Was my "Recovery" a sham?

I became addicted to Xanax when I was 14 years old.  At the age of 21, with the help of my friendly local district attorney I got clean. Upon completion of drug court I joined the military and served a tour in Iraq. While there I was helping unload a C-130 and fell off, cracking my spine and messing up some discs.  At first the pain was bearable, but after a year my back would "go out" and I could not even walk standing upright.  I had to do something, so I went to my VA doc and told him in no uncertain terms that I was a recovered addict.  He put me on "non-narcotic" tramadol, 300 mg's a day.  I decided that maybe I was developing a habit and am now 3 days without these non-narcotic pills and if this is not withdraw then I don't know what is.  So is it a narcotic or not, and is this withdraw?  I feel really down right now, how could this happen to me?  I was honest with that Doctor!

[what2donow]

I have never taken tram, but I know people here have.Hang on and give it a few minutes for the responces.I do know that I have heard people say that you go thru withdrawls with them.But you also go thru withdrawls with lots of meds, not just narcotics.
Hang on hun!!!I know you will get some replies soon

[cathy5841]

sorry to tell you but it is very addictive and you are in w/ds.  there are lots of ppl here in the same boat or getting out of that boat.  it is my understanding it is a narcotic and it has anti-deppressents in it.  do a google and see what you can find out.  sorry you are going through this.  now is the time to get out.  keep  posting it helps alot.
cathy

[mcray]

I have gotten screwed up on tramadol. I took far more than the normal dose, obviously. I think if you didn't abuse them you are alright. Tough it out for the next couple of days and all will return to normal, I'd think. I hope the best for you. Good luck.

[ladyboop]

That stuff is very addicting. the military Dr game it to me. the same thing, cuz I did not want the narc's. It was not long before I have trouble with them.. then went right back to the perc's.. There are allot of people on here that have been addicted to them...

  Good luck, know we are here for you..

          

[lucyred68]

sometimes the dr.s don't know what they are talking about when it comes to meds.  they just believe what the pharmaceutical companies tell them.  tram is not a narcotic, per se, but it works on the opiate receptors in the brain, so the brain thinks it is getting opiates and you feel wd.s when you quit.  it might be easier for you to taper off of them.  they also work on the serotonin in your brain like an antidepressant and can cause seizures if quit ct.  a taper is actually the right way to get off of them.  take care, Hun, and i will be praying for you.

Lucy

[ladyboop]

My Dr told me back in 1994. that it was man made codine.. And that why it was not addicting.. Boy were they wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!   Leave it to an addict to fine that out.lol..

[avisg]

yes it is are addicting and going threw withdrawl (withdrawal) and I know how much it stinks .It is my D.O C.you are on day 3 so things will get better soon .Are you getting any sleep?

[NautyOne]

What Dr. was that.....?  Dr. Seuss.......geezzz  that's scary.

[ATigermom]

It is nice to know that I am not alone, not that I would wish this on anyone. LOL Ladyboop, you got that right.  I told my husband "I think I have gotten addicted to the so called "non narcotic" meds the VA gave me, his reply "leave it to you honey."

Please pray for me if you do pray, I have done this before and I WILL Make it, I just want to whine a little I guess.  Thanks, you guys have a great website here.

[swtbreezie]

It is very addictive and from what I see harder to withdraw from.  I think they give you this as an opiod alternative so they don't give you an "opiod".  BUT it is just as hard to withdraw from.Hang in there you can DO this!
swtbreezie

[ATigermom]

it was actually an older doctor in Oklahoma at the VA.  I was very honest with him, I know the drill, I told him I was an addict that could get addicted to anything....he said they were non narcotic and not addictive.  I never even googled them, it's all over the web.  
But deep inside, as all addicts know, I had to figure something when they made me feel so good and I could clean the house and bath the kids and be SUPERWIFE, and never get tired.  
And yes, I am sleeping a little, thank God.

[swtbreezie]

Day 3 is the worst!  Hot showers for RLS and stay hydrated, take imodium (immodium), I didnt think I would ever leave the bathroom and oh gosh it was terrible.  Use your heating pad around your legs.  This shall pass to the RLS was the worst.
swtbreezie

[poetrygirl1960]

I've never taken it but a lot of people here have and from what I've heard here it does have the narcotic effect on w/d.  I'm so sorry you were mislead and I hope and pray you get through this with as little discomfort at possible.

Lisa

[ATigermom]

OMG it just dawned on me you mean restless leg syndrome!  Thank God, I thought not only was I detoxing but I had developed RLS!  So that is part of the detox?  I never did that DT off xanax

[cathy5841]

yes the rls is a terrible part of the w/ds.  take a hot bath and use epsom salt it is great.  and eat lots of bananas for potassium replacement.   you will get through

[swtbreezie]

I'm sorry I thought you might have known what it was because it is THE WORST in wd's  Please hang in there and I will type it out from now on, I thought it would KILL me on day 3!  BUT it didnt and yes I still have it at times but it is bearable.    Hang in there sweetie it does get better and keep posting and reading the Angels are wonderful support and help.
swtbreezie