Hydrodone Addiction

[KelLeigh]

Both my boyfriend and I are addicted to hydrocodone.  We are trying to kick the habit right now.  I've come to find out that my boyfriend was also taking OxyContin and snorting and chewing his pills.  My question....will it take him longer to withdraw than me (who has only swallowed my pills)?  I've been on them approximately 5 years straight and until now had been taking about 10-12 a day of the 10/650.  My boyfriend had a bad addiction a couple of years ago and got off, but now has been on them again for about 7 months, but at a heavier "dosage" so to speak than me.----12-20 a day with OxyContin also with the snorting and chewing of these.  I've been reading the forum and recogonize all the symptoms we are going through.  This is day 2 for me and I've taken off work in the hopes that by Monday (day 5) I will be more functionable.....  Any Help!!!

[Ga Guy]

Withdrawal times are different for everyone. Some take weeks to get over all symptoms, some take just days. Nobody can predict the amount of time you or your boyfriend will take to get through this. I'm posting something that's prewritten for people going through this. It will answer a lot of questions, and give you info you may have never thought of. If you have any more questions after reading it, please post them...

This is a work in progress...something I've been working on off and on for the last couple of weeks. It's not considered complete, but has lots of info from lots of sources. If any of the "old timers" have anything to add, let me know and I'll add it to the document. I hope to use this to post a general "how to" every couple of days or so.

Listed below are suggestions for detoxing and quitting an opiate addiction. They are just suggestions compiled from the detox plans of people that have gone through cold turkey detox before. They are just that, suggestions, and any detox plan is best when done under a doctor's care. Consult your doctor before trying any of the suggestions below.
This is prewritten for anyone who is beginning or planning on beginning a colt turkey withdrawal to opiates. This includes drugs such as tramadol (Ultracet and Ultram) codeine (Tylenol #3, #4), Darvocet, Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco, Lortab and derivatives),  Oxycodone (Endocet, Percocet, Oxycontin), Morphine, Demerol. Fentanyl, and Dilaudud. There are many other opiates not listed, so if you don’t see it listed, you can still use these suggestions if it’s an opiate based addiction. None of these apply to benzodiazepine based addictions. These addictions should never be dealt with by going cold turkey. Always consult a doctor for a detox plan for benzos.

First of all, opiate withdrawals are uncomfortable, but rarely life threatening. You may think you’re going to die, but most of the withdrawal symptoms are just very uncomfortable. Opiate withdrawal symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after your last dose. But, the timing of withdrawal symptoms depends upon the drug taken, length of time you’ve been taking it, and how you react to medications. The physical withdrawals usually last 3-7 days, with days 3 and 4 being the worst. Once again, this is all dependent on the person. You can expect these symptoms. Dilated pupils, diarrhea, runny nose, goose bumps, abdominal pain, stomach cramps, sweating, agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, leg cramps, general aches and pains, and sleeplessness. This list is not absolute. You may experience all of these symptoms, only some of them, or other symptoms. Again, we are all different. Below is the famous Thomas Recipe. It gives some general information along with supplements that help with the withdrawal symptoms. The only thing I would add to this list is a blood pressure drug named clonidine. It effectively lowers the blood pressure and lessens many of the withdrawal symptoms. Most any doctor will prescribe it if you’re honest as to why you need it. Discuss dosages and frequency with your doctor.

Thomas Recipe:

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.

[longing4life]

I will have to say that my first time going c/t back in April was 10 times worse than the last 3 times that only lasted about 6-7 days of being clean.  I am now at day 5 and the only thing I am experiencing at this time like I did back in April is the Restless Aching Legs.  This however only lasted for the first 2 nights.  I am still achy but no restless legs at night.  I was taking 10mg of flexeril, but I didn't last night.  Just took 2 tylenol and my melatonin and slept comfortably.

I am also noticing that I am not sleeping as much now as when I was on Lortab which is great!  I have been going to bed at a "normal" time and getting up mid morning and not at noon or after.

I have also started the 5htp stuff (I think that is what it is called).  I was hesitant in taking that due to my being prescribed prozac, but after research, I have found that I can take the 5 htp stuff as long as it has been at least 6 hrs since my dose of prozac.  So, I take prozac in the mornings along with my vitamins and aminos, then the 5 htp stuff at night with tylenol and melatonin.  Hoping to get off the melatonin tonight.

[longing4life]

I forgot to add that the first few days were heck, and you will feel like you are dying, but breathe and meditate, pray, make a list of why you want to be clean and focus on the positives of why not using is going to make your life and your boyfriends life so much better for the both of you.

I know it is hard, but hang in there.  This forum is a wonderful place.  Even if you, like me, choose to "lurk" and take what you need and leave the rest.  There are some fabulous people here.

I have followed Fladdict's story for a long long time and she has been an AWESOME inspiration to me.  I pray for her everyday and pray that God will give just a small piece of the strength and courage that this young lady has as well as others who have overcome their addiction.  There are many inspirational and wise people here.  To all I thank you.  Good Luck KelLeigh.

[longing4life]

Congrats on Day 5!!! That is where I am today.  Your words sound just like me back in April when I went c/t for the first time!!! Please Please hang in there.  Speak with your Dr about the wd symptoms and depression.  There are meds out there that will help with that.  Try looking into the amino acid nutrient therapy.  That really really helps.  I cried all last week even before I got off the pain pills!!!  

