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Trying to stop taking vicodin... how do I do that?

RCG
About 2 years ago I was in a car accident that led my doctor to prescribe vicodin for me. I feel I am addicted and after many attempts at not taking vicodin I do not know what to do. I am in pain but something tells me that it is my mind that is making me think I am to justify taking vicodin. What can I do to get off of this stuff that is making me depressed. I am too embarassed to tell my family for the fear of them looking at me as though I am a weak person, and I would like to go to counseling without them knowing! Throughout this time period I have remained very active, working out 5-7 times a week in an effort to get my mind off of it, but with no success! Your input is appreciated,thank you!
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Avatar universal
i came online to check out about withdrawal.and found out how hard it might be for others.i was on vic,oxy prc. lortabs,morph. for 6+ years.i have quit cold turkey,pretty much.i think ive taken 3 . 500 vics in 7 days...i am going through a living mother ******* HELL...im cold and hott.i just lost my girlfriend to a bad argument.havent slept more than 3 hours at a time.everytime i wake up in a pool of sweat ! change my cloths,my pillow.and sit there thinking when will it end !..its been 7 days..does anyone know when this hell on earth will end for me.im dieing ! plzz help ..ty all and Gl to everyone out there
Helpful - 1
5761335 tn?1374262330
I have had three back surgeries, and one neck surgery. I worked as a trash man for over thirty years when it was done solely by me lifting 55 gallon drums before containers were introduced to the industry. I tore my body up and had fusion on my back and I do suffer daily from the pain. I was informed that I also have degenerative disc disease. My level just under the fusion is now close to bone on bone. I have been taking hydrocodone 10-325 for at least 10 years. 240 tablets a month. In the past I did feel that I was addicted and tried to stop. It was very difficult. I could not stop because of the so called Dt's which included the butterfly creepy feelings, the jitters, the spasms when trying to sleep etc. One day my my back doctor prescribed a medication to me to also help relieve my daily pain. It was GABAPENTIN 300 mg. I ran out of my regular hydrocodone fix early and I was really freaking out worried that I would have to deal with the DT's. I will be damned. The GABAPENTIN eliminated all of the DT's. No suffering what so ever. I quit cold turkey for a month without any problems other than the diareah for a week which is expected. I was able to regain control of things and gained self control of things. Please try this if you are suffering from the addicted feeling it worked for me. The prescibed GABAPENTIN was 300 mg's. One to two caps in the AM. One to two in the Mid Day, and three at bedtime. I hope that this helps anyone in need.   If you want to talk about anything. I will offer my support here for anyone who wants to talk about it.........Good Luck!   And God Bless You All.     Wayne   :  )   Portage Indiana U.S.A.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have been taking vicodin for years. i have tried to quit several times,and even after 3 weeks clean i felt like hell.I FINALLY TALKED to someone that had also tried to quit several time and now has been clean for over a year.He said the secret to quiting is WATER i looked at the guy like he was crazy. day one the only hard part was not taking them and drank a gallon of water.DAY 2 also drank a gallon of water around noon felt like i wanted to die bad headaches and my balance was off couldnt function at all.DAY 3 FELT BETTER but headaches,did not drink water like i was supposed to,started drinking water latter in day headaches stopped.DAY 4 woke up I FEEL LIKE A MILLION BUCKS DESTROYED MY REMAINING PILLS DRANK MY GALLON OF WATER DURING THE DAY.DAY 5 YET TO COME BUT ALL MY FRIENDS HAVE NOTICE MY ATTITUDE IS MUCH BETTER,APOLOGIZED TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND TOLD THEM ABOUT MY PROBLEM AND THAT I WILL NOT LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN. Things to look forward to THE WORLD IS ALOT BRIGHTER THAN YOU REMEMBER,YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GET UP IN THE MORNING,YOU WILL HAVE MORE ENERGY,i thought i  couldnt get up without the pills I WAS WRONG.YOU WILL FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Im new at this and I think its time for me to reach out for help.I have several issues including pins in both my feet, arthritis all thru out my body, very badly in my hands and back, my back has a fracture in the thoracic vertebra and several herniated and buldging disks that resulted from a fall in 12/2009 as wel as stone nerve issues thru my arms and hands.I explain all that to describe the issues that left me in this situation.I've had vidicon on and off for years but continually since 2009 after the fall and with other health issues and my tolerance increasing im up to 2 every 6 hours or eight per day. And I've found im running out early, ( at last months refill my pharmacy accidentally filled my prescription with 10 mg tabs instead of 7.5 mg) and I've found since then th7.5 mgs don't work the same. I need to get off this stuff I know im addicted. I've tried to go cold turkey before ( usually when im out and don't request refills) the wd is horrible!!  I usually can only make it 3 days. I did get to 12 days once and ended up in the hospital with kidney stones and ovarian cysts...go figure so right back on out I went. Any help getting thru the wd is much appreciated!!
