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1053234 tn?1263457730

I finally admit it, I need help. Re: Opiate Withdrawal

What should I do for Norco/Hydrocodone withdrawal?

I have a very import question and situation that I desperately could use help with resolving. I have been on strong narcotic pain relievers for some time (Norco 10/325 last several months, over the past 2 years from Oxy, to hydromorphone to good ol' Tramadol) and my doctor unexpectedly quit refilling my prescription today without notice or reason. I am okay with that, but what makes it so devastating and urgent is that neither he or his nurse contacted me about this decision, and he did not sit down with me in order to make a plan to get off of this strong medication. I found out through the pharmacist. She is concerned too. I was taking no less than 70mg of NORCO per day, which is significant. I don't feel addicted to the pills, but my body does feel dependent. (this might be total bull ****, I'm' trying to figure it out.. I've never taken a pill not prescribed to me as I've had 3 surgeries over 2 years.)

Here is my situation. I  will be quitting this medicine cold turkey as I have no pills left being prescribed from the doctor, and what I do have I took it all at once so there wouldn't be any more lying around and that I'll fall asleep on them in hopes of not enjoying the large amount-7 at once. I am certain that cold turkey is not the way to go about this and feel that it is extremely dangerous. What would you advise me to do? Should I try to get Suboxone? Where do I go? The hospital ER? Are there clinics for addicts? Well the withdrawal require hospitalization? Will they treat me there? Or, where do I go to help me wean off of the medication with lower dosages on other medications, etc.? Hospital? I'm afraid that it will take too much time to get into a pain management clinic. As in, by the time things are most intense, the pain management will still be on a wait list. Are there emergency clinics? I feel my situation is extremely urgent because the detox has just began and the withdrawal is extremely dangerous and worrisome. I do not want to end up in the hospital which is most likely what will happen if untreated. It had been a long term use. The doctors at Methodist in August kept me on Suboxone whilst in the ward. Since the doctor and his nurse have abandoned me with no reason whatsoever (I never abused my medications, used them more than prescribed, etc.) I will be requesting a copy of my medical record immediately so that I can hopefully figure out what he was thinking. But, that is the least of my worries right now.

Treatment is most important.

Thank you for your help anyone!

And, like I said in AA many years ago (still sober)

My name is Max, and I am an addict.
35 Responses
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401095 tn?1351391770
oh...i get to blabbing/typing i mean (: and forgot to say that NA and AA both follow the same principles..u can just find a meeting near u and listen..dont feel like u have to immediately work steps..nor even speak if u dont feel ready...just going is a huge step in the forward direction and meetings r in every crrok and cranny of every town or city..this is a very common affliction it seems...google both..aa and na and find ameeting/s near u...i had to vist several til i found my comfort zone which ended up being an AA group...many are cross addicted//a substance is a substance be it alcohol or narcoticws or benzos

Just saying it wouldnt hurt to go sit in on one..they r free..cant beat that cos there is not much free these days//especially the support and chesiveness of an AA or NA group...there is a comfort/ a peace u feel when u leave..hard to explain..go check it out and let us know what u think
Helpful - 0
401095 tn?1351391770
good luck to u...u seem to be in the process of making a plan...wds are different for everyone...for me they werent to bad physically so i guess i was lucky...do remeber alot of this is upstairs..the physical part is not the main part of this...with ur psych issues i would follow a drs lead..but physically u will live thru this..i was also afraid of wd...and i ended up having an easy time..i do know fear can paralyze u..if u are ready to have a horrible time then u will..if u make a plan, get all the balls in ur court to help u succeed, educate urself on any alternative routes such as any maintenence narcotics, follow ur plan and have a goal...u have a good chance of winning...stay positive..do not be afraid...feel relief and excitement over what u r doing...check out the health pages and learn how to stay comfy as possible during wd...