You have made a great first step in recovery.  Warning though:  It has been my experience that overcoming the physical symptoms is a breeze compared to the mental symptoms.  It is like a work in progress for me.  I had to come to terms with the underlying reasons why I chose to "abuse" my meds.  Originally, I took them for legit pain, which I still suffer from.  I started abusing to cover up many underlying reasons which I am learning to face every second of every minute of every hour of every day.  

Hang in there.  Like I said before, there are great people here.

Recovery is a Journey, not a Destination...
Until Then,
LL

[tessyann]

I wish I would have thought of looking online for withdrawal information.  I have been taking Hydrocodone for two years since a back injury from a car accident.  I kind of knew I was taking it more for the sense of "everything is just grand" that I would get, but no-one, not my husband or kids, even suspected how much I was taking---up to 12  a day of the 7.5's.

I took my last dose on Sunday 7/22/07 while out at Fire Island on a family weekend.  I probably took 30 or so within those 2 1/2 days and then just looked in the mirror and said--"I can't do this anymore!"  

Today is Friday 7/27/07.  My symptoms have run the gamut all week--muscle aches, insomnia, the runs, but the worst is the deep depression and non-stop crying jags.  I'm not suicidal, but find myself wishing the world would end.

I'm so ashamed of all of this that I never even considered asking my doctor for help...I plan on doing so now, even if its just to get something to calm me down and get some sleep.

I know my faith in God is what is getting me through this.  Today is my fifth day being drug-free.  I believe He will get me through this.  

Thanks for listening

[KelLeigh]

I really appreciate all your comments, thoughts and advice!  I really do believe my faith in God is going to get me through this also.  And, longing4life, I really thank you for the advice of writing down my reasons for stopping the use.  I agree with that.  That is why I have decided to stop.  There are so many other things that I could spend my money on other than pills....  My boyfriend and I together make a pretty good income; however, with the drug use, we are constantly broke because of it and don't even have enough money to make it through the week because everything is spent on pills to last the week.  That was the NO. 1 reason I decided to go through this.  Thanks for everyone's support....It is greatly appreciated and helps tremendously.

[ohsnap]

KelLeigh-Follow the Thomas Recipe, if possible, I know many people have had success with it.  Also, look into other options....tapering, or Amino Acid Therapy.  There is a wealth of knowledge here on the board, and many who are willing to help.  Welcome, and good luck.

tessyann-Good for you, for looking in the mirror, and having the sense to realize you cannot do it anymore.  I am so sorry for the depression/non-stop crying.  That is exactly what happened to me in November.  I really thought I would never feel better...but I did.  Day 5, you should be coming around pretty soon.  Surround yourself with loved ones, and people who you can talk to.  That always made me feel much better.  Being alone was the worst.  I wish luck for you as well, and know we are here for you if needed.

[ohsnap]

I am so sorry that you have fallen victim to this.  It really does stink.  Pardon my corny language, but I don't know what will get bleeped out here! :)  I, personally, think the Thomas Recipe is a good idea, but not so much with the benzos.  And that's because with an addict, it's kinda scary since those are addictive too.  Personally, I hate how valium or xanax makes me feel, so I try for the more natural stuff, like Melatonin.  How does Tylenol PM work for you?  I am taking vicodin right now for TMJ disorder...I developed a dependence on Vicoprofen in the fall, and then started again in the winter, but now I am using it for pain.  It's really hard right now to not use it "just because".  But, when I've been on the meds for a bit, and then am off them, sleep is the one thing that suffers, but usually only for a couple of nights.  I was wondering how the Tylenol PM works...I've yet to try the Melatonin.  I really hope you succeed!

[KelLeigh]

Thanks for the welcome!  I liked the Thomas Recipe but have no access at this point to some of the items listed.  I am making sure I take a multivitamin everyday and Vitamin B-complex.  I am taking Tylenol-PM at night for sleep.  I started tapering my use for about 2 weeks prior to "running out".  Sometimes I feel strong about this and sometimes I feel weak....the craving sucks the most cause I know if I take more, I won't feel these withdrawals.

[lostsoul2]

I am new here and searching for an answer.  I have been addicted to hydrocodone for the better part of a year.  Mild use at first for a legit lower back problem.  Then I started my first and only cocaine binge that lasted for about four months.  I was able to kill that demon, thankfully(BAD stuff), but hydrocodone was available and I noticed an increased dosage helped me through.  Now I am in withdrawal from the hydrocodone, about 50 mg per day.  The only physical symptoms are fatigue and a few aches, nothing serious.  But the emotional withdrawal is killing me!!!!!  I'm a 33 year old otherwise healthy male who has worked in heavy equipment manufacturing for the last seven years and can't stop from feeling worthless and weepy at everything!!!!  I wake in the morning to find my goal for the day is to pass it so I can go to sleep again.  I have been treated for depression in the past and am currently taking Lexapro.  It is now having no effect on the depression and I have that feeling as your eyes fill with tears constantly.  I can't shake that sick feeling in my gut and chest just before the crying release, yet I don't cry.  It's driving me crazy!  What can I do to save myself because I can't take this very much longer!!!

[KelLeigh]

Actually, the Tylenol-PM actually does help me sleep and sometimes I take in combination with Nyquil.  I tried both of those the one other time I tried to stop this insanity!!  For some reason, I am feeling a little bit better since I left work and came home.  I guess cause I really don't want anyone to know what is really going on with me.....I'm dope sick!!!!  The "I'm hot, then I'm cold" body temperature changes is driving me crazy....