addiction

[Rick]

If one has been on narcotic medication like vicoden for 4 years
and has successfully withdrawled over 4 weeks how long before your body and mind start to function normal again?

When does the depression go away, how long before you become functional because it seems I get a little better everyday but
have a long way to go to feel physically and mentally normal.

[tom to rick]

first of all, congratulations if you've been vicodin-free for 4 weeks already! Boy, you're home free from a physical aspect. I'd recommend participating in at least one form of aerobic exercise, such as jogging, biking, lap swimming, cross-country ski-machining if you have one, step-mastering, any exercise that puts a large percentage of your muscle mass (your arms, legs, etc) in continuous motion with sustained high-rate of breathing for at least 20 uninterrupted minutes at least 3 days a week. This and good nutrition and vitamins will put your body right in no time. Aerobic exercise is also a good mood elevator and relaxer.

However, if you were psychologically addicted to vicodin, that is, you used it even when you didn't have pain just to sustain a high, and you're still craving the drug now, then you should contact an AA or any 12-step group and go to some meetings. This will rehabilitate the way you think about using vicodin and help you stay clean and focus your thoughts on constructive things.

But, hell, four weeks clean! For a lot of us on this forum that is a distant goal not yet attainable.

Anyway, that's my advice. Ask some more people. But think about what I've said. Good luck to you.

[Dajeda]

Hi all. I have been on hydro and Oxycodon for 8yrs. I have Crohn's disease..arthritis fibromyalgia and other helth issues. My body tolerate the pain meds and I really want to quiet it. I tried cold turky but couldn't. ..I tried methedon for a few days tapering down and didn't take any thinh for 2 days and in the morning of the 3rd day I couldn't take the withdrawal symptoms and took hydro and Oxycodon once. Please any idea? My friend told me to take sabuxon for a month anyone tried it? My pain fr doesn't want me to stop my pain mefs bcz my health is bad and painful but I rather to stop. Plz anyone has any info how to stop it without bad withdrawal symptoms. And who did try Sabuxon? ???? Thanx

[Summerbreeze123]

Ive been fighting my addiction for 7 yrs an I know ur not fixed over night but I get so depressed that I dont wanna live . I have no friends and I feel like im all alone in this world how did I let my life turn out this way

[allyboy10]

As I was saying lol co-codamol dihdracodien and other forms of this drug ,I was clean and free from the grip of all these drugs (well I thought I was ) I find my self at the same door of addiction going through many withdrawals ,and every time finding it harder to abstain , at the moment I'm trying to muster up the courage to go through this again because let's be honest I hate the fact that something has control over me again as much as that one word ,opiate or feeling that it gives me ,I work in a job where you have to be awake all the time (the down fall of opiate addiction ) lol ,I know once I'm a few days in I pass the point of no return the shivers the stretching the constant yawning and eyes watering ,the feeling that my skin isn't mines ,and the endless nights awake thinking and other things I won't mention to while away the hours ,I sincerely hope this is my last time going through this ,but I fear this could be my life an endless cycle of being clean then repeating my same mistakes .i have tried N.A the last resort of any addict in my opinion and believe sorry not believe know this is where I feel most comfort ,hope this finds some body and some of the stuff I have writin helps some one

[allyboy10]

Well I'm just realising this is my 4th re lapse into the world of addiction .repeating the same old mistakes my first love was cannabis ,then finding out opiates were my drug of choice ,finding heroin 13 years ago then getting off that and methadone Being off that for 10 years I find my self ,continually seeking comfort in prescription medications like co-codamol

[Baxter180]

I agree with Spook, although it didn't take 6 months for me ,more like a month. I took ultram for the withdrawls. Some really good info on detoxing from Opiods and Opiod addiction in a blog I read.

http://medsrxshop.blogspot.com/

It all gets better in time mate.

[spook]

Protracted abstinence syndrome: begins when acute phase of opioid withdrawal ends and persists up to 6 mnths: depression, abnormal responses to stressful situations, drug hunger, decreased self-esteem, anxiety, and other psychological disturbances.Hang in there....

[spook]

Protracted abstinence syndrome: begins when acute phase of opioid withdrawal ends and persists up to 6 mnths: depression, abnormal responses to stressful situations, drug hunger, decreased self-esteem, anxiety, and other psychological disturbances.

