Prolonged Vicodin Abuse.

[Diane]

My father is 48 years old and has been using vicodin for 5 years. He takes 10-12 pills a day and wants to beat the addiction. What can he expect as far as withdrawls and should he try to beat the addiction himself or seek professional guidance; or detox. I'm very concerned because he's abused his body for so many years. He is in the hospital as we speak for pains he describes as a "swallowing glass sensation" along with chest pains. He is constantly constipated and will than take laxatives. Please offer some kind of advise. Thank you.

[Moses98]

Thanks! And  good luck to you!

[92807]

I took 15 to 20 A day for three year's. So I got on SUBUTEX Best thing I ever done. It took me 6 week,s to ween down. Then I just stoped it was not good for about 5 to 8 day's but I'm on day 19 now. Still know energy. But I did it at home. If I can do it anybody can do it.....It is't easy you have to get your mind RIGHT....Thank You I'm going for day 30 wish me luck..................

[Moses98]

I've been taking Vicodin for the past three years for pain  associated with a compressed disk as  well as chest pain  associated with open heart surgery in  1999.  Until  recently I have limited my intake to no more  than four a day...and that's only  when my pain is  extreme. Most  recently, however, I have noticed my tendancy  to increase my dosage...simply  stated:  As the symptoms  associated with my heart  failure (ejection fractiion=25--30)  worsen, I  find myself  taking more  vicodin.  Worse yet, I'm beginning to believe  that at a certain point in my declining health these  soothing pills might ease my transition to the other side.  

[mark66666]

It works to stop the withdrawl and it really works

[mark66666]

I was taking 15=20 vicodin a day and my Dr. recommended Subtex, anyon every heard of this ?

[Mick]

Diane, I was trated at a great detox and outlined the meds used to help in previous replies. Please read one dated 10/30/99 from mick I hope it helps.