Please help! Weaning off oxycodone

[Lovemomof2]

I am not really sure what to ask or what I am really looking for except some guidance and support. I am afraid to ask help elsewhere for a multitude of reasons. To make a long story short, I am addicted to oxycodone. This is terrible and not really even sure how things got to the point to where they are today. I used to be a first grade teacher and a now a stay at home mom to a 1 year old and almost 4 year old. I want off these stupid life controlling pills. I was taking probably 18 30mg pills a day (I didn't count for a long time....would just pop them like candy. Very stupid). I have decided to wean down and in the past week or so am taking about 12-13 a day. So I have weaned down about 6 30mg. I feel so terrible about myself. This is no way to live! I guess what I am looking for is support....does anyone know of a good taper plan? Any help is so much appreciated.

[Roselabyrinth]

I want to toss out something people don't talk about much when talking about addiction and I had to paste this together through research.  The addiction takes place in your "fight, flight, or freeze" area of the brain.  That being said what does that mean:  It means we have no direct control over that portion which you can see when you have no control over startle responses.  It is there for a reason and works well but here is where it betrays us.  That is the part of your brain that drives the addiction.  You have no direct communication and thus little control over it.  It is not your fault because you can not under any circumstance control that part of your brain.  There are tricks to get around it and a big part of it is self forgiveness and that is very important because our biggest learning tool as humans is bad feelings.  Bad feelings drive us to do better but they also set off that part we don't control.  First forgive yourself. Secondly what works for me is a short list of why you want off that the stuff and what you will gain, and also reward your self with a big Awesome! when you succeed.  That reinforces the good behavior.  Lastly absolute control over dose -  count it, divide it, lock it, and wear the key.  A quick something planned in advance for the bad moment is essential.  "No I will be happier clean and I owe it to my kids."  Make sure its an emotionally strong and short reminder you can call at a moments notice.   - I have withdrawn from physical dependency many many times because of my condition and the big one was smoking.   A friend said something to me very helpful when I called and cried to her how bad it was.  She simply said "It won't kill you." and for some reason that has stuck with me for all these years. I have since learned that with some meds that is simply not true but I know when it won't and that still rings in my ears to give me strength.  I think as much because of my love for that person then any other reason.  Continue to reach out.

[omhome]

you can also find great taper plans by googling" taper off oxycodone.".......

[Leaveurfearsbehind]

You might want to post this as a new question so others will see it.

[Leaveurfearsbehind]

I tapered off of 90-120 mg in 5 days but I was having wd the whole time. I was still able to work but it was really hard. I would just try to go as long as I could and space them out as far as you can then just got ct. It's tough but you can do it. Good luck!

[ronballard]

I have been on a 6 month run taking 40 to 60 mgs a day. I have 50 5mgs. left and am ready to quit. [lost my source]Any one care to give me a plan to follow or am I worried over nothing because of the low dose?

[heatbrokenmom427724]

  Hello and welcome aboard, sorry to hear what you are going through, my son has been addicted to oxy for 3 years, he has been clean 20 days today, with great difficulty, he quick cold turkey, he is having terrible withdrawl, but here are a few ideas that work for him, James has a hot bath with epsom salts, he enjoys that the most, takes gravol for the nausea, immodium for the big D trys to eat healthy, drink lots,vitamins,today he was over and felt a wee bit better has difficulty eating because it does not stay down, he is going into rehad momday 27 days , also they just lost theri baby 13 weeks pregnant, quick little someting funny last week after his bath he dressed himself in his suit, Steph came home and said what the hell are we going to a wedding its 8.00 at night, his reply was it makes me feel better if I am dressed up, thought it was cute, anyway hang in there, remember 1 day at a time.Mom

[Lovemomof2]

Doing better today...think the lack of sleep was part of it. Trying really hard to stick to the taper today. Need some encouragement that I can really do this.

[Lovemomof2]

Thank you!! Yes, we can do this!!!

