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I want to help my son get off vicodin!
My 36 year old son is coming home tomorrow and he has asked me to help him through an at home detox off of vicodin. I guess he occassionaly uses oxycoton but primarily used vicodin. I think this is a 3-4 year addiction, escalating to the point of popping up to 20- .75m vicodin at a time. That sounds unbelievable to me, but I am certain that is what he told me. We plan to go "cold turkey" as he has lost his job, and we have no money and no insurance for him to see a doctor for help. I have called our local hospital ER, and they said if he gets in a bad way, I can take him in there as they can't refuse anyone for un-ability to pay. I have heard you could have a heart attack or stroke, and or seizures. Can anyone help me with advice on what to do? I have heard the first 4-5 days is the worst. I plan to have gatoraide and lots of fresh water for dehydration and tons of prayers! As the day gets closer, the more afraid I am for him, and me, as well. I would appreciate any advice or help!! Please...
Vicodin withdrawel isn't that serious that is will cause seizures or stroke, that I've ever heard of. It is a physical addition that takes a few days or so to kick but not nearly as difficult as heroin or methadone where sometimes people can have more problems. The worst thing about the dosage you say he is taking is the tylenol and liver damage. The hardest and most important thing about this addiction is just to stay stopped after withdrawels are over and not to start again. all the best
he can do it if hes serious about it. I have gone CT about 20 times from opioids like a bonehead......... when he gets home, talk him into studying his enemy and perhaps reading the forum here. years ago I use to come here and read, it helped me a bunch.
he told you for a reason,which means he is serious about stopping. hes fortunate to have a loving mother like you :]
he told you for a reason,which means he is serious about stopping. hes fortunate to have a loving mother like you :]
A Mother's love never ends! He lives in Idaho, in a small town where this is quite prevelant apparently, although, I have told him many times, if he wants it bad enough, he can find it here as well. He has lots of family here for support, brother, sister, Grandmother, and we all want to give him support as best we can. When he gets off it he plans to stay here and look for work. He says once he gets off it, he will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER take them again! I know he means it, but still I am so afraid of the cravings that I am sure he will have for it. He has lost a lot due to this problem, so I feel like that will be detterent enough. I'm just afraid of all we have to go through in the next 4-5 days...I read things and start to feel afraid....Some say, taper down slowly...(I don't agree with that, but who am I?, just a Mom) and I don't like the idea of him using another type of opiate, as I feel that is trading one thing for another. I wonder if it would be good to get on an anti-depressant after the detox period? Do you know anything about that? Thanks for answering.
Thank you so much for your comments and advice. I found that more comforting than you know, knowing now that heart attack, stroke, seizures,shouldn't be a worry.. Apparently though, rapid heart rate and high blood pressure is part of the withdrawl feelings? I have read anything from mild to moderate "flu" like symptoms, on up to a horrible, horrible time of pain, depression and thoughts of suicide and severe leg cramping. Maybe somewhere in between those two extremes?
I am a firm believer in avoiding all pills(tranqs,benzos,mood alterers) and would suggest herbs and some temporary cold medicines to get over the 4-5 day hump. I noticed many ended up addicted to the new drug that they started taking, to help them and wound up having more problems.
and as for the replacement drugs like methadone and others......, it was a worse nightmare for me, got me even more addicted, and resulted in a much longer WD's. nor do they ever let the brains receptors and endorphins ever return to normal. what good is that??
I have gone major CT straight and tapering, all while having to work which really bites bad. I think a tapering program is less painful, but will drag on a little longer to though. the benefit of straight CT is you will get over it faster, but is rough for 3-5 days depending on what kind of fortitude one has.
of all those times I quit before, I was never this serious(25 days now for me, off a horrible methadone and norco addiction). often figuring that I could handle it better next time. now I am certain I cannot, hopefully your son is now "CERTAIN" that he is not going to be able to do it either.
and as for the replacement drugs like methadone and others......, it was a worse nightmare for me, got me even more addicted, and resulted in a much longer WD's. nor do they ever let the brains receptors and endorphins ever return to normal. what good is that??
