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What is the best way to stop taking oxys?
I started taking percocets 5/325 for pain in my ankle, I was really good at first to not take them eveyday just when I needed to. I was also dealing with 2 of my sons being sexually abused. U ended up starting to take them to take the sadness and thoughts away. That was 2 years ago. I have in the last 6 months increased to taking what ever I can get. I have a different dr that will not give me a script for the percs. I now buy what ever I can. I favor 30mg oxys. I take 3 a day just to function. I am so sick and tired of this. I want to stop but don't now the best way to go about it. I am extremely upset with my self for letting it get out of hand. I just want to go back to normal. I have tried cutting back and when I do I get dizzy. I just don't no what to do. Please help.
That is a good idea. My plan is to take my last pill Sunday night. It is hard for me to go try WD' s on the weekend as I live with my parents and last time was ona weekend and they wanted me to go to the Dr 's. I told my husband no matter how bad I seem to be or how much I ask DO NOT go and get any pills for me what so ever. He agreed and agreed to help with whatever I need to get done next week. It has been 2 1/2 years for me and I am so sick and tiers of these pills running my life. I wish I could just wake up and not take them and not be sick. Thank you to everyone for the encouragement it means a lot.
Someone suggested writing a goodbye letter to your drug of choice too. Saying all the reasons why you are saying goodbye helps you let go. I am a chronic relapser and I know that I want to be clean, but it's more than wanting to be clean. It's wanting to live a life without pills. It's wanting to let go of old ways of thinking and surrending to the process. That's the hardest part...surrendering. We have spent how many years chasing after those pills, convincing ourselves we need them, don't want to go through wd's, etc? We have to change how we look at that to each hour, day, week behind me is an progress towards the new life I am ready for. These pills and the thoughts that accompany them have no place in my thoughts any longer. That doesn't mean you won't crave them or think about them when you are going through wd, but if you stay mad at them for what they did and stole from you, it helps you let go.
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. The list is a good idea and I am going to make one. I no that this should not be as hard as all the other things I have faced in the last three years. All my family issues are coming to an end and my family will be back to normal and this should be over as well. I will have my family back to normal and I want my life back as well. Thank you again.
I just read though this discussion, and being an addict myself having gone though the same thing many times I know what you are going through. I've sat in bed on the computer many a nights on forums just like this reading everything and anything someone had to say on how I could just get some relief or sleep. Unfortunately there was nothing anyone could say that would help my physical withdrawal. I would read as as long as the restless leg/arms/body syndrome would let me. Which was about 10 minutes at a time, then eventually giving up on night 2 or 3 as those were the worst and taking whatever I could get my hands on.
Here is some suggestions
First thing. You have to want this. I know this sounds obvious. I can almost here you screaming at the computer screen saying "I do want this!" you have to have a clear idea in your mind of what you want. Do most addicts want to be clean? Absolutely. There in lies the issues...I understand we all want to be clean. That's a simple want right? Clean means to abstain from mind-altering substances.Wanting to get be clean isn't enough though. When we want something it usually requires action. How do we get clean? We have to stop using. So we have to quit.Ah-ha. That's why it's so important to be specific about what you want. If you want to be clean but don't want to quit using then it's not gonna happen. I hear people all the time "I want to quit but I can't get through the withdrawal." Excuses mean you don't want to quit. I'm not trying to be mean but I'm not gonna sugarcoat it. I KNOW! I did it too! I kept using because I didn't WANT to quit. I thought I did a few times but it was my distorted thinking under the influence of opiates. So, if you believe you want to really quit, think of specific reasons as to why, a list is a good idea if you do end up detoxing to remind you of why you started in the first place. If you tell yourself that you want to "try and quit" that's a set up for failure right there. Saying you will "try" to quit will allow the addicted brain to find any excuse to give up. To give you guidance I will give you MY reasons for wanting to quit when I did. And this decision wasn't made until after day one of my detoxing withdrawal. This is what I came up with the morning of day 2.