Helpful - 0
2119804 tn?1334861046
First of all go back to the main forum page and click "post new question" and start an up-to-date thread. This is old and will fall away quickly.

YOU CAN DO THIS. I'm sorry the w/d is so hard for you but there are many ways to moderate the symptoms. Check out the Thomas recipe at the bottom right of this page, and post a new question and listen to the members.

No matter how bad the detox is, the worst is done in 5 days. I feel your pain. I could have written your post myself. I have cut back during the last week or two to about half of my normal intake and today I have one pill left. I work until noon and after that it is cold turkey for me. You have my best wishes and prayers for success. You gotta work for it so psych yourself up with a quick taper (take less) and then jump! YOU CAN DO IT.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been taking about 10 Vic's or norcos a day for 2 years. I want to stop so bad. I want my life back. I'm sick of being dependent on this horrible pill. I'm sick of lying to everyone to cover up my addiction. I' hate myself and think about suicide every day. Everything I read says "oh Vicodin w/d aren't so bad, just deal with it" but to me it is the absolute worst feeling I have ever experienced in my life. When I stop I just want to die. I get 150 5mgs/ month from my doc but they never last, I end up going to the ER or buying from drug dealers. What do I do??????
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ive been using vic's for over 2 years now The most I took in a day were up to 10 and I would mix them with oxy's.
I make attempts to quit and I do but the longest has only been for a week. I am currently on day 3 of quitting cold turkey and the way I look at it is you get flu like symtoms so I treat it as if I have the flu I take dayquil for the day and nyquil for the night thats the worst part the night. Which I know its not good but like I said I treat it like if i were sick the first day ***** but then the next day gets better. Everyones diffrent in their mind and how they accept quitting. I know for me I would get anxiety and drinking tea also helped melllow me out. Its a process and you will get through it if you really want help.
I worry for my health especially my liver I have kids and a wife. So I want to stop I dont want to die young because of my selfish addiction. I really hope the best for everyone who is trying to quit. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am a mother of 6 kids, I started taking pain killers almost 2 years ago. I went from taking a half of one for bout a month then a whole one and so on now I'm up to bout 8 to 15 a day. I don't get a buzz anymore I just feel normal and I miss feeling normal without taking anything thing. I am spending about 300 to 400.00 every two weeks. I want to be me again and I hate the fact that I'm spending so much money. This isn't like me I've always been in control and now I'm not and I'm scared. I've tried for 1 day of not taking anything and I only made it til 5:00. Plz some one help me. What should I do?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Im going through withdrawls and it sux i had a back fusion 6 months ago and now im cut off i dont know what to do viks are hard to *** off of dont kno what to do
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Im going through withdrawls and it sux i had a back fusion 6 months ago and now im cut off i dont know what to do viks are hard to *** off of dont kno what to do
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I would love to talk to u about getting off pills. This is weird but im stuck and need help.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Don't give up because you aren't alone. I am going to try and quit after 3 years of taking Vicodin.  I have tried to stop many times but when I am having a bad day with the kids or my husband has hurt my feelings I run to take one or more to feel that high I have grown to love more then life itself.  It is going to take my life if I don't stop and I know you feel the same way.  We can do this!! I will pray for your strength.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Don't give up because you aren't alone. I am going to try and quit after 3 years of taking Vicodin.  I have tried to stop many times but when I am having a bad day with the kids or my husband has hurt my feelings I run to take one or more to feel that high I have grown to love more then life itself.  It is going to take my life if I don't stop and I know you feel the same way.  We can do this!! I will pray for your strength.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have had an addiction to vicodin on and off for 3yrs now...my latest bout has lasted about 6months w me taking up to 7 vicodin es a day. I'm in my second day and feel so awful. Can't work cuz I'm in the bathroom either throwing up or having diarrhea...I have a 3yr old and 12yr old and am trying to stay strong but I feel so hopeless right now. I don't kno what to do, I didn't taper, just stopped cold turkey when my workmans comp doc decided not to call me in  another refill. Pls help...