had any refills left.  And of course, I took them - and said to myself, 'I'll quit next month'.  In other words, I purposely put up road blocks to any attempt at acquiring the drugs.  I was 'serious' in my commitment to becoming clean and staying clean - and now that I'm 20 days sober, can honestly say it was one of the smartest things.
As for 'labels' of those that seek drugs - I'm sure you've heard of 'Frequent Flyers'.  When I first heard of that term, I actually laughed because I travel a great deal and am on all sorts of FF mileage programs.  But then I realized they (the clinical staff) were talking about drug seekers - and until I went through wd's and knew/know how very hard it was/is, consider it more of an illness than anything.  I now caution people in labeling individuals that have an addiction - and remind them that perhaps they need to walk in another persons' shoes just 1 day before they judge.  Addiction sucks - it can ruin our life - and wd's are THE hardest thing I've ever had to do physically.
As Mdone states:  Stay strong and think positive - You ARE doing great.  I'm so proud of you (a stranger) that you are taking steps in becoming clean and sober.  It's worth it - I guarantee it!!!

[themrs]

Well we are together then. I too quit last week for one week. then was tempted when they were brought in the house. I felt like I could not turn them down so I took them, alot in that day. Now I am on day 3 of not taking them again. The difference between last week and now is this website. The people here are so helpful. I dont have friends or family that I talk to about this. So these people have been awesome. Every time you feel like you wanna use, come to this site and talk about it. We are all here for you. You can do it. We can do it together.
If you ever want to message me and talk. Please feel free.
themrs

[road2recovery]

welcome..what day are you on??  everything you are feeling is normal...Do you have time off of work?
i know it has to be hard to work where these pills are there all the time, i can't even imagine that, BUT look how long and hard it took you to become an RN...It is not worth this poison....It will get better each day..If you can get some clonodine it helps alot..
I am over 90 days of a 15+ 10mgs hydros a day...FOr almost 3 yrs..
I feel great, and normal ...almost like the person i was , wasn't me...if that makes sense..
i promise there is light at the end of this....Also take lots of hot baths, and drink alot of fluids...
good luck and you are in my prayers
r2r

[Zurich42]

My vicodin tapering regime took place over 14 days - eventually coming off a 10-12 vicodin (5/500 mg) a day habit.  I am now on my 20th day of sobriety - and enjoying life.  
My physical withdrawals hit around Day 3 & 4, but the emotional/mental withdrawals were worse - and took place around Day 5 & 6.  Like you, I work in healthcare and have seen 'addiction' pretty consistently in the ED/ER.  When I 'realized' I had a problem, I couldn't believe that "I" was an addict.  All through my tapering regime, I have posted on this forum - and written in my journal.  If anything, I have become very humble towards anyone with an addiction - because I KNOW what they are feeling, thinking, existing...  In other words, you are not alone.  You worked hard to get where you are - I commend you for that.  Somewhere along the way you took a wrong turn - but you are doing the right things right now to get back on your path.  Continue posting! Sending you positive thoughts and encouragement!!!

[what_the_huh]

Thank you for writing to me. If I hadent gotten your messages I'm sure I would have gotten pills. You all really made a/the difference for me today...Thank you!

[Mdone]

It's good that you're getting some exercise. I know it's not pleasant to exercise when you feel sick, but it will help decrease the intensity of your withdrawal sickness, and help your body return to normal a lot faster.

I know you said you can't confide in your friends or family, for fear of losing your license, but you should realize that you aren't the only health care professional who suffers form the disease of addiction. You may want to find some Narcotics Anonymous meetings in your area; there is a great deal of strength and experience there for you to draw upon.

Anyway, stay strong and think positive. You're doing great.

[Addicted2Pain]

Methadone...what a life saver! I am sad that it gets such a bad rap because it can be so helpful to an addict going through wd's. I do know people who abuse it and take it by the handfuls, so I have no doubt that it is very addictive. However, if someone will take it like you said, and I do, 1-2 a day for just a few days, it will get you through the wd's w/no side effects. Just take a minimal amount, for a minimal amount of time. I would take one an hour before going to work so that I could work.

I do understand though that we as addicts are wont to abuse pills. However, if your goal is truly to quit, then one wouldn't expect you to abuse the methadone.

Anyway, glad to see someone else who has had remarkable results w/methadone. It most definitely can be the single reason one can be successful because so many can't get through the first few days of the physical reactions to ones body. They hurt so bad that they eventually buy more drugs. Methadone takes that away. You will still have to deal w/the lack of sleep, lack of energy, depression, etc.,after you stop the methadone, but you won't have to battle those after having battled through the physical reactions. You will also be stronger, both mentally and physically, to help deal w/the other, non physical, aspects of withdrawal.

I would recommend it to anyone about to go through withdrawals.

[what_the_huh]

i love this site...the people who have wrote me today have been so so helpful!  thank you for all of your advise and support, I need it, and its helping me so much.  I felt so alone, and had no one to turn to, which made me want pills so much more!  Then I found this site and you guys/gals wrote to me, and are helping me to believe that I can do this.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I just had a long work out, its been a long time.  i used to run 8 miles a day, then pills came along and i stoped...gee wiz I'm out of shape, not fat, pills on an empty stomache was my moto...that and caffiene, but I'm not used to aerobic exercise, I feel good though.  My biggest problem tonight is the shakes, and the hot/cold sweats, and depression...you all are helping me to cheer up, and stay strong.  Thank you.
To answer questions: to r2r: I am only on day 2....I went 1 week without pills 1 week ago, but then my prescription was due....just knowing I could get more pills brought the physical craving back, i was shaking and felt like I 'NEEDED" pills badly....they were gone in 2 days, then I called my friend 'dealer' got more, ate them up, and here I am on day 2.  Day 1 I had to go home early from work. I have to go back to work on the 24th.
To Zurich42
It is hard to hand out pills to others...but they really need it and I don't, I will repeat; it is hard to hand out pills to others.  I too have sympathy for people who come to my hospital with addiction problems.  Healthcare professionals need to be better trained as how to treat people addicted to substances.  Often they are called names behind there backs, or blamed for the problems they are experiencing.  I allways try to advocate for my patients...kind of ironic, I think I need an advocate.  Thanks for you reply, please write again.
bye