[DChasonOXY]

Ive found that doing stretching helps a lot.  It relieves some of the muscle cramping/twitching/soreness.  Especially in the legs.  Ever notice during withdrawals how painstaking it is to go up a set of stairs?  Well the stretching will help with this - its best to do it in the morning and before bed.

[To JB from Ken]

Thanks for the tips.I have tried valarium root.The only thing I can say about that is the runs are endless!(and what a stench).
Am on day 7 today.Last night I actually slept for 5 hours in a row!You know,the insanity of all of this is that I did all of this 3 years ago.I did not remember the torment and grief.I look around and see all that I have to lose.For what?A pill???I have been in and out of N.A.since 1988,and maybe this is the time I will get it.When you are truly hurting with a back injury such as the one I have,the feeling is a real quandry because the pills are availible from the doc,yet you know they will induce more agony than they help.We know that some of us are sicker than others,but do I have to go to the head of the class?I no longer want everyone in recovery praying for me at the end of each meeting(the addict that still suffers).One day,one hour,perhaps one second at a time today.It's a rough ride.God Bless.

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

Yes, I agree with stretching.  If you have any experience with animals you'll notice that they do a lot of it.  It just plain feels good!  Maybe it releases some of those natural endorphines that we are masking by using drugs?  Anyway, I like to get outside and just walk or do something to get the heart going.  It does wonders for your body and state of mind.  J.B.

[To JB from Ken]

Thanks brother.It DOES get a little better each day.I have to look at all I have to lose popping pills versus all I have to gain sober.When does the insomnia end?It sucks to toss and turn especially when you have a job to go to in the morning.I hate to dread the sunlight but I do.But again,I know it will get better and I can resume living happy,joyous,and free.God bless each of you who keep me company on this site.

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

Insomnia sucks big time!  I'm on total disability now and don't have a job to worry about.  But I do remember the grief all too well about maintaining a job and dealing with withdrawals.

I did take benzos like valium and librium for a while but they are habit forming as well.  I've also tried melatonin and Valerian Root which are OTC herbal stuff.  They helped.  Execdrin PM, benadryl and dramamine help also(all OTC drugs).

Tom has quite a few remedies for insomnia in several posts here.
If you are able, try any form of excersize.  Also check into "relaxation tapes".  Good luck!  J.B.

[tom to Annie]

just take your meds as your doc prescribes. If it isn't enough, tell him. It's when the secrecy sets in that we all get out of control and end up using too much too often. You sound like a straight shooter. Stay honest with your doc, keep his trust, but don't be afraid to tell him if his presciptions or dosages aren't helping. Don't fear Vicodin. Thank go it's there when you're really suffering. Remember, we're all talking about use and abuse, the two being very different animals.

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

I know what you are feeling but you are not helpless.  I'm on day number nine without opiates or any drugs except Motrin.  That helpless feeling is the void in your mind that the opiates filled so neatly.  Everything seems ugly and strange and hopeless for a while during withdrawal.  To fight this feeling, I have to really work at finding a reason to get up in the morning.  While I am tossing and turning with insomnia at night I make up plans to do stupid little things that I've put off for months.  Last week I repaired stuff around the house, changed my oil, painted the bathroom, etc.  I work until I get tired, take a break and get back at it.  I visited friends on the phone or in person.  I know this all sounds difficult, but you have to keep going somehow.  It gets to the point that no drug will help you get through this and you have to rely on your inner strength and God.  Try going to an AA meeting just to be around people who give a damn about you.  There's a lot of strength there!

Or you can pop another pill and return to the real insanity.  J.B.

[Ken]

I am in my fifth day of detox from prescription painkillers.The insomnia ended last night (I hope).What I can't get over is the absolute felling of helplessness.It seems as if I have lost the will to live.I have a prescription for wellbutrin,but it does not seem to help.I read remarks that this could last for months!And the real sickness is I think about getting more!I just wish the mental anquish could go away.

[tom to Bob]

most of us become addicted under a doctor's care from drugs we legitimately buy from the pharmacy. We all started where you are.