I want to quit using pills because:
-I have no job
-I have no money
-I'm not happy
-I'm sick of being sick
-I want to be clean
-I simply need to
The reason I say I didn't realize I really wanted to quit until day 2 was because my ex would let me borrow money to pick up my tramadol. I was already 18 hours without anything, it was a Sunday. I went home and I didn't withdrawal too bad that night but I didn't sleep, the restless legs/arms/everything syndrome was tolerable but still enough to keep me awake all night. The next morning( (monday) is when I realized I needed to stop. I needed to stop taking opiates, my mind was clear of the drug so it made me think about why I needed to stop, and instantly I knew why I didn't want to die. So this in turn allowed me to WANT to quit. I wanted to stay alive. I wanted to survive.
I know I've written a long but it was lead up to my main point when it comes to quitting and withdrawal. Mind-set. Perceptive. I didn't realize it at the time but the physical withdrawal or detox in my opinion is about 50% psychosomatic.We psych ourselves out, not by thinking the withdrawal will be the most terrible experience of our lives, but by actually believing it.
When it comes to the body, if we believe it, the brain will manifest whatever it is we believe. Ever pretend to be sick with a stomach bug to get out of something important? And did such a good job making whoever believe you were sick when suddenly you have a stomach ache? Same thing. Mid-set will help you more than you will ever know, not just in withdrawal but in life. As addicts we weren't able to look at situations in a different perspective, possibly a contributing factor to drug use?
So, practice the mid-set first by finding out why you want to quit. We wish we could quit deep down but something holds us back from wanting it. I don't know about the whole planning on a specific day.. just seems harder because that day is gonna seem like doomsday to use during active addiction and create unnecessary anxiety. I wish I could explain it better. If you are thinking about it now, why not start with that list on reasons you want to quit now, or even start smaller with reasons to quit, If you want to quit I believe you will know it quickly, which is also evidence of having the mid-set that will get you through withdrawals.
I'm not saying it was fun, but it was no where near as bad as it had been previously. Then again, other times I wasn't trying to quit, I just didn't have any pills. The way I look at it.. start now. Today. Think about this, If you decide you want to quit right now, you are a few days a away from getting a clean nights sleep. A week away from not have any more physical withdrawal... I know that week will be the longest of your life but the time is gonna go by anyways. I made it 3 weeks clean but unfortunately I made the mistake of trying to do it on my own. I had no support, no tools, no skills on how to deal with the post-withdrawal. I ended up using because my addiction got the best of me. This was my first time clean. I went into the "maybe I can control this" mindset and thought ok, I detoxed myself and lowered my tolerance, so I can take a pill or 2 without worrying about withdrawal. They explain it in rehab actually.. it's very common after the first time someone gets through the detox. As soon as the worst physical withdrawal is gone, find an outpatient rehab. It's crucial to have support and resources available to help you through the longer and other difficult part of recovery.
Luckily, I didn't get the chance to use enough to go back to active addiction. I was arrested and sent to jail 2 weeks after using that first time after detoxing. 4 months later I was released a completely different person. I had to deal with the post-withdrawal in jail. Nothing can be worse than that, but I survived. My last use date is July 12th, 2011. Almost 17 months clean. Don't let your addiction get that far. I guess for me it's what I needed to realize where I was headed. That's why I say fate intervened. It's wasn't meant to happen like that.
