No Sob story, just an addict!

Question

To many out there I know that I sound like I am blowing a lot of hot air, but I really have no story.  Yes, I am addicted to prescription narcotics.  Minor nose surgery and tonsillectomy introduced me to the pain pills, but the biggest mistake was going to work for a doc.  I knew the oxys were good after my surgery, but I only took 1 at night because believe it or not, it made me able to stay awake and get all kinds of things done.  After about a year, one a night turned into 1 every 4 hours. Then it was 2 every 4 to finally 40 mg. of hydros every 4 - 6 hours.  Come to find out, I just slowly developed a tolerance to them and addicted myself.  Now, 12 years later I am 4 days cold turkey and feel great.  I don't know if I am going to experience any withdrawls, but I haven't so far and the last I had was 3 percs Thursday around 10:00 pm.

cathy5841 · Answer

that is so good.  i am proud of you.  it only gets better from here.  keep on keepin on.  but look out for those triggers at 30, 60 and  90 days.  they just creep up on ya.  GREAT JOB.

robkfromphilly · Answer

Congrats!

lifesaride · Answer

you should be proud of yourself, thats great!

lady67 · Answer

Found this old post and Wow!  It has been 29 days for me YAY!  I am proud of myself!

joann1975 · Answer

Ok that one I can't answer. I wish I could...but I don't know how to do it either! One thing I have been doing is journaling to get my thoughts out there and in order and OFF my chest. I don't know where I will go from there! I am just taking it step by step, one day at a time!

lady67 · Answer

I don't have anything here and if I did, my husband would get rid of it.  I thought about the 12 step program, but **** this went on for so many years, there is NO WAY I could remember or contact everyone that I have wronged.  I guess that is the main hold it has on me.  I need to get rid of the guilt, but I can't remember alot of the things I have done and to whom.  Where do you go from there?

joann1975 · Answer

I totally understand. I hate that it takes us so long to realize how much of a hold they have on us....I am assuming you are quitting for good even if they are sitting in front of you? That's my plan! There is nothing we can do about the time we lost but we can now start living life to its fullest and I intend to do that for sure!

lady67 · Answer

No plan, just didn't want to get arrested for doctor shopping and I knew my doc wouldn't give me anything so I kinda just let the "well run dry" so to speak. I don't know why I can't just be normal and live life without them. If I have access, I take them. When they aren't around, I don't! I have done this before and the worst of the withdrawls are mild flu symptoms and diarrhea. sometimes I think if I really have horrible w/d I would never use again. I just can't belive that I have let this **** take 12 years of my life that I can never get back.

joann1975 · Answer

I am so happy to hear you made the decision to get your life back! I think it is awesome you haven't been having wds...did you plan to quit on Thursday? Do you possibly think it was a mind over matter thing? (i am just asking out of curiousity)

I am glad you found the forum I hope you stick around and post a lot it will be great for your recovery/aftercare. Do you have an aftercare plan? 

Good job! 
JoAnn