[Annie to Tom and Cindi]

......Great advice.  Will definately tune in to this site on a regular basis to stay in touch w/ reality.  I feel like ive met people who really understand this situation, and speak from the heart.  "Yall really got it going on!" (: Annie

[Ken]

I am in my fifth day of detox from prescription painkillers.The insomnia ended last night (I hope).What I can't get over is the absolute felling of helplessness.It seems as if I have lost the will to live.I have a prescription for wellbutrin,but it does not seem to help.I read remarks that this could last for months!And the real sickness is I think about getting more!I just wish the mental anquish could go away.

[cindi]

To Annie,  Please don't be afraid to take your pain med.  Millions of people suffer from chronic pain needlessly.  If you take it as prescribed for pain and not just for the warm fuzzy feelings there should be nothing to worry about.  You should be able to taper your doseage when it is time and then never look back when you are off of it.  When I was working as a nurse I would be taking care of patients who were in the hospital for a few months at a time (burns, severe ortho cases etc) that were on narcotics every 3 or 4 hours for that length of time.  When it came time for discharge they were sent home after the pain meds were gradually cut and they may have gone through some minor withdrawal and never realized what they were.  It is really hard for us in this country to get pain meds for our chronic pain, so when you are able to find a doc who will prescribe them,  please take them without fear.  I myself, am a recovering addict.  I have to be really careful cuz a simple minor case of menstrual cramps means I should be getting demerol.  I can make something so simple turn out to be the worse painfull disease on the face of the earth and that is my disease of addiction.  Obviously, that is not the case with you.  So many people become unintentionally addicted to these drugs but ...they were invented for a reason.    hope this helps you some  take care   cindi

[Annie... I HAVE A QUESTION???]

Why are you guys on these medications, and where do you (easily it seems) get them from?  I suffered for 8 years w/ ortho problems from an accident, couldnt get 1 doc to prescribe anything.  Now I'm facing surguries @ 32 yrs of age, and now have been put on Vicodin for pain, which I really need.  I've only been reading these sites for about 2 weeks now, and boy have I been in the dark.  Now that I finally have the medication and feel like I can live a normal life free from pain, IM SCARED to take the medicine...ha ha I know.  I didnt realize so many people were soooo educated on all these different medicines and have also become addicted.  Are any of you taking these meds w/ the understanding that being pain free is the necessary trade off to being addicted, or you just have to have them now, I know I am a little confused, but can easily see myself there one day.  Please give me some advice, what not to do, or what to do.
Sometimes I wait till the pain is way outta control, and thats not good to do either, because it defeats the purpose, but I'm scared to go through what you all are going through now.  Its HELL I know, and I do sympathize w/ you all.  Thanks! Annie

[My name is bob]

I had a triple coronary bypass at the age of 46. The medication for pain was Percoset, and I needed it while recovering. Big problem. I liked the feeling. Over a six year period, I got up to 30 pills a day. Here's the kicker....I NEVER bought a pill from anywhere other than a Pharmacy. I never forged a prescription, and I never asked anyone to get them for me.

Has anyone had a similiar experience?

[Shiny]

Don't mind Dan, he means well but he's on this Meth thing and nothing much will alter his zest.  Best to listen to Tom, who is more down to earth.

[Rick #2]

I too am down the addiction road and am spending way too much on percs -vikes and oxys--i eat whatever i can get and more and more all the time--I ran out of everything yesterday AND iM GOING THROUGH A LIVING HELL--iam just waiting o find some pills--any painkillers to end my aches and depression--I dont know how many times I can keep doing this but I know if I dont find any in a couple days I will feel good again with out them--BUT IAM A STUPID SOB because even when i dont need them I will buy em again for the iniatail good feeling wich oinly lasts the 1st day and then Iam playing catchup to a feeling that all i can do is try to get close too but I can stuff 20 pills in my mouth and IM immune --IF YOU COME DOWN AND QUIT BY WHATEVER MEANS DONT FORGET THE PAIN AND DONT BE STU0
PID LIKE ME AND START  UP AGAIN--I DO IT OVER AND OVER AND OVER--I HAFTA BE THE DUMBEST PERSON ON THE EARTH--DONT BE A ME!!!!!!