weigh ur options and decide what is best for u...dont let fear guide u...educate urself and make choices along the way with ur drs help..above all stay POSITIVE...negativity and fear can paralyze u..u will know what the right choice for u is after u review ur choices and educate urself on them..keep us posted
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Avatar universal
Hi MedicineMax it does sound like you have a lot going on You are not alone in feeling this way.. I have read through a few of your post and I'm very glad you found us.. a detox facility would not be a bad idea but ya really gotta be sure this is what you want.. I too was told I would need pain meds for the rest of my life. I had quit anyway then told my Dr. I'm sorry you do not have this luxury as you have a few more things going on then I did but with all the other meds you take it would be a very good idea to be upfront with your Dr. If you are truly sick of the opiates tell him you want off them and find a medical detox where they have peps that know what is going on with your other meds.. It is very difficult when we are frustrated.. we do not move forward.  get rid of all the other meds that you no longer take.. they are only taking up space in your mind and shelves.. make a plan for yourself.. congrats on quitting drinking and pot now take it a step further.. check into your nutrition you have control over this a healthy diet and the right foods can go along way in making us feel better mentally and physically and it is something we can control.. start a exercise program for yourself.. if you can only do a lil so be it just try it everyday.. I really do wish you well as I can hear the pain in your words.. warmly lesa
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I would say you should go to the ED . Ask for a social worker to help you get into a detox unit. Sounds like you need help due to multiple issues you have. Going into Detox and then following the aftercare can help you to get on a path of sobriety because it sounds like you have already admitted you want it and need it! Good luck!
Helpful - 0
1053234 tn?1263457730
Well, here I am late at night and everything is changing or I don't know what is going on. I feel that I am drowning in a life of an addict or taking too much medicine. I am VERY scared tonight. Almost shaking with fear. Luckily my dogs are next to me to give me some sort of normalcy, but i feel like I am spinning around about to go insane. This is becoming serious, maybe because I am focusing on it too much, but I want to go the hospital and be hospitalized and detoxed. But, I don't know if you just do that. Do I need a doctor to check me in? I have a lot of medicine going through me besides the opiate as I am being treated for Bipolar II or Border Line Personality Disorder, each doctor goes from one to the other over time. I am on over 6 medicines for that treatment and then I have the pain treatmenat I'm currently on. And, sadly I have my stockpile of old meds which include about 350 Neurontin, 120 Tramadol, and darvon. Plus ADD medicines, hydroxyzine, and on and on. This is ridiculous and there must be a stop put to it. All I know is that I cannot detox alone. There is most likely a psychiatric side, but what brought me here and what the main problem is is the opiate, ******* norco!. I'm in bed feel like i'm shaking, all wrapped up in blankets and just want to cry. I don't know what to do and where to go and how to do it. The emotional problems hurt too.. this is bad, very very bad. I don't even know who i am .. I am just a pill popper. If there is a higher power, I ask it for help. Save me!!!
Helpful - 0
960021 tn?1270662682
Just know that this happens all the time. You're going to get through this if I have a say so in it -- HAHA!!

Right now you have to put yourself in your own shoes. When I say that, I mean that you need to do what you feel is going to be your best option at this point. If you feel that weaning yourself down/off from the pills will be the best thing for you to do, then do that. But if you think that going to a clinic will be your best option in all of this, then that should be what your next move should be, you know?  <3
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1053234 tn?1263457730
Hi guys,

Today is a bit better than yesterday and the day before because it has been a relaxing day. My medication regimen has not changed yet, except now I am taking my norco PRN, as opposed to no less 5 a day and I've only had one today as opposed to being on at least number 3 today.. I think I can make it until tomorrow without more, at least I am going to to try my best.

So, this week is a VERY big week for me. First, I am scheduling an appointment with my prescribing doctor and have a face to face talk with him on how to get me off of these pills for good. I am anxious and nervous about this meeting because doctors so often drop you overnight and refuse to treat you once they see you having problems. Maybe this is the addict in me, or maybe this is my fear of feeling pain.. but, I am very scared of not being able to be prescribed medicines anymore after this talk. In other words, I'm scared that if I go into severe pain again, like in a few years or sooner, the doctor won't give me anything because of my current stance.