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I Hope someone replys soon.  Im 19 years old and i was subscribed Vicodin after having my daughter 2 years ago. I was only a kid i was getting them in the hospital and when i left i got a script. I loved the way they made me feel and taking all the pain away. After all of my vics ran out my friend had some that they didnt take so i gave her a few dollars for her script. Im pretty sure i was hooked after that then from there life was hell. I had to worry about where i was going to get my next dose how i was going to. I have quit a few times when almost a month with out them and relapsed. this is my first day with out anything i had took my last one mid day yesturday. i didnt take much anyways up to 2 or 3 a day. So i know my withdraws wont be like others but i do have them and they suck. I dont kno what to do im freaking out. Someone told me Mini thins- energy pills work to help with withdraws. does anyone know if that really helpss?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Just looking for a little support, if anyone can offer some friendly advice it would be much appreciated.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
HI and welcome to the forum glad you found your way here ......we can help we do home detoxs every day there are 2 schools of thought out on how to do this if your in good health no heart problems or high B/P you can do it in about a week if you got strong will power and long perseverance you can us a slower aproch and try to taper you use till your no longer using .....this softens the withdrawals but spreads them out over a month or so ....hence you feel less sick but over a longer period ......spend some time reading the posts you will find people that have done it both ways you will need to pick witch way you think will work best for you as a general rule of thumb just jumping and getting it over with in a week seems to be the ezer of the 2 to do and gets it over with .......I would tell you to also go to the top of this page and start your own post go to the post a question (green box) click on it and start one you will get a lot more responses from a new post apposed to the old one your on read and then read some more look to the lower right ther are health pages loaded with good info ...look up the thomas recipe and pick up the stuff suggested it will soften the blow a bit we can talk some more I will look for your post give us an idea of how much your using for how long and mabe some thought on how you would like to go about doing this we will work with you from there.....congrats on wanting to take your life back this will be one of the best decisions of your life goood luck and God bless......Gnarly      
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just found this site. I want to stop taking vicodin so bad. I want to be able to get up without the pain sickness and being so sweaty. I want to not have to worry about not having enough and omg how am I gonna get up tomorrow. I'm at the point of how?? Please some one give me hope.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have been Taking vicodin for about 8 months, i was 9 months pregnant and had plecenta abrubtion, i was rushed to the hospital where i had an emergency c section, and delivered a healthy baby boy:) about a week later i started having severe pain in my back in shoulder, i was rushed back to the hospital once again where they found i had 3 blood clots in my lung and a piece of my lung has died i am only 22 btw . i was then perscribed vic i started taking them and was like WOW this is a miracle drug.. "I FEEL NO PAIN" but i started taking more and more and then i was calling my doctor 2 or 3 times a month getting more vic or morphine. i started weining my self off about a month ago and went from 7 a day, to 2 to 3 a day. it was just yesterday i went to the doctor for my follow up cat scan results and they found something wrong with my liver:( they said pain medicen is the main cause so i decided to just stop. i felt GREAT untill the night when the withdraws hit, most horrible feeling ever! but i woke up this morning feeling good a little hot and cold sweats and restless legs but nothing i cant handle i have no one family or friend wise i can talk to because i never told them my addiction this site is amazing and everyone going threw it, it can be done keep your head up just remember your stronger than DRUGS! ..  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Don't be embarrassed. Addiction is an illness. Anyone can become addicted to narcotics because of the pill's chemical make-up. They work by sending signals throughout your body to make it feel incredible. Who wouldn't want to feel this...

