Valium AND Xanan use for heroin withdrawl(withdrawal)?

im a 20 yr old female...(stupid female) Firstly, its hard to find people out there on the internet who smoke heroin.. i have been smoking heroin now for the past maybe 7 months, its time to stop but the withdrawls are hell! not only do i get fatigue and all the rest but i literally choke and cant stop coughing. the sleep is also terrible. i have been able to get onto some Valls and xanis wich seem to be helping alot. would just like to hear from some others who smoke gear and maybe some of your own methods. any answeres welcome. i am new to this. :)

[stilltrying1965]

Hey just some encouragment I was addicted to heroin for 14 years I tried and failed countless times to stop using. I had to go to rehab to stop takin heroin i was there 6 weeks and came home clean. But i was scared a i was home and close to the drug scene again. But as everyone kept telling me i would not be able to do this myself AFTERCARE was key to me being clean now for 103 days. The support i get now has learned me the tools not to get in situations were im near drugs. My support workers are great. W/ds are hard but doable so if you want it bad enough you can do it i wish you the best of luck and if you need to talk i will help as much as possible ? Me personily i would not take diazipam and i also came of cold turkey you can also do  this Good luck and best wishes you CAN DO IT ,,,,,James

[Nixiestardust]

Hi. Good for you for trying to get off the junk. I think that you need to be in a controlled environment when you go through the withdrawal process. That would mean finding a hospital or detox center that helps with heroin addicts. They would be able to monitor your DT,s and have the appropriate medicine to help ease the pain and other symptoms of withdrawal.

I know that maybe isn't what you wanted to hear but I wish you the best. If you wish you can keep me posted on how things are going for you.

[sudie58]

hi, and welcome, i am glad you want to stop heroin, you can do it, and there are good folks on here who have been on heroin who will give you good advice and help, could you see your dr. or a health advisor to help you, i see you are taking valium and xanax, but not sure how to advise you on taking that, it is a bit quiet on here weekends but you will get the help you need, take care, god bless sudie

[dragons2]

Hi. Good for you for trying to get off the junk. I think that you need to be in a controlled environment when you go through the withdrawal process. That would mean finding a hospital or detox center that helps with heroin addicts. They would be able to monitor your DT,s and have the appropriate medicine to help ease the pain and other symptoms of withdrawal.

I know that maybe isn't what you wanted to hear but I wish you the best. If you wish you can keep me posted on how things are going for you.

- Thankyou for your reply.
the thing is, i have had a marijuana dependency for a number of years now. i a, being completely honest when i say im not ready to kick that habbit but the heroin has the potential to destroy me. i dont have any family that i can confide in.

my sleeping pattern is also completely out of wack.. i cant sleep till the suns up and i dont wake up till atleast 4 or 5 pm. i am pretty much stuck and i kn ow what i need to do to get out of it but it feels like well... im stuck.
my local gp doesnt prescribe bupe or dome or anything. i have had the hardest time getting help in the hours im up and it feels like more should be done for people like me. i have already been to 3 doctors when i had the strength and wasnt sick as a dog (mainly when high)

[dragons2]

but most gps seem to have no idea...
it has been a frustrating road. it is currently day 2 with vals and xani's.

[IBKleen]

You need to be in a controlled environment to detox off of Heroin? Really? Have you ever taken it? Have you detoxed from it? Tell us about it.

In the meantime dragon, Heroin withdrawal is hard, I know that. However hun, if you are committed to doing this, you can do it as long as you do not have any underlying health problems that you have not mentioned. Detox at home is very doable.

It is going to take a few days of getting through the physical withdrawal to get to the other side. I am not a fan of Valium or Xanax to help you along, especially since they were not prescribed by a doctor but it seems you have already taken them so all I can say is be careful. I don't want to see you switch addictions. Besides, you ares till self-medicating and that is the behavior you want to change, right?

I am all too familiar with the coughing and choking and I really never did find anything that helped with it. When I detoxed from Heroin I vomited quite a lot and it was just a matter of getting through it and knowing it would soon be over.

Be good to yourself during this time. Take long hot baths, push fluids and if you can, try and eat something.

Do you have any plans for aftercare once you get past the physical part? If not, ask about it and we can help you with that. I am glad you found your way here and hope you come back and keep talking. As it was mentioned, it is quiet on the weekends so be patient and someone will be around to talk with you.