I have gone major CT straight and tapering, all while having to work which really bites bad. I think a tapering program is less painful, but will drag on a little longer to though. the benefit of straight CT is you will get over it faster, but is rough for 3-5 days depending on what kind of fortitude one has.
of all those times I quit before, I was never this serious(25 days now for me, off a horrible methadone and norco addiction). often figuring that I could handle it better next time. now I am certain I cannot, hopefully your son is now "CERTAIN" that he is not going to be able to do it either.
Thank you for that information and I whole heartedly agree! Congratulations on your 25 days! I'm assuming the methadone was prescribed for "withdrawing" off something else? I think that's terrible they would prescribe that...seems to me, the idea is to get rid of the dependency on everything!
You mentioned herbs? What kind? Would it be good for me to give him ibuprofin for the aches I hear people get? Also, there is an OTC called "legatrin" that helps with restless leg syndrome, it has quinine in it. Do you know anything about it? I know you're not a doctor, I assume, but have you heard if quinine is helpful?
You mentioned herbs? What kind? Would it be good for me to give him ibuprofin for the aches I hear people get? Also, there is an OTC called "legatrin" that helps with restless leg syndrome, it has quinine in it. Do you know anything about it? I know you're not a doctor, I assume, but have you heard if quinine is helpful?
severe leg cramping!!!!! HOTHOTHOT BATHS! Thats the only time I slept. I stayed in the tub hours at a time.
If he doesn't want this more than hes ever wanted anything in his life...it wont work.
It can be done though...ppl do it everyday. After the physical wd's are over, thats when the really hard part starts! Google "PAWS withdrawals".
Good Luck to yall both!
If he doesn't want this more than hes ever wanted anything in his life...it wont work.
It can be done though...ppl do it everyday. After the physical wd's are over, thats when the really hard part starts! Google "PAWS withdrawals".
Good Luck to yall both!
He says he does....I'm not up on all the abbreviations. What is ppl? Thanks for the other information, I appreciate it all!
I have been using some ibupro to get over some bad days. but I use valarian root to help sleep, works great for me. then energy drinks and protein powders durring the day. some have sworn by melatonin and bananas for sleep.
as for methadone most get it from clinics,as far as I have noticed. both suboxone and methadone are nothing but replacement opioids.............so that does not make sense to me, why keep the mind and body addicted to an opioid? sure it has probably saved some from a worse addiction(heroin,oxycodone,and vikes) I thought I found the ultimate drug at first, but then soon started mixing them.It by far has been a worse WD than regular analgesic opioids. its been a tough one to beat. but the problem I have, is I have been on opioids for 4-5 years, on and off, mostly on !! so its going to take awhile before I get %100 back to normal. but I by far feel much better,than I have in years ,even now :]
I just got to the stage where they just no longer worked or was enjoyable(even mixed together)unless it was a lot. got sick and tired of being sick and tired
as for methadone most get it from clinics,as far as I have noticed. both suboxone and methadone are nothing but replacement opioids.............so that does not make sense to me, why keep the mind and body addicted to an opioid? sure it has probably saved some from a worse addiction(heroin,oxycodone,and vikes) I thought I found the ultimate drug at first, but then soon started mixing them.It by far has been a worse WD than regular analgesic opioids. its been a tough one to beat. but the problem I have, is I have been on opioids for 4-5 years, on and off, mostly on !! so its going to take awhile before I get %100 back to normal. but I by far feel much better,than I have in years ,even now :]
I just got to the stage where they just no longer worked or was enjoyable(even mixed together)unless it was a lot. got sick and tired of being sick and tired
I too am 36 and have recently gotten off of vicodin. Day 33 for me. I think the major thing to know is that your son will be sick. He will be in pain for a few days. I had the worst body aches ever. Sweats, cold, the runs, you name it. Motrin for the pain as needed (and it will be needed), immodium for the runs will be needed. I used ativan which is for anxiety prescribed by my doc. Valarien root helps with sleep as he will need and will have trouble with for a while. Be patient and make sure he is. Make sure when he comes home that he does not bring any pills with him. You are very lucky he is honest with you and asking for help. I would be mortified to tell my mother, she hates pills. You have a wonderful relationship. Best of luck to you, also have your son log on as this might help him too, it did me. Im sober and lovin it!
