I need help with withdrawal symptoms!!

[Horns3317]

I have been abusing painkillers of and on for about 5 years, but only about 10 months - 1 yr ago did I become heavily dependent on these addictive drugs. I have been taking hydrocodone (any kind I can find from dealers) mostly and oxycodone if it was the only thing available and I couldn't find hydrocodone anywhere. I have known for a while that I have to stop and I now feel prepared to tackle my withdrawals (cold turkey is my only option). My tolerance is now (in the latter and most severe part of my addiction) at it's highest. Some days I take up to 10 pills in a day, other days if I just want a buzz I take 4 or 5 pills. I don't have to take pills to get out of bed and I can go a day without them (even if I have pills in my possession). If I don't want to take a pill until the evening I can make myself wait (the only reason I say this is because I've read posts where people say they have to take therm as soon as they wake up). I'm not downplaying my addiction I just simply want to give a very thorough description of my situation so I can receive the most accurate answers to my many questions. I am 22 years old and know I have to stop being foolish and take back control of my life, and I was hoping that someone could give me an estimate of how long and how severe they think my withdrawals will be. Withdrawals are my biggest fear in my road to recovery and I don't take them lightly and know they are going to suck. I looked up the Thomas recipe and I am going to stock up with everything I've read that can be helpful. Any help at all will be more appreciated than I could ever express. A timeline of these withdrawals would make them easier to deal with for me. I hope someone will help me. God bless.

[Horns3317]

Day 3 now, can't believe all of the support, thank you all so much! The cold sweats and leg pains are the hardest to deal with. I haven't used and I kinda have a feeling of hope about the situation. You all are amazing people! Babylove you need to get help while you can, you're still young enough to have a life, please find someone to help you or even go to a rehab, I wish you the best.

[laurel453]

Glad you posted here .....you are doing quite well is you are feeling this way at day 2 so look at the positive... when you feel like using, you need to break the cyle of thoughts, your mind is playing games to get you using again... stay busy... maybe watching a comedy DVD, going for a walk even if its short, it helps... take a long bath with some relaxing music... just take each hour, even minute at the time and pull through it, horns

[BabyLove21982]

First off...Congrats on your clean time accomplished. You've made it alot further than many. Myself included. If i was on 2 days clean..i would be miserable and more than likely...i would have gave up. Im speaking from experience. Many times i have tried and sadly many times i have failed. Our amount used is very different. Which is most likely why i haven't even completed a full withdrawal..Ever.  I have been taking pills since I was 13. Physically dependant at around 19. Now, I have been using for 15 years...and Im only 28. I wish i had enough fight in me to take care of it like you are...Before your life revolves around it. Like mine. I do need it know the morning. As well as about every 3hours in order to remain well. *Drug of choice..Oxycontin Ir. Along with every other opiate i can find. About an hour after i do a pill..mental dependence takes over...i don't need it but i want it. After about 2 1/2 hours after I physically start to feel ill. My stomach turns and my heart races. 5 hours in...Im starting into the beginning of full withdrawal. My body hurts.. Im sweating but freezing to the touch. My mind is racing. My legs won't stay still..Im feeling Im crawling out of my skin..i get stomach pains that bring me to my knees...im nauseous. I run a really hot bath. The hotter ...the better. Especially when u can't sleep or sit still. The hot water relaxes me enough to where i feel i took an hour nap...upset seeing my watch reads..5 mins later... time is at a stand still for me. Every minute sick..feels like an hour..eternity. Running more hot water..it burns so bad...but i do it because i would rather feel that intense pain..then focus ln the withdrawal. Hour after hour goes by that is pure torture. Mentally and Physically ..Im ready to give up on myself and call it quits...And honestly...i do. Every time. Withdrawals are that rough for me. I did find that heating pads work great to help you sleep..make sure your fully dressed. The warmer you are..the better. Drink alot of fluids..i chose pedialight for the nutrients. Drink more than you sweat. My stomach pains are very painful. Try and use pepto or something similar. Oh i forgot the very first 3 symptoms i get..which is how i know is starting. First.. I start to have to use the bathroom (just pee..not other) alot. Every 20 mins or so and thats another reason u need alot of fluids. Then..i start yawning uncontrollably. Every 2mins or so Im yawning. Then finally..sneezing. That's how i know its full withdrawal. Sneezing every 10 mins. Or so...and not just ln sneeze either. Im literally sneezing 8 - 10 x back to back..in a row...all the time. So naturally using cold medicine for the flu like symptoms...smart! Runny nose and all. An this is just the first day for me. Regrettably...i rarely make it to day 2...if i do...its only because i couldn't find anything drug wise!! I honestly wish i could have held on a little longer...like u have. Then again...if i could have ...i wouldn't be so damn overly qualified to write this horribly long..probably  boring ***** fest in response to your question. Im sorry...i just feel l obligated to fully explain withdrawal to anyone and everyone that asks. Sorry if this doesn't help or answer anything u needed to know. I think admitting your problem to yourself was a huge step...actually following through with your plan...priceless (no..not a comercial  haha) and seeing it through...ill and all..takes a strong determined person. You should be proud & happy with yourselves for doing it. Most can't and won't even try...... Ok Im going now... Just ignore this kf it makes no sense...i needed to write it all down sooner or later...thanx for the push. Good luck with everything your doing and cCongrats on everything you've already done. You made it alot further then i ever imagine.     :-)

[BabyLove21982]

First off...Congrats on your clean time accomplished. You've made it alot further than many. Myself included. If i was on 2 days clean..i would be miserable and more than likely...i would have gave up. Im speaking from experience. Many times i have tried and sadly many times i have failed. Our amount used is very different. Which is most likely why i haven't even completed a full withdrawal..Ever.  I have been taking pills since I was 13. Physically dependant at around 19. Now, I have been using for 15 years...and Im only 28. I wish i had enough fight in me to take care of it like you are...Before your life revolves around it. Like mine. I do need it know the morning. As well as about every 3hours in order to remain well. *Drug of choice..Oxycontin I R

[Horns3317]

Im on day 2 and I don't know how much more to expect. I'm useless during the day and awake all night, I really wanted to use today. I just want this to be over.

[avisg]

I am gald that you are going to get help now .Most addicts go threw a progression from taking on and off. Then  only weekeds then only at night . Before u know it you are taking them first thing in the morning. So now is the time to catch it so you dont have to hit a rock bottom . Keep posting so we know how u are doing

[Determined85]

I hope you've started on ur road to recovery... Im13 days clean and have had some withdrawal symptoms just about everyday everything I've read and got our of rehab said that after 5 days ur physical symptoms are suppose to be over...as I said I still have some but they are bareable... I hope that helps... I can tell you my addiction or use patterns sounded similar to what u hav been using and I know seeing the world through sober eyes after being high for years feels unbelievably good... Good luck!