[sudie58]

sorry i meant my post for you, not Nixiestardust, god bless

[dragons2]

IBKleen i am very greatful for your reply,

i have always had a bad stomach, over the past couple of months everyday it started getting worse and worse, also at this time i was smoking quite alot of gear... anyway the pains got so bad i was admited to hospital for a week.. i couldnt eat a thing but im sure it wasnt heroin withdrawl (withdrawal) because i had been high the night before. i had all the tests done and they couldnt find a thing. i mentioned my using and as soon as i did the nurse was convinced i was going through withdrawl (withdrawal) when i knew that wasnt the case.. through the six days i was there i felt no WDS.. came home back in to this environment and before i knew it i was getting high again.
i feel like seen as im smoking the gear it should be much easier for me to kick?
in your opinion, should i go on prescribed meds? like bupe or dome?
thanks for your support :)

[IBKleen]

Can I tell you something honestly? You need to lose the "street terms". Understand? That is not who you are and it should not be part of your vocabulary. My guess is that you are a good person who is caught up in a terrible drug cycle. So how about no more with the gear, done, etc. To be honest, it causes cravings for me and I am sure it does for others as well.

I am not one to suggest maintenance drugs unless it is under certain circumstances. I think Methadone is a big no-no. I think you will really be sorry down the road if you go that route. If you choose Suboxone, and I am not recommending it, you need to do your homework. If you are looking for a quick fix (and we all are), then it is not for you. It IS an opiate and it comes with it's own set of problems. You will have to withdrawal from it as well and unless you do the WHOLE program to the letter, you will have mega problems and be back in the same boat.

Day 2 is excellent..it really is. By day 4 you should start to feel much better---physically that is. I then have to suggest that you engage in some form of aftercare. We all know how to GET clean, we don't know how to STAY clean. Using drugs is just a symptom of what is really going on with us and unless you get to the root of the issues, identify them and learn how to deal with them, relapse is a huge possibility. I don't want to see that happen to you. You are young and you have, hopefully, a long life ahead of you. If you work on yourself now---well--anything is possible.

I used Heroin for the better part of twenty years. I detoxed more times than I can count. It wasn't until I started getting outside support that I was able to learn to live life and stay clean. I hope that you don't have to go through what I did, or what other's have. You have a chance now and I want to see you go for it!

[dragons2]

I am someone who never had someone to guide me.. and i still dont. this whole staying clean thing and relapse feels too full on. i do not feel like i am addicted.
i am asking advice from people who understand where im coming from and the situation im in and what they think is the best way to go.
i have been using marijuana for the past 3 years everyday. through a bong not joints (wich i think makes a difference but anyway) it is not as simple as it seems.. i am aware of the pitfalls i just would like a method i could try to help me in my current lifestyle and situation. what is the best way to go. does it seem like i even need meds? look i just need some real insight.. not going by the book. but i appreciate all that you are telling me. i am confused i guess.. :/

[Tomuk]

hi dragons2, i smoked heroin for a lot of years and know what your going thru, it took me ages to admit that i was addicted, I really didnt think i was for the best part of 2 years maybe as i had clean periods in those 2 years but thats how heroin tricks you. ive sent you a friend request if you wanna add me and ask any questions

[IBKleen]

You lost me. You have been smoking heroin for 7 months and went to the hospital with stomach pain from withdrawal but you are not addicted? I am sorry, not trying to be rude I just don't get it. I am sure quite a few people here would help you but your post is not clear. And smoking pot in bongs is different than joints? I don't know what you are asking hun.... What exactly is it you want help with??

[dragons2]

Maybe YOU need to re-read my post then.. i said i was positive it was NOT the heroin withdrawl (withdrawal) because i was high the night before. i have re-read my posts and i think they are as clear as i could be withought wrighting my whole life story. it is you who is not understanding. its all good. dont worry.

[ANewMe4Me]

I am currently feeling your pain.  I've been hooked on oxycontin for the past year and have decided three days ago to home detox.  Its been hell, and I too have a marijuana habit (marijuana is medicine so should not be called addiction in my eyes).  I have to say, the pot has helped me through A LOT of the pain, nausea and loss of appetite.  Not only that but valium and xanex are both fantastic drugs when it comes to the anxiety of withdrawing and the insomnia.  I wish you all the luck, and hit me up if you need ANYTHING!!!!

[rockbottom1970]

It sounds like you want to quit your heroin addiction (ands I believe you ARE addicted) and continue to smoke weed....thats what I'm reading into the posts your writing anyway.  Nevermind the weed right now, If you want to stop the heroin you just have to do it.  I'm sorry to say but there is no easy way around this, WD's are not fun by any means, you just have to make your mind up and do it.  Stick around the forum and you'll get plenty of advice on how to make your Wd symptoms easier...or whether CT is right for you...or other people's experiences on Rehab facilities....Whatever it may be you will get some answers and then you can make up your mind on what it is you want to do.

I would be care full with the xanax and valium as well, I've heard these aren't any fun getting off of either.

Good luck and best wishes...whatever you decide to do.

[IBKleen]

You are right...it's me. Good luck!

[dragons2]

Thanks to ANewMe and rockbottoM!

