is this withdrawal?

[fullofgrace78]

Today is day 2 of not taking vicodin.  I had been taking 5 500mg pills a day for about 2 1/2 years.  I was taking them for the high, but it is not worth it anymore.  I can't afford it & I feel like it is making me nuts.  I just want to make sure what I am feeling is withdrawal and not something else.
Strong cravings
runny nose
numbness down my right arm and in my hands sometimes
ANXIETY
tiredness
weak

Is this normal?  How long does this typically last?  Any suggestions on how the get through the strong cravings?  

Thanks

[Ann2497]

Glad to hear your cravings are gone for the moment.

Staying positive is a very good thing.  Keep up the good work!

[fullofgrace78]

Thank you everyone for your comments.  @Ann, yes, I don't have anymore pills and I totally burned the bridge I had with my supplier.  

Day 3 now....  I took a bunch of imodium last night.  Those strong, out of control cravings seem to be gone at the moment.  I am not sure if it is from the imodium or if it is just a mental thing, but I am grateful for the break. Thanks for the suggestion!

Gonna stay as positive about this as possible today & get through the day without drugs.  It will feel so good to go to bed tonight knowing I made it another day.... falling asleep may be a different story....but I'll worry about that when the time comes.

[Ann2497]

do you have the willpower to get rid of any extra pills you have?

[wishfulthinking57]

Work is good.  Will keep you busy.  The less busy you are, the more likely your brain will refer back to the drugs at this point in time.  Days 1 through 3-4 are the worst.  Get through those, and you can get through the rest, just need to keep in mind the feeling you're having right now are only TEMPORARY.  I'm on about a month and a week clean, and what really helped me the first few weeks was vitamin b6, l-tyrosine, water/gaterade, and KEEPING BUSY!!  For aches and pains, try a hot bath or shower and some ibuprofen.  Just gotta accept the challenge and know what you're doing is for the better, and fight through it.  I did and I've never been happier about a decision I've made as of late.  And trust me, you will too.  

[LeaAnn807]

Well, that's ok too!  Don't be afraid of work.  It will be good to be busy!  Lying in bed is NO way to do it!  Feels like you would feel better in bed, but when you get there, it's hell!

Imodium should help some!

[fullofgrace78]

Took some Imodium.  Man that stuff has a nasty taste, but at this point I don't care.  I know most of this is going to be a mental war so I am going to stay positive about it as much as possible.  I am not usually a full-glass type of person so it won't be easy.  I am overly worried about work tomorrow.  It is a major trigger for me. I have a feeling I am going to be glued to this website for most of this upcoming week, just to keep me focused.  

[lonelygirl369]

Day five for  me and I am still getting waves of weird withdrawl stuff its getting better though. Hang in there. I went to NA it helps, felt like I did not belong there at first and then I relized I am no different then someone who is taking street drugs, addiction is addiction.

[LeaAnn807]

Yes, take a couple of doses of it immediately.  See how that does and let me know, ok?  Give it an hour.

[fullofgrace78]

does Imodium help with the withdrawal symptoms?  I am not having stomach issues yet, but does it help with the cravings at all?  I really want to do this, I am just feeling desperate right now.... :(

[Ann2497]

What you are feeling is normal.  On avg. the WD symptoms  lasts between 3 - 5 days.  The cravings will come and go and usually last longer.  I try to stay busy.  When I was hungry or thirsty the cravings were worse.

[LeaAnn807]

Hi!  Sounds like it to me.  Classic symptoms!  As far as the cravings, try to get to an NA meeting or talk to someone you trust.  Getting it "out" sometimes helps.  The WD usually lasts 3 to 5 days.  The worst is usually day 3 or 4 and gets better slowly after that.

Have you read the Thomas Recipe?  Great info there.  I know of some OTC remedies if you start  having symptoms that bother you really bad and you need some stuff to help.  Imodium is GREAT.  There are supplements that help too.

Hang on!  It won't last forever!

[littlebit667]

Read some of the posts about others dealing with W/D.  You are probably in the midst of it.  Here is a post that I usually share to help.  I hope it helps you.  

I kept telling myself...YOU HAVE the FLU!  It will be over and I will feel so much better.  My brain seemed to get that and settled down a little.  It is hard, but doable!  The Thomas Recipe (bottom of the page under Health Pages as Gnarly said will help.  I did not to the tranquilizers and had to cut back on the Ltryosine, but the rest really helped.  Imodium, Imodium, Imodium (liquid or pills if the liquid can't be found or you can't swallow it) will help.  I took double the dosage for a few days (personal choice) and it helped so much..even with the withdrawals in general and the opiate trots which sucked.  

Hydrate and eat!  Even if it is just a little every hour or so.  You have to eat something to keep your energy up as much as possible.  

If you have Restless legs..it is hit or miss what works.  Walking seemed to help me some.  Hot bath with epsom salts..a little.  I finally had to get my doctor to refill my restless legs meds (non addictive) to get some sleep.  If nothing works,your doctor might help.  

One hour at a time is all anyone can ask.  After 2 weeks it gets a little better and I started to say, One day at a time!  Your brain will do all sorts of things to get you to take a pill.  I found if I was hungry..the cravings got worse.  I would try to eat a banana, a few grapes or a few crackers to get that under control.

Good for you.  I hope all goes well.  You have made a good start coming here....this site has helped me so much!!!  Keep posting!!!!!