Also, I got a message today from a clinic that deals with opiate withdrawal, Suboxone, etc. I will call them BEFORE I call my prescribing doctor because there might be a chance I don't need my doctor, the clinic will be my next step. It's tough times, and money does matter so I don't want to be all over the place seeing doctors. If I go to the clinic for an assessment and feel that they have more to offer me (withdrawal help, group therapies, psyc therapies, etc.) than my other doctor who'd just wean me off.. the answer is clear, go to the clinic.

Whichever way it works out, I'm soooo pleased that this is the week where I am turning my life around. However, I do worry about the medical expenses. I'd hate to have to borrow money from family as I've been unemployed for years, but hopefully they will empathize with the problem. Sometimes my family shows concern until money is brought up and coincidentally the concern has passed.

So for the week to come, I'm excited, anguished, and nervous and don't know what to expect. The clinic I'm in contact with hours are 6am-noon, that seems a little awkward. Maybe people go in the mornings for medicine because they won't let you bring it home? I'm not too sure. Some one here wrote me and said I should partially be withdrawn before i go, why would he say that?

Thank you all soooooooo much for being here for me.. I don't think I would have keep coming back every day like I have been if it weren't for y'all. Y'all give me purpose and pride.

My sincere thanks to everyone. I need your help and am glad to be getting it.
Helpful - 0
960021 tn?1270662682
You're so great, girl...  <3
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Avatar universal
First I want to say I hope you are feeling well Max..

Thanks to worried878 for sharing her thoughts. I think we can all relate to the cycle and feeling worthless over relapse after relapse.

Quickrick makes an excellent point. I have to agree in regards to mind altering meds that eventually take you back to your drug of choice... It is like shutting the door to a path you never want to take but leaving it unlocked. Eventually when your mind isn't as strong / clear as it should you open the door again to find yourself back in the same location. I take back the comment about the herb. For LONG TERM recovery... Quickrick is right. During your sudden cold turkey wds I was mentioning to eliminate the nausea and anxiety etc. I don't want you to think replacing one drug with another is what I meant. I think you know what I meant...

I am glad you took my / our advice and consulted with your pych doctor. As mentioned earlier they really know YOU best. With you also mentioning that you are bipolar... I think you should again talk to your doctor and try and tackle one aspect of your life you want to change at a time. Even if they are small steps you are still making progress.

Keep your head up...
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Avatar universal
My belief is that you are born with instructions if you do believe in God.  The instructions are very clear ...if you read the bible.



luv,
nauty
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Very good, max......as long as you talked to your psych. and she thinks its okay, then hold on to your britches.  Withdrawal may feel like an E-ticket to hell at first, but It does end.  Just keep reminding yourself of that.  Your doc may make some adjustments in your other meds to help you get through this as best as possible.  

So, when does this begin for you?.....Please keep us posted.

Luv,
Nauty................
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1053234 tn?1263457730
Wow! That is impressive. NA or AA? I find working the steps a little creepy because (i know this is so far fetched, but bare with me) they prepare you to die. You turn your life over to the care of god, you admit everything you've done wrong, you forgive yourself for it, and you have a a clean slate. In my opinion, it prepares you for "heaven" because you resolve all you past discrepancies.

In other words, it cleanses the soul and gives you a life of "god" or whomever your higher power is.
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1053234 tn?1263457730
Hi Quickrick, thank you kindly for your reply and insight. I'm guessing you are heavy into NA? I've done AA and your lingo and mentality seems to be quite similar.

I appreciate your concern and suggestions. Means the world!

Thanks man.
Helpful - 0
1053234 tn?1263457730
Hi, thanks for your comments. You seem very realistic and reasonable. I also have Bipolar II and am being treated for it. I have already spoken with my shrink over email and she is very pleased I want to quit norco, but because of all of my hospitalizations for head pain she is very worried about pain. She suggested 800mg of advil 3 times a day.. who knows. She also referred me to a pain specialist. She pointed out I am very fortunate to be on klonopin, seroquel and trazadone because that will greatly help me through any WD. Thankfully, through email she can check on me everyday. I'm ready to do this!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
99.99999999 % of us were forced to quit in one way shape or another.  Geez, man...talk about kick em in the groin when they are down.  It doesn't matter how he quits, rather that he quits!..