ANewMe, it is very interesting to hear you are battling an oxycontin addiction aswell as a marijuana dependency.. may i ask how much weed you would smoke daily? i find that the weed helps alot but it has got to the point where i needed something a lil stronger, thats when i thought of the valium and xanex. i have never been one to go hack on my drugs. i like to think im always careful so i dont want to do it and believe me a val or xan addiction is the last thing i need on top of everything else. but all i can say for now is they are helping HEAPS.

It is making me feel real good to hear everyones opinions :)

[dragons2]

I did not mean to insult you in any way.
i just dont think you understood where i am coming from, wich is a little odd since you have been a user urself.

[sudie58]

hey, IBKleen did understand you, she is very experienced in how you are feeling and where you are! rockbottom is right, i think you are addicted to heroin, isnt that why you went to 3 doctors? you say you are asking advice from people who understand and coming from, IBKleen does. you dont think the stomache pain is from withdrawal, perhaps its from using, pot smoking through a bong is still smoking pot, i really wish you well, let people help you , take care,

[dragons2]

i believe i am weak minded, i have seen extreme heroin withdrawl (withdrawal) and i dont get that. i get the minor symptoms. sweats depression anxiety sneezing coughing chocking watery eyes BODEM and insomnia. im lucky enough not to vomit and all the rest.. i'd like to think i might have a mild addiction? all i really need is something to ease the WDS for the week or two.. till i can get things back on track. right now i cant move or function straight, or show up to my apointments. and im extreemely stressed! the whole weed thing is my own opinion. smoking bongs and smoking joints are two different things. for me bongs are way more hardcore then joints. again its two different highs just like injecting and smoking heroin? do you see what i mean at all?  IBKleen is talking from the text book. im talking for real.

again i mean no harm. im just saying

[stilltrying1965]

Hey just some encouragment I was addicted to heroin for 14 years I tried and failed countless times to stop using. I had to go to rehab to stop takin heroin i was there 6 weeks and came home clean. But i was scared a i was home and close to the drug scene again. But as everyone kept telling me i would not be able to do this myself AFTERCARE was key to me being clean now for 103 days. The support i get now has learned me the tools not to get in situations were im near drugs. My support workers are great. W/ds are hard but doable so if you want it bad enough you can do it i wish you the best of luck and if you need to talk i will help as much as possible ? Me personily i would not take diazipam and i also came of cold turkey you can also do  this Good luck and best wishes you CAN DO IT ,,,,,James

[dragons2]

wow, 103 days after a 14 year addiction? thats amazing!
i couldnt imagine... (well i can kind of) imagine what you went through and your truely a strong person. i know everyday must be a struggle for you.. but by seeing your post i realize this forum must help you.. like it this has helped mke feel a little calmer. :)
thankyou for your kind support. i might hit u up with some questions about your experiances later if you dont mind,
all the very best with you..
best of luck :)

[Nixiestardust]

Sorry, I think I offended you somehow...The reason I said to go to detox was because a person can get very sick from the withdraw process, as you and other posters have stated. I have watched one of my best friends withdraw from Oxycontin many times at home but one time his body went into shock and he ended up in the hospital and almost died. So the safest way would be in something like a 72 hour detox unit. After getting out of the detox unit you could decide if you want to do treatment or not. During the 72 hour detox you are monitored and can receive medication if the withdrawals are to bad.

I did not mean to offend anyone or try to give bad advice with my post. My apologies.
I also think that there is very good advice/ideas from all the posters.

[IBKleen]

You didn't offend me hun, no one did. While treatment centers or short-term detoxes are certainly an option, they can be quite costly for one. Also, treatment centers by themselves rarely deal with the physical withdrawal. They are geared to help the person learn new behaviors and learn about the disease of addiction.

I am sorry to hear about your friend but his situation is not the norm. People have been detoxing from opiates at home for a long, long, long, long time and unless there is something else medically wrong with them, the detox is not typically dangerous.

I realize you are speaking from your friend's experience, not from your own.

The members here have lived it. They speak from their own experience and that is what we share here.

[ANewMe4Me]

Thanks for the well words :)

MEDICATION FOR WITHDRAWALS ARE SUBOXONE AND METHADONE.  EFF THOSE DRUGS!!!  Both have been studied intensely by other countries as well as our corrupt own, and they have been OUTLAWED everywhere but the US because they have been found to be COUNTERACTIVE.  All it is, is substituting one addictive substance with a 72 hour detox time, to another substance with a horrific one MONTH withdrawal that will make an opiate withdrawal look like your coming off of baby asprin.  Yet another reason I detoxed at home.  It is NOT dangerous...sure you will feel uncomfortable as HELL and will feel like your dying, but its just your bodies way of screaming out for what you've been giving it for so long.  Also, detox/rehab, all it does is take you away from your normal surroundings, away from the dealers and people that do it, and they plop you into a drug free environment where there are no triggers.  Once you get back in the real world you are like WTF?! and relapse.  Put on them big girl panties, and do it yourself!  You will feel so much more accomplished in the end.