[48Candles]

Hi Megan, I just wanted to wish you the best and wanted to let you know you are not alone. I will be in your shoes pretty soon to and am not looking forward to it but i am strong and i know i will want to die but i will get thru it and you will to i will keep looking for your post on this,Candles

[vicki595]

Listen Sweetie, you can do whatever you want! I'm just trying to give you suggestions of what will work for you. BUT, I know that game! "well, I was good and didn't take anything for six hours so now I can take three!   A solid schedule works. Now you know (almost) every thing I know about doing this. I'm putting the ball in your court...don't play games with yourself or with the numbers...just get this done!    xoxo

[Lovemomof2]

Ha! Yes, you see Vicki, they weren't part of the allotment for the day. Lol. They were not enough to make a whole day. Wow....that sounds bad!

I wish I would have done better today. Guess I will have to try 12 for tomorrow. So even if I am feeling okay, I should take right at 4 hours? Should I try for longer?

[vicki595]

"a few random ones around".    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

So what did you do with the random ones???

Yes,every four hours no matter. This is why it works and you'll thank me later!
Now that you've counted them out, put the rest away at an inconvenient place.  I know this is all hard stuff and it goes better if you have a buddy to help you and keep you accountable(like me!). Is there anyone??
Keep it going...you'll get this. Just don't play games with your head or at least catch yourself when you're feeling "clever"!

[conhall]

You will get it all down and get on a good schedule  stay positive and strong   :)

[Lovemomof2]

Thank you!!! I have counted them out, but had a few random ones around....I got into those last night so lost count!

[Lovemomof2]

I don't normally take during sleep hours but had to last night. It seems like some days I do better than others. And yes, I have been given awesome advice!!! Should I take them at the 4 hour mark even if I feel like I could wait longer? I am not sure why I am having such a rough go today....I am very anxious. And yes Vicki! I am crafty- Lol. I usually count my day as when I have to get out of bed....meaning when the baby starts crying. :)

[conhall]

Vicki gives very great taper advice One thing I have read in your post is the times in between stay on schedule 4 hours . And in your last post you went 5 1/2 hours  then on others it was sooner. I thought about doing a taper in beginning but its so hard it takes alot of discipline.
I would write down schedule like Vicki said and dont rush it or it wont work.
I also didnt have enough pills to do a successful taper But if done right it can help with WD symptoms. ease into it all. Good Luck to you Stick with Vicki she sounds like she can help you alot. If You do as she suggest.
I would get a pill box also so you can have pills marked when and how many and even set alarm every 4 hours . Good Luck :)

[vicki595]

I'm kind of laughing a little because I see myself in what you're saying and doing!

When you say last night do you mean after midnight?  Let's determine where your new day starts...at midnight or when you get up in the morning.  We need to determine when a day starts for you and stick with that. Otherwise you could end up sneaking in a couple extra!!

Do you take pills during sleep time hours?  You should write your schedule down so you can refer to it...

[Lovemomof2]

So, I actually got a nap and slept for 2 hours. My husband was home early. I feel a lot better, so I made it 5 1/2 hours before my next. So, I have taken 12-13 depending if the 1 last night counted. I have thought about suboxone. I don't know...I have heard all kinds of things about it. I actually have 2 of them.

[vicki595]

Also, 12 may not be a good starting number if it's possible you were taking a lot more.    Don't worry about this!  Just push a little more until you adjust to that amount. So much of this is in our head!.

[vicki595]

So, how many pills have you taken today so far?

[pitbullmom]

if u want you can send me a pm

[pitbullmom]

hey iv been reading ur post. ever1 might jump on me but im on suboxone and at the amount u take it might b a good choice for you its costly but i kno how much the 30s cost and its way less about 400 monthly for mine im on a long term plan im not ready to come off yet but u can do a short taper 2 and a half weeks is best

[Lovemomof2]

Big time struggling today. I had a hard time sleeping last night and took one. Then this morning, I exceeded my limit by 1. Feeling discouraged. I want to do this so badly. Is it normal to feel like this? I'm wondering if I was taking even more than I thought or if I am just feeling crappy because I am exhausted and caring for my 2 kids! So wish I could just take a nap! Help!!! Any encouragement is appreciated.

[vicki595]

That's sounds great!  12 is your dose now so don't go up!  If you take anymore, it counts as Monday's dose and you've only got 12 so time the doses appropriately.  It's easy to break that up into four hour intervals and you can't take more than 12 on Monday !

Good luck!