First off, You must be an incredible mother. I wish I had a good relationship with mine. It is more of a chat and no real heart to heart. She is a big part of my problem. I am on day 4 now and I will tell you that yes it is true he will feel like he has the flu. What helped me was constantly thinking, this is the flu, this is the flu. The first day or 2 he may be throwing up alot and have the runs real bad.Lots of hot showers or tub soaks or spa. It is very soothing. I still have the runs and today is the first day I have been able to eat or even smell food. I am 48 and the mother of 2, one grown and one teenage son. They know nothing of this as do none of the other members of my family. They would be horrified and extremely judgmental so your support and his family will be invaluable. It can't hurt pampering him a little. Maybe a back rub or massage and constant reasurance that he is loved!! He will most likely get a terrible headache at some point or another. But if he is really serious he CAN do this. I know the hardest part is maintance. I was addicted to Norco. Same as Vicodin but with less tylenol. I was taking maybe 10 or 12 a day for 3 yrs. I have been assured that this is something that can be dealt with at home. It may be a good idea to buy some protein powder to mix with water. Something not so sweat. He will need nuritrients and maybe some mutli vits. I'm glad you contacted the ER. It's always good to have a back up. Oh and you did good getting the gator aid!! You may be furious with him as my husband was with me at first. For that few hours I have never felt more alone in my life. But he came around and is now my biggest and only support. But that is all I need. Keep us posted. Oh and ppl. Is people. I know, some get by me too.
I'm sooo happy to see a post like whitie's and that you agree! Holistic is the best. The long hot baths are excellent and heating pads for cramps. If its in the budget, acupuncture, message therapy, chiropractic adjustments and DRY HEAT (not steam) saunas. Google any of these as detox alternatives. Also at health food stores,you can buy detox tea. He will also benefit from B vitamins, esp. B3 (Niacin) if you do dry heat sauna, along with Zinc and Magnesium. Again Google how Niacin works for Detox. Opiates cause constipation, so plenty of fresh, fleshy (like peaches, apples, prunes, plums) fruits, high fiber, whole grains and high probiotic yogurt - basically healthy, healthy, healthy. Stay away from refined sugars as they tend to release dopamine, the "feel good" enzymes that can help create cravings for more "feel good" (ie: what. opiates do in vast quantity).enzymes risking relapse. Lastly, understand opiates and how they effect the brain. Knowledge is key to battle this hard-to-kill monster. Support is a close second. Best of Luck
Thank you and BETTER DAYS 01! You two are AWESOME to write and tell me of your advice, it is soooooo reasurring to know there are others who have done this at home, as I have been so frightened. When he called to tell me I was dissapointed and sad for him, and yes, angry too....but I love him with all my heart, and then when he called again and asked me to help him here at my house (he lives in Idaho, I live in Washington) I then knew he is REAL about getting off it. If not, he would have stayed there and continued..how would I ever know? My husband leaves tonight to drive over there and they will return tomorrow early afternnoon, I am reading all I can in the meantime so that I can help as much as I possibly can.
I wish the BEST for both of you, and as a Mom would say, "I'm so proud of you both!"
I wish the BEST for both of you, and as a Mom would say, "I'm so proud of you both!"
During the first 5 days of withdrawals, you may not know how to deal with him, it will be hard. He will be on an emotional roller-coaster. Don't get upset if he gets a little nasty....he doesn't mean it, it's the drugs talking. After the withdrawals there can still be some emotional stuff, depression etc. If it lasts to long (over a month) or gets to severe, have him go to a doctor for some anti-depressants.