The best thing to do, and I know first hand trust me, is to bear down and take the pain of withdrawals. This isn't the best feeling in the world but it is the best remedy. Masking the pain with other drugs such as Xanax is the absolute WORST thing you can do. You risk the chance of becoming dependent on yet another prescription drug.

Stay physically active and your body will train itself to release these chemicals naturally. Find a hobby, and avoid your "triggers". Surround yourself with loved ones. Get over the initial pain of the 3-day withdrawal hump and its much easier from then on.

This is not an easy feat but it is definately possible to accomplish. I hope this helps you. Respond back if you have any questions/comments. I'm glad to give any advice for I have been there on numerous occasions. I'm not perfect, no one is.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This is day two for me and cant sleep. I have been taking hydro for about two years 5 - 6 pills 10s. I had back surgery and thought I could stop at anytime and it has been hell.I am trying this Thomas recipe to see how it works. I am a strong person and think I can do it. I stopped smoking 15 years ago cold turkey. Thanks for the advice it has helped.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Well 2008 (I was 19)  my "friend" at work noticed I was taking some vicodin for some dental work I had recently had done. She literally begged me for some meds even told me she would pay me for them... I thought she was crazy I was so afraid to take those things- I had 0 clue of why she would want to buy them from well I took one with her, I don't recall how it all happened but I do know it escalated dramatically + fast. I took a half a day then 2 a day, 4 a day, 6 a day and before I knew it I was taking 20-22 a day... My life slow revolved around vicodin its all I would think about..... I ditched my friends so I would have money for vicodin I would lie and doctor shop, I would borrow money from my parents and lied to them, I hated what I had become and I never though addiction would be my problem. Keep in mind I am about 5'3 and weigh 115 I was taking dosages that could have nearly killed me!!! Yup 20-22  10/325Well bye 2010 I was broke jobless and isolated I was tired of it so dec 2010 I broke down prayed harder than I've ever ever prayed, I was ready I admitted I needed help and I committed to kicking the habit out of my life, I went cold turkey and on day 4  I told my parents they cried and cried but supported me all down the road, by day 5 I went and got some suboxone I am now 7 WEEEKKKSSS clean tomorrow!! We can do it guys, be strong mind over matter!!!  Get some meds if you need them (suboxone works miracles) for those of you who have money issues there's assistance so no excuses- I know this first hand!! To it for your families and loved ones' but more importantly do it for yourself!!! We all deserve out lives back!!!!  Well 2008 my "friend" at work noticed I was taking some vicodin for some dental work I had recently had done. She literally begged me for some meds even told me she would pay me for them..
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm also going through w/d to Hydros & I've got 3 lol ones. My oldest is also 9 (: They r the main reason I want to quit & my marriage. My husband also takes Hydros less than I do but he's pretty going through what I am right now. Today is really my 1st day w/o a lot...I've had 1 today broke in half. I'm trying so hard but my knees & head r killing me...the restless legs is enough to want to saw my own legs off. I've taken a tiny piece of a xanex & I'm praying that does some good. Any advice is def appreciated. Thanks good luck to everyone in this terrible fight.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am in the same situation as the rest of you. I take 5 7.5 vic's a day. I am a professional and work in a firm with high net worth clients. I do great at work when I'm taking the vic's. I ran out with three days before my refill. I instantly started scrambling calling ppl I knew had them. Everyone was out. I did manage to get 6 10mg valium which has helped but leaves me tired and un motivated. Last night was my first nite without the vic's and it was tough. I was up all nite with jumpy legs. I felt like screaming outload to release the feeling. This really sux. If I survive until I get my refill I am going to ween off, I have had it with these things.
Helpful - 0
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