As for how much I smoke...lol....I smoke every few hours...good medicinal weed or hash with a high THC content.  It helps IMMENSELY with the nausea and pain.  And the xanex...its technically addicting but in this kind of situation where you only need it for a week or so, its mind over matter...the addiction to xanex isnt like oxy's where the first time you try it its like OMG I LOVE IT!  Just use your best judgement and go for it.  Make sure you do it in a comfy place bc no matter how comfy it may be, you will still not get comfortable lol.  Drink LOTS of water, take vitamins (especially D and Ginsing).  Keep me posted!!!

[hellc@mst]

What are you talking about suboxone and methadone being outlawed in countries other than the US. That's untrue. Most western countries have suboxone/ methadone programs. Some have even have trialled Heroin programs. Please show me these "studies" where they have been shown to be counteractive(?).  

[stilltrying1965]

Dragon you are welcome to ask any questions and ill answer them truthfully Heroin is a bad drug as you already know.You sound determind to quit have you ever thought of doing it cold turkey its hard but very doable. im also happy you feel calmer and yes dragon you can ask me about my experances of quitting my DOC and anything else you need to know. Rember my friend you can do this you dessere a happy clean life. I went to hell and back trying to kick my DOC but after 103 days i know iv turned a big corner in my life. So anything you need to ask  or know about just ask me ill be open and truthfull. And when things get tough POST for support best wishes ,,,,,James ps yo can PM me anytime ill get back to you asap

[ANewMe4Me]

The Cons of Suboxone:

1. It is very, very expensive. Even if your insurance “covers” it, they are going to make you pay a lot more for it than your normal co-pay, expect to pay about 300 bucks a month with insurance and about 300 bucks a week without insurance. That’s not including the cost of your monthly doctor’s visit. Ouch!
2. It’s mildly addictive. I know, I said that it doesn’t have the same narcotic effects that other opiates have but it does have a calming and slightly…um…nostalgic opiate euphoric effects. This is my personal experience and others may be different but I got a little bit of a high from it. I have met others that have gotten really really hooked on it.
3. You are substituting one drug for another and you have to ask yourself if you are getting closer to your goal by doing so. The clinical strategy with Suboxone is virtually the same as methadone which is essentially to “stabilize” and then “sustain” the patient until he or she is ready to get off of it.
4. There ARE withdrawals from Suboxone. Since Suboxone is a relatively new drug, there’s not much data on the long-term effects of the drug or the withdrawals. The common wisdom is that Suboxone withdrawal is very similar to opiate withdrawal except that it is a bit milder and lasts up to a month as opposed to 10-12 days like Vicodin. There is a syndrome called P.A.W.S. (Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) that is commonly associated with Suboxone and it consists of prolonged lethargy, depression and insomnia. There are entire websites dedicated to Suboxone withdrawal so it is not a small issue.
5. Many people who have used Suboxone will find it too expensive and then transfer to methadone treatment since it’s cheaper. Trust me, you do not want to be on Methadone! You have to go to a clinic every day (gag) to pick up your dose and the withdrawals are horrible. In my opinion, you might as well go back to Vicodin if you’re thinking about Methadone.
6. Suboxone doesn’t have many side effects but the ones that it does have are acute. Industrial strength constipation that will make you want to drink Drano (for God’s sake this is a joke! Don’t drink Drano!). It gives you munchies for sweets and whatever weight you are now just tack on 10% after you get on Suboxone. It can also make you very very sleepy and when I was on it, I drank about 4 cups of coffee and 5 cokes a day to stay awake which caused…insomnia.
7. Did I mention it’s very expensive? You also need to find a doctor that will administer it to you every month so factor in the office visit co-pay or out-of-pocket costs into the total cost of the treatment.

From the web.  Not looking to search around a bunch right now because honestly I'm not a ***** like 98% of the damn world and I am full fledged detoxing my pants off right now.  I feel like ****, don't want to quarrel, just saying I tried suboxone and then learned how horrific the detox was from that and happily went back to eating oxys.

[hellc@mst]

Huh? You never answered my question. I didnt ask for a cut and paste of the pros/cons of suboxone/methadone. I spent 12 years on the methadone and detoxed using suboxone 3 and a half years ago, so i do not require a lesson from you.  I just wanted to know what you meant about these meds being OUTLAWED outside the US and what evidence( not some adhoc commentary from an anti website) there was about them being counteractive.

[Meilena_MHModerator]

Please keep in mind our forums are not to conduct debates.  We are hear to support one another and help the member that posted the original question find answers.  Please remember that what method of recovery works for one member might not work for others and regardless of our opinions we should respect their needs for discovering options available to them.  Thanks for your cooperation.