Max.....dont' let anyone misinform you that its an easy 3-4 days of flu-like symptoms, or that its easy because its only one persons idea of a low dose.  We all handle it differently, but we all get the same symptoms for the most part.  You are going to feel like the SWine Flu times 100.  What may be of concern is you mental health issues because withdrawal is not only physical but very much psychological too.  

Please call your psyc. and tell him/her what is happening.  Please!!!  CALL YOur Psych!!!

luv,
nauty..............
Helpful - 0
1053234 tn?1263457730
I cannot thank you all enough for your insight, personal stories, advice and everything and anything. I think I have figured out my problem. I wasn't yet a slave or addict to my pain pills, but I know it was coming any day. It frightened me. Even though so many on here have a way different addiction.. to me taking 5+ Norco 10/325's a day for months and no end in sight was horrifying.

Does anyone know if I can just show up at the hospital and ask to be admitted for detoxification?

Or, can my doctor check me in?

Has anyone done anything like that before?

Also, what about the treatment where they put you under and cleanse you.. any details on that? Or, success stories?

I am SOOOO committed to getting off of the Norco, yet I am still sitting here taking them. It's heart breaking. This online forum is a godsend, I just wish I could give someone a hug or look into their eye as they say, "everything will work out and be fine."

I appreciate all of you. All input helps. And, please know I am here for all of you too. Send me a message, use messenger, whatever.. no problem is greater than any other.

XOXO
Helpful - 0
401095 tn?1351391770
Alsao a chronic painer...titanium plates in my neck..discs that are gone..but pain is pain..and always real for the person...only problem with narcs is they were never meant for long term use due to tolerence...but not everyone is an addict...they can use for pain without a mental addiction...we feel like everyone who takes pain pills ends up like us..but it is not so,,most can take narcotics without addiction or abuse...we r in the minority...chronic pain plus being prone to addiction suk....cos we cant use successfully for pain//a true addict can not/not saying u can not but only that a true addict is not usually successful with pain pills as a rule...and only the person who is this position knows for sure...no one else can guess the extent of someones addiction/nor whether they even have an addiction..only the person knows...and if it is true it can begin to gnaw at ur inner self..which is a good sign///some never let it get to them and keep going and goin but they r going NOWHERE in reality..a vicious cycle that is hard to getout of

For me..the emotional pain of using..worrying bout how many I had, where i would get more  etc...caused me more pain than my screwed up spine did..stress aggravates my pain/always have..and at the end i was not using them for pain..i was using them like an AD..then i was using them to make it thru the day//but a deep depression set in and I could never feel the way i did before..my high was gone..and i was left with a person i didnt know anymore..ME

Flushing pills was empowering for me..making a plan/tho i had failed before trying to taper many times...the plan plus aftercare helped me/I had to CT cos i couldnt taper successfully/..I just know for the rest of my life i have to be careful//i am fine til a tragedy occurs..then my old firend/really my old enemy/will call my name...my poor coping mechanisms try to kick in..as long as life is hunky dory this doesnt happen..I have realized as of late//that we I tend to go overboard on things..impulsive by nature..often my own worst enemy...even a person can become ur drug...scary for me but i realize that now

Day by day is all we can do...when and if u feel it is time to let the pills go..u will if u want it bad enuf...people start contemplating this decision long before they actually do it..not many wake up one day and think "I am suddenly over this addiction crud and I am done right this second"  It is a long process for many..realizing the problem is there/but alternating with periods of denial and not caring as many find resons why they need to continue using...but for many it will gnaw at their soul..it starts taking a chunk of ur inner self each day..each failed taper..each relapse...then the person realizes they r just not having fun anymore...or that the pills r not worth the pain relief they provide/at the end it is often not even about pain relief anymore..it is a sickness for addicts