If I can do it, so can you. Life is more amazing than I could have ever imagined back when I used to fantasize about what it would be like to be clean. To be truly happy. You said that you "never knew this would be as hard as it is." The hardest part is deciding that you truly want to quit. The rest isn't no cake walk either. The post-withdrawal is worse than the withdrawal, and it gets worse before it gets better. I know that may sound discouraging, but change your mind-set on that statement. "It gets worse before it gets better." The key point being it gets better! Yes the detox, and early recovery period will most likely be the one of the hardest things you will ever have to go through in your life, but it's so worth it. Nothing worth having comes easy. Sorry this is so long but if it helps you or something else then I every word typed was worth it. If you need anyone to talk to feel free to contact me. I wish you the best of luck on your journey to starting living, not existing :)
Here is some suggestions
First thing. You have to want this. I know this sounds obvious. I can almost here you screaming at the computer screen saying "I do want this!" you have to have a clear idea in your mind of what you want. Do most addicts want to be clean? Absolutely. There in lies the issues...I understand we all want to be clean. That's a simple want right? Clean means to abstain from mind-altering substances.Wanting to get be clean isn't enough though. When we want something it usually requires action. How do we get clean? We have to stop using. So we have to quit.Ah-ha. That's why it's so important to be specific about what you want. If you want to be clean but don't want to quit using then it's not gonna happen. I hear people all the time "I want to quit but I can't get through the withdrawal." Excuses mean you don't want to quit. I'm not trying to be mean but I'm not gonna sugarcoat it. I KNOW! I did it too! I kept using because I didn't WANT to quit. I thought I did a few times but it was my distorted thinking under the influence of opiates. So, if you believe you want to really quit, think of specific reasons as to why, a list is a good idea if you do end up detoxing to remind you of why you started in the first place. If you tell yourself that you want to "try and quit" that's a set up for failure right there. Saying you will "try" to quit will allow the addicted brain to find any excuse to give up. To give you guidance I will give you MY reasons for wanting to quit when I did. And this decision wasn't made until after day one of my detoxing withdrawal. This is what I came up with the morning of day 2.
I want to quit using pills because:
-I have no job
-I have no money
-I'm not happy
-I'm sick of being sick
-I want to be clean
-I simply need to
The reason I say I didn't realize I really wanted to quit until day 2 was because my ex would let me borrow money to pick up my tramadol. I was already 18 hours without anything, it was a Sunday. I went home and I didn't withdrawal too bad that night but I didn't sleep, the restless legs/arms/everything syndrome was tolerable but still enough to keep me awake all night. The next morning( (monday) is when I realized I needed to stop. I needed to stop taking opiates, my mind was clear of the drug so it made me think about why I needed to stop, and instantly I knew why I didn't want to die. So this in turn allowed me to WANT to quit. I wanted to stay alive. I wanted to survive.
I know I've written a long but it was lead up to my main point when it comes to quitting and withdrawal. Mind-set. Perceptive. I didn't realize it at the time but the physical withdrawal or detox in my opinion is about 50% psychosomatic.We psych ourselves out, not by thinking the withdrawal will be the most terrible experience of our lives, but by actually believing it.
When it comes to the body, if we believe it, the brain will manifest whatever it is we believe. Ever pretend to be sick with a stomach bug to get out of something important? And did such a good job making whoever believe you were sick when suddenly you have a stomach ache? Same thing. Mid-set will help you more than you will ever know, not just in withdrawal but in life. As addicts we weren't able to look at situations in a different perspective, possibly a contributing factor to drug use?
So, practice the mid-set first by finding out why you want to quit. We wish we could quit deep down but something holds us back from wanting it. I don't know about the whole planning on a specific day.. just seems harder because that day is gonna seem like doomsday to use during active addiction and create unnecessary anxiety. I wish I could explain it better. If you are thinking about it now, why not start with that list on reasons you want to quit now, or even start smaller with reasons to quit, If you want to quit I believe you will know it quickly, which is also evidence of having the mid-set that will get you through withdrawals.
I'm not saying it was fun, but it was no where near as bad as it had been previously. Then again, other times I wasn't trying to quit, I just didn't have any pills. The way I look at it.. start now. Today. Think about this, If you decide you want to quit right now, you are a few days a away from getting a clean nights sleep. A week away from not have any more physical withdrawal... I know that week will be the longest of your life but the time is gonna go by anyways. I made it 3 weeks clean but unfortunately I made the mistake of trying to do it on my own. I had no support, no tools, no skills on how to deal with the post-withdrawal. I ended up using because my addiction got the best of me. This was my first time clean. I went into the "maybe I can control this" mindset and thought ok, I detoxed myself and lowered my tolerance, so I can take a pill or 2 without worrying about withdrawal. They explain it in rehab actually.. it's very common after the first time someone gets through the detox. As soon as the worst physical withdrawal is gone, find an outpatient rehab. It's crucial to have support and resources available to help you through the longer and other difficult part of recovery.