Also don't expect him to "be all better" after the withdrawals. There will be good days and bad days, this can go on for a month. There will be the serious mental battle to fight for a long while.
I highly recommend you get him on this forum for support and any questions he may have. There's nothing like other addicts to truly understand what he will be going thru. But this forum would be great for any family members who want to understand addiction so they can help him along the way.
Good luck to you both.
Also don't expect him to "be all better" after the withdrawals. There will be good days and bad days, this can go on for a month. There will be the serious mental battle to fight for a long while.
I highly recommend you get him on this forum for support and any questions he may have. There's nothing like other addicts to truly understand what he will be going thru. But this forum would be great for any family members who want to understand addiction so they can help him along the way.
Good luck to you both.
Thanks so very much for taking the time to write, I am just floored at all the wonderful responses...this has been so helpful to me. I am definitely going to try and find the detox tea and some of your other suggestions. I will have my little home detox center ready when he gets here tomorrow. I am trying to be prepared for the pain and depression that follows, but still I know it will be very hard for me to see him that way...but anything that will get him off this stuff will be worth it in the end. Thanks again, and congratulations to all of you who have made it..you must and should feel so proud of yourselves!
That really is good information, because yes, I probably would have thought, "oh, after the first 5 days, you should be all better now." Good to be prepared for all that he has ahead to face and I am sure the depression is going to be a huge part of it. He does have a lot of family here for support too, so I think it will all go good in the end. I can't imagine someone trying to do this with no family support!! Thanks
Hi!!
I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this, but please read through the health pages on this forum, over in the right hand lower corner of the page, there is TONS of info about herbs and things that help with withdrawal at home! Your son is so lucky to have a mother like you! My mother helped me in a similar way recently, I started my treatment today and she was the one who paid for me to go :) Your son will definitely need your help & support for months & years to come probably. This type of addiction doesn't just go away in a week or two, the mental part can last a vary long time with some people~read in the health pages also about PAWS. And you are SO right, keep praying it really does help. My husband and I prayed a lot today together and I know its helping me. Best wishes to you and your son! ((oh, tell him to get on here for support if he wants to! Its a great place!))♥
I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this, but please read through the health pages on this forum, over in the right hand lower corner of the page, there is TONS of info about herbs and things that help with withdrawal at home! Your son is so lucky to have a mother like you! My mother helped me in a similar way recently, I started my treatment today and she was the one who paid for me to go :) Your son will definitely need your help & support for months & years to come probably. This type of addiction doesn't just go away in a week or two, the mental part can last a vary long time with some people~read in the health pages also about PAWS. And you are SO right, keep praying it really does help. My husband and I prayed a lot today together and I know its helping me. Best wishes to you and your son! ((oh, tell him to get on here for support if he wants to! Its a great place!))♥
Thanks so much for the information about the health pages, I am new to all of this, and haven't navigated much around the web-site, but what all you good people have told me so far, has been so wonderful!
I'm glad you pray for yourself, my daughter (gee, does this sound familiar) had a long, long, addiction to meth and tried everything!!! She finally wanted her life back so bad, she got so low feeling, she tried all the rest and finally started getting on her knees and praying, and I'm telling you...that was what worked for her. She said from the day forward she had the strength and will power to leave it behind and go forward with her life. I'm not meaning to say she didn't have alot of really rough days, because she did, but before that she would give up and give in, this time she had the strength to say NO to the devil inside her! She and her husband and their daughter are buying their first home and her life has turned around 100% in the past 3 years since she has been "clean" I guess this is my second experience with addiction....this is a little different, but addiction is addiction, they all have the very same negative outcome on ones life. I know my son will make it, just like my daughter did.