There is a pain forum here that is wonderful...many of them r on narcotics and deal with it successfully...many may be physically dependent//most there r not addicts//altho some possibly r..it is a totally different concept on that forum as far as pain relief drugs than here..but i post there at times cos sometimes i need advice on alternative modes of pain relief...and they r very knowledgable..many here started on pills for pain relief too..we just dont do well at it...anyway, not a bad idea for a chronic painer to go there and read, learn and post

wishing u the best...life is short..we gotta make the best out of what we have and the time we have here on earth..and no one  will judge u there nor here..i dont/unless i have walked in someones shoes for a while/i have no right to judge anyone..I am an addict...what right do I have to judge anyone..I am an addict but I am also Laura..a person who has to survive, work, and be as happy as I can be..in spite of afflictions i have..we just gotta do our best..that is all we can do
Helpful - 0
960021 tn?1270662682
I too suffer from pretty severe chronic pain. It might not be as bad as others have it, but I've been told by many doctors that they have no idea how I'm doing this without taking any sort of pain medication other than Motrin or other OTC medications.

You need to know that you're doing the right thing. You realized that this is starting to be an issue for you, so that's why you wish to put a halt to the pills. I mean sure...the fact that your doctor won't refill anything was another reason, but you seem genuine and sincere about your main reasoning for wanting to quit. I think you have to try and keep in mind that if your doctor thought it to be necessary to keep you on the pills because of the severity of the pain, then that's just what he would've done for you. BUT -- He refuses to refill them which should tell you something.

You're doing the right thing. Nothing negative can come from getting off the pills for good.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Glad to hear you are feeling better. I am glad you spoke with your Doctor(s) etc. Hopefully they will get you on a taper system that will be easier. Over time you can take less and less so the withdrawl symptoms will not be that bad.

Keep posting & remember everyone here is on you side.

Also.. Do not beat yourself up for sitting there still taking pills. You made a big step by coming to this site and expressing your feelings and looking for help. By informing your doctors that you want to stop and get on a taper plan is a huge step.

I am not sure what the cost is but look into holistic healer(s) in your area. I don't think it could hurt? They use all natural supplements (Chinese / India traditions I think)

You WILL do this!

Give yourself a pat on the back.
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Avatar universal
Are we talking GP here or Neurologist?  That might make a difference in my opinion. But I currently feel that you should not cold turkey the pills. You should probably try and take them "as needed" as opposed to on a time schedule. And with the idea of getting completely off them when you and the doc are comfortable with that. If you and the Doc disagree about when you are ready to quit the narcs you may always get another opinion. The real bottom line is that the narcotics are not good maintenance medications for anything. Its just a matter of time before many people exposed to them steadily develop a problem. Have you discussed an anti anxiety med, perhaps a benzo, to use when you arent in solid pain but do need something?
Helpful - 0
1053234 tn?1263457730
Also, I am still taking pills because I talked to my doctor today and he doesn't want me to go cold turkey or wean me off totally yet due to the head injury and pain.

I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED THAT I AM SITTING HERE STILL TAKING PILLS!

I wish my frustration could be understood. I want to quit but my doctor won't let me per say, wtf do I do? He said without the pills the pain will land me in the ER.
I don't know what to do our think. ******.
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1053234 tn?1263457730
Thank you all so much for your help and support. All of you have given me great advice and lots of excellent tips. I no longer feel as afraid or alone. I feel that if I have an important, pressing question, all I have to do is post it here and y'all will help me.

Because I have such chronic pain, I mean it is bad.. I have had a SEVERE head injury and there are hardened arteries in my brain.

Am I doing the right thing quitting the pain meds? How am I going to be pain free or manage my pain? I feel like there is no way to "win"

I am very nervous and scared. I don't want the head pain and I don't know what keeps me sober, yet keeps me out of pain.

Makes me cry this is so hard and stressful :)
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52704 tn?1387020797
How are you qualified (by experience, training and/or edecuation) to make such assertions?

What's the downside of an addict believing they have a disease, if in fact they don't?

What's the downside of an addict believing they do not have a disease, if in fact they do?

Is blame or fault relevant with respect to addiction and/or recovery?

CATUF
1572
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You don't have a "disease." You don't have "personality defects." Sorry, AA and NA ...  you have a nasty benzo habit which you can deal with, once you get the other bits under control.

Don't shift the blame for what you didn't want to happen ... long row to hoe ...
Helpful - 0
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