Luckily, I didn't get the chance to use enough to go back to active addiction. I was arrested and sent to jail 2 weeks after using that first time after detoxing. 4 months later I was released a completely different person. I had to deal with the post-withdrawal in jail. Nothing can be worse than that, but I survived. My last use date is July 12th, 2011. Almost 17 months clean. Don't let your addiction get that far. I guess for me it's what I needed to realize where I was headed. That's why I say fate intervened. It's wasn't meant to happen like that.
If I can do it, so can you. Life is more amazing than I could have ever imagined back when I used to fantasize about what it would be like to be clean. To be truly happy. You said that you "never knew this would be as hard as it is." The hardest part is deciding that you truly want to quit. The rest isn't no cake walk either. The post-withdrawal is worse than the withdrawal, and it gets worse before it gets better. I know that may sound discouraging, but change your mind-set on that statement. "It gets worse before it gets better." The key point being it gets better! Yes the detox, and early recovery period will most likely be the one of the hardest things you will ever have to go through in your life, but it's so worth it. Nothing worth having comes easy. Sorry this is so long but if it helps you or something else then I every word typed was worth it. If you need anyone to talk to feel free to contact me. I wish you the best of luck on your journey to starting living, not existing :)
I have tried going CT 2 times already and I feel like a failure becuz I still haven't been able to do it. I am back to 30mg of oxy 3 times a day. My goal is to be off of them by the 26 of December. I never new this would be as hard as it is. I wish I never started taking these things in the first place.
It make me feel so much better to here from other people who are it were in my position. Today I have to take more than I wanted to. My oldest son is in the state juvenile department of corrections. He got into a lot of trouble with drugs and gangs and we r going up to visit him. It is a 3 hour drive to get to where he is. So today will be a little set back for me.
You can do it! I take two .1 mg's of clonidine three times a day. It's a lifesaver. I'm on day three. I drink tea all day too - the antioxidants really help me.
I have clonidine .3mg it was for my son. He used to take it for sleep and anxiety. But I am not sure to take the whole thing or cut it in half. I am going to try to take only 15 mg a day then cut back in a week to 5-10 mg. I can't handle the sweating either. I have 5 kids plus my niece and nephew during the week days. So I am trying my best to get off these evil things and take care of what I still have too. Thanks for all the encouragement.
I know how you feel, but taking one pill does not set you back on your road to recovery. Enjoy the few hours of feeling good physically and focus on feeling even better than you currently do, once your sober. I know it sounds hokey, but it really is the truth.
Try and get some sleep and keep on keeping on, pill free. It's tough, but you have to do it and this too will pass.
I highly, highly recommend asking your doctor for clonidine. It's a medicine used for high blood pressure and is not addictive. It does amazing things for withdrawal symptoms! It is often prescribed for alcohol and nicotine withdrawal. I told my doc I had anxiety and wanted something non-habit forming to help. I was given clonidine. It prevents me from sweating, having hot/cold flashes and insomnia. These symptoms are the worst for me. With clonidine, I am really tired and can't stop yawning, and thats it! I do get dirareha, but I control that with Imodium.
You can do this!! One hour at a time.
Try and get some sleep and keep on keeping on, pill free. It's tough, but you have to do it and this too will pass.
I highly, highly recommend asking your doctor for clonidine. It's a medicine used for high blood pressure and is not addictive. It does amazing things for withdrawal symptoms! It is often prescribed for alcohol and nicotine withdrawal. I told my doc I had anxiety and wanted something non-habit forming to help. I was given clonidine. It prevents me from sweating, having hot/cold flashes and insomnia. These symptoms are the worst for me. With clonidine, I am really tired and can't stop yawning, and thats it! I do get dirareha, but I control that with Imodium.
You can do this!! One hour at a time.
it should only set u back 15 mg's worth! i had to try quitting like 8 times before i got to wher i am now ( 3 days feelin better). and every time i tried quitting it usually resulted in lowering my intake over a time. i got down to a manageable level and voila! although the fails were not fun, they were necessary (at least for me).