I'm glad you pray for yourself, my daughter (gee, does this sound familiar) had a long, long, addiction to meth and tried everything!!! She finally wanted her life back so bad, she got so low feeling, she tried all the rest and finally started getting on her knees and praying, and I'm telling you...that was what worked for her. She said from the day forward she had the strength and will power to leave it behind and go forward with her life. I'm not meaning to say she didn't have alot of really rough days, because she did, but before that she would give up and give in, this time she had the strength to say NO to the devil inside her! She and her husband and their daughter are buying their first home and her life has turned around 100% in the past 3 years since she has been "clean" I guess this is my second experience with addiction....this is a little different, but addiction is addiction, they all have the very same negative outcome on ones life. I know my son will make it, just like my daughter did.
well i wish you, your family, and your son the best of luck. it seems everyone has given plenty of advise on most issues he'll face with the withdrawal period. i have only one thing to share that may be of any use. my mom has gone through this with me when i was about 14. i won't go into details...but i will say that i regret a lot of things i said to her during my withdrawal period. i went into rages and said things i still wish i could take back...and it's been 10 years ago. i would never have physically hurt anyone...that much i believe...but the things i said were just as bad. i was not in my right mind at all. my advise to you is that when things get to that point...and they may very well get there...try to remember that the urge for the drug will literally tempt you to say anything to get it and sometimes you do say things that you later deeply regret.
anyway, maybe this was just the way my demon expressed itself. maybe you won't have to deal with that at all. again...good luck and i hope you all succeed!
anyway, maybe this was just the way my demon expressed itself. maybe you won't have to deal with that at all. again...good luck and i hope you all succeed!
Hi again. I didn't go into it much detail on my last post, but my now, 8 months clean son, had an unbelievable Oxycontin addiction - it started with a Norco prescription after an accident and a year plus later, by the time I figured out the holistic approach, rather than the medical approach (more drugs), he had relapsed over and over. Eight months ago, he was shooting up as many as 20 80 mg. Oxy's per day. Very close to death twice in those last couple of weeks. It can get out of hand so very fast and so easily. I still constantly research, becasue I know it could all come crashing down any time. Anyway, tonight I googled "herbs for opiate detox" and the very 1st link (Opiate Detox Recovery), in my opinion, is a goldmind of info that you may want to go read, in a post from "mamapoppy" who gives info on what she's learned through her own struggles. Check it out!
I was reading your post, and the memories flooded back....yes, I have been there too, with my daughter, she was that age when she started on meth...we had a few scenes just as you described. I'm sure your Mom is just like me, she knew is was the drug talking, not the person, even though it is painful to hear those words coming from your "baby's" mouth. Still, I knew it was the devil inside her that made her say it and do those awful things, she never got real physical although she pushed me down a few times. Once she got clean though, and trust me...it took FOREVER. BUT she did it and regained really all that she had lost in just 3 years. During this period, she even had a little girl. One thing I do have to give her EXTREME credit for, she stopped using the minute she new she was pregnant and stayed clean the entire time, and gave birth to a perfect baby who is now 10 years old!!! She and the baby's father have been married now 91/2 years and they are just about to move into their first home and their FIRST mortgage! Ha ha. I had assumed when she got clean for the pregnancy, that IT was over, but she was only 18 the day her baby was born, and let me tell you, after the first few weeks, she started up again and went into a downward spiral faster than the first time. Her husband cared for their baby and stayed with her through all those years!! Praise the Lord!!! She had a 10 year struggle with that, turning to pill popping, and alcohol and then both, when she was in "recovery" from meth. It doesn't matter what it is, it's ugly, and it is so destructive...she went down that road, only to end up back on the meth. It was so awful, there were times I cried so hard my jaws ached just to watch my beautiful little girl destroy herself like that. I never could figure a reason WHY she was doing this, as far as I know still to this day, she hasn't suffered any trauma in her life, but I think she tried it once when she was 14 and she was HOOKED! I guess what I started out to tell you in the begining, if your Mom is like me...she FORGIVES you for that and any thing that you may have said, knowing it WASN'T YOU! It was the DEVIL of whatever drug you were on! Just tell her you are SO SORRY, I'm sure you must have already done that, and then try and FORGIVE yourself, it wasn't the REAL you!! Mom's are tough, the main thing is you did it, you got off it and I am sure she is so proud of you for that!! I bet if you tell her your feelings of guilt, she will encourage you to put that in the past and move forward, not looking back...it's over.
