need some support on vicodin withdrawal

[giterdone]

I have really many of the posts on this site.  I would like to get the opinions from those who have gone before me.  My story began when I was 21 years old.  I am now 61.  I have been on pain pills all my life it seems.  No need to go into all of it unless someone needs to know, then I will be glad to share.  I have never been a heavy user, the most I have ever done is 6-7 7.25mg Vics a day.  I now take 2.5 to 3 a day, I also take a 30mg restoril for sleep.  I have almost always used to help me sleep and the RLS that drives me crazy at night.  About 7 years ago, I tried to quit and by the 3rd day I thought I was going mad.  I was so tired and sleepy but could not go to sleep because of the restlessnes.  I was at a friends house who was in AA and I had intrusted him with my pills.  He lives in Alabama and I live in Georgia.  He finally gave them back to me but it was such a horrible experience I have been afraid every since.  I never feel good and have fought depression for years but I am beginning to think alot of my problems are because I am in a contant state of mild withdrawal.  I know this is a whimpy amount compared to what most of you  have gone through, however the demons are real to me.  I was thinking about Suboxone but someone told me they probably would not perscribe due to the small amount I now take and the withdrawal from the Subs would be worse than what I am now faced with.  Does anyone have an opinion about the length of a recovery and will it be harder or easier due to the length of time I have abused versus the amounts I use.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[dominosarah]

I understand your thinking but i also know the truth sets us free.  It's interesting how our brains work isnt it!  Those pills become our crutch, our best friend etc all the while stealing everything from us.  Holding ourselves accountable is hard at first but it will come.  Take baby steps right now as you dont want to overwhelm your brain more than it is already.

[giterdone]

Thanks for yourprompt response.  I hesistate to talk to my Doc in fear I will lose my source.  I know this is crazy but I am sure you undertand my thinking at this point.  I went to AA meetings with my ex-wife when she got sick from drinking.  I played along and found it most interesting and realized I fit the mold pretty well.  I did not have any problem quitting drinking and I was never honest about the drug use since it was Dr, approved.  HA HA   I need to get back and begin to be honest with myself

[dominosarah]

Hi, glad you posted as we are here to help you.  Have you talked to your doctor about getting off the pills?  It is a good idea to do especially the older we get.  That way the doc can monitor us and if there are any underlying issues they can help us with that.(high bp etc)  You have been on them along time and it doesnt matter how much you take, the outcome is still the same.  Have you thought about attending AA or NA?   Aftercare is very important to our well being.