Well I caved and took a 15mg oxy. It made my body feel better but I am now nauseated and I am so upset with my self for doing this. How much will this set me back? I feel like such a weak person and I never saw myself as being a week person.
For pain pill detox, this is my cure:
1. Imodium 2. Clonidine 3. Restoril 4. B12 vitamins 5. Flexeril 6. Tea
I'm on the end of day one, starting day two of my detox, and I feel great. It's odd, I'm usually at my worst point by now. Other than yawning and occasional diarrhea (controlled with Imodium), I have no other symptoms. I'm in disbelief.
1. Imodium 2. Clonidine 3. Restoril 4. B12 vitamins 5. Flexeril 6. Tea
I'm on the end of day one, starting day two of my detox, and I feel great. It's odd, I'm usually at my worst point by now. Other than yawning and occasional diarrhea (controlled with Imodium), I have no other symptoms. I'm in disbelief.
Keep drinking. It's very easy to get dehydrated. The Imodium will help. You've sort of started the CT route and hopefully you'll be able to get through it. I will say if you decide to taper, it is not a good idea to go up and down with the dose; it can wreak havoc with your body. When you taper, you should drop a dos and then stabilize before dropping, if possible.
Lots of people talk about the Thomas recipe, supplements and such and say it really helps. Hot soaks in Epsom salts are also worth trying. Hope you get some rest.
Lots of people talk about the Thomas recipe, supplements and such and say it really helps. Hot soaks in Epsom salts are also worth trying. Hope you get some rest.
My husband went and got me 2 30mg oxys and I have not taken them. He has then in his pocket. He says I it gets to bad he is going to give me one. I think today has not been too bad. Very sleeping, dizzy and sweaty oh and lots of diarrhea. My hubby is on his was to the store for amodium. Hope day 2 is not that bad.
So sorry about what happened to your kids and I hope they're okay. I couldn't do CT; when I tried, I wound up way too sick and in the ER, but I have other health issues. (And I should say I was dependent versus addicted, so I didn't have the mental anguish.) The slower your taper, the better you'll feel. Staying hydrated is really important and the advice you'll get here will help you through. You're lucky your husband will help. Also, Imodium will help with stomach issues and other withdrawal symptoms. I was surprised at how much it helps. Clonidine does help but don't take it without supervision. It can cause rebound hypertension when you go off it. (I was on it for nerve pain and it didn't help me as much as it has some others but maybe that's because I had already been on it for a while.)
I know this seems really hard now but your tolerance will just grow; better to address it now. You'll do fine.
I know this seems really hard now but your tolerance will just grow; better to address it now. You'll do fine.
The first 3-5 days are the worst of it. FOr me on Day 2 is when the fun began! haha :) But like I said, after about 5 days or so you will start turning a corner and feeling better! Congrats for taking this step!! You wont regret it I promise!
In what time frame does the bad stuff start? So Far I just have a head and stomach ache and kinda tired. I also have clenazopam that I take for anxiet.rearly take it but took some when I got up this morning. Nervouse and waiting for the bad stuff to start.
I just took my last 15mg oxy and I am so nervouse I am sick to my stomach, but there is no other way around it. It has I be done. I decided to just stop. I can do this. Wish me luck.
HI dont take the clodine unless a doctor prescribes it for you it is a very small amount used for withdrawals get a supply of gatoraid on hand and take lots of hot baths to sooth yourself that helps the most your habit is not that big it is very doable on a home detox your going to feel like you have the flu for about 4 or 5 days keep posting for support good luck and God bless.........Gnarly
I have read that clonidine helps with the wd. I do have some that one of my sons used to take for halo with sleep, but I am not sure how much of it to take or if I should even take it.
Well you have to make sure your husband doesnt cave, because there will be days that you dont feel well and you dont want him to give them to you because he feels bad. Its a good thing that you have someone though to help you because many dont have anyone that knows.
Good luck and post with any questions!
Good luck and post with any questions!
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