So, I guess in all that, I am trying to say, I have been down this road already, I am prepared (I think) for that. I think this will be somewhat different, as I am now dealing with a 36 year old adult, as opposed to a teenager little girl....My first reaction to all this, was why me? How bad of a mother must I have been to have 2 of my 3 children go down this drug/alcohol path? Why? why? why?, but I can't help him if I wallow in self pity, I have to pull myself up by the boot straps, get tough..I did it once, I can do this again!!! The last lines of Corinthians 13: 4-8 says...Love always protects, always trusts, always HOPES, always PERSERVERES....LOVE never FAILS!
So, I guess in all that, I am trying to say, I have been down this road already, I am prepared (I think) for that. I think this will be somewhat different, as I am now dealing with a 36 year old adult, as opposed to a teenager little girl....My first reaction to all this, was why me? How bad of a mother must I have been to have 2 of my 3 children go down this drug/alcohol path? Why? why? why?, but I can't help him if I wallow in self pity, I have to pull myself up by the boot straps, get tough..I did it once, I can do this again!!! The last lines of Corinthians 13: 4-8 says...Love always protects, always trusts, always HOPES, always PERSERVERES....LOVE never FAILS!
Anyone others wives out there have this problem. I can't tell if he takes them unless he walks funny. He has never been a good sleeper. I afraid to get in the car he drives too.
I do no want him to die I love him. I feel like an adult sitter.
Any suggestions.
I do no want him to die I love him. I feel like an adult sitter.
Any suggestions.
i just wanted to write and say thiank you, ur probably like what for but after reading how ur going to help ur son through whatever he need makes me feel like i have to tell my mom as well i am 26 yrs old and have been badly addicted to norcos/and latelt oxy/roxies and well whatever i can get my hands on for over 7 yrs and i came clean with then like 8 months ago and it broke there hearts but u remind me of my mom or at least how caring she is and concerned and just wants the best fro me the only reason i have not told her is that well a few reason but manly is i just cant stand to tell her and break hers and my dads hearts cuz they are so good to me and another is i have such a love hate relationship wth theese dam pills and its hard.i can even count the amount of times it has been for me to quite in the hundreds at least. but after reading al these posts and replys its time to come clean and just man up and deal with it and i know that theyll be there just as u are there for ur son to help me. so thank u and i hope everything goes well as good as it can go. and thansk one last time.
Good choice sweetie. You've got parents for a reason. In many ways, you cannot outgrow your parents and never, ever underestimate how deep the love for a child is-in the long run, you can almost do no wrong. As the song goes "It's a love without end, Amen"
Being both, someone's child and someone's mother, (sorry mom and dad) I can say without hesitation - I love my kid more. I'm sure either of my parents would say the same. It's a natural chain. Let it go and let them help. For most, thank God, it's all we, as parents, want.
I knew my son was in trouble, months before he admitted it and he REALLY didn't want to tell me. Even when he knew it was all he had left. In the long run, he has figured out, that besides God, there is no one in the entire universe who has his best interest at heart like I do (his dad died when he was nine, hence I instead of we). On that note, as parents, we would literally die for you. Trust us to be strong enough. Trust me - if we wanted to outlive you, it would have happened when you were about 16 :o) Good luck!
Being both, someone's child and someone's mother, (sorry mom and dad) I can say without hesitation - I love my kid more. I'm sure either of my parents would say the same. It's a natural chain. Let it go and let them help. For most, thank God, it's all we, as parents, want.
I knew my son was in trouble, months before he admitted it and he REALLY didn't want to tell me. Even when he knew it was all he had left. In the long run, he has figured out, that besides God, there is no one in the entire universe who has his best interest at heart like I do (his dad died when he was nine, hence I instead of we). On that note, as parents, we would literally die for you. Trust us to be strong enough. Trust me - if we wanted to outlive you, it would have happened when you were about 16 :o) Good luck!
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