coming off the lortabs

[dogguy]

After reading the post about people taking hydracodone and the amount they are worried about, I feel as though I am climbing a bigger mountain than any of them.  My daily use consists of up to 20 to 24 lortab 10mg along with half a dozen or so oxycodone 20mg.  Later, after work, followed by a 6pk of 16oz beers and a soma 350 before bed.  Talking about 7 years slowly leading up to this amount.  Never missed a day of work in a high pressure mulit-faceted management position.  Last week I began the backoff procedure.  Came within a hair of calling in sick! First day 10 lortabs, 2nd day 4 tabs, 3rd day 6.5 tabs, 4th day 3 tabs, 5th day 3 tabs.  I mixed in some tylenol along the way but quit because they gave me no relief.  Now here we are...insomnia like non users could never imagine, worst case of the runs ever, unable to control body temp, muscle aches, inability to concentrate...to name a few.  Like I have seen Drs. here post, it takes will power...lots!  Staying with it, but I realize it's not worth killing myself to do it all in a week...Anyway I don't think it can be done.  Best thing to do is take them at night to get good sleep and get through the day without any or very few.  Lots of water, healthy diet, pills in moderation, and some support from my closest of friends.  Slow and steady will win this race and I WILL win. Feel better already!

[dogguy]

One of my readers mentioned that surrender was a viable option with addition.  I do not consider it.  If my mind cannot overcome it's want for the tabs, I am not who I thought I was.  It may be a great option for someone that can afford to bring their problem in front of many people, and it may be more affecective by the percentages, but I have a job and family that count on me and I will not make my problem thier problem too.  I still have access to the medication and can take my time with this process.  I am not going to involve others.  Currently I have tapered down to 4 or less pills in a day and symptoms are subsiding.  I appreciate those of you that expressed your concerns and they are taken to heart.  dogguy

[kimmieb]

Hi.  I, too, agree with the above posts.  Why not come down slower (boy, I'm only taking a quarter of what you were taking, and yet I'm having a HARD time tapering or quitting c/t -- I can only imagine the strength it took to do what you did for the week -- wow!!!)  Also, working to come off of one thing at a time is probably good advice, too (work on maybe the hyrdros but keep something to help you sleep, as you were suggesting, then work on that later....)  A body can tolerate only so much before it just goes crazy and says NO.  One thing at a time, slow and steady, and you'll be there.  Keep up the good work and positive attitude....and welcome!

[elvistcb]

Well it definitely looks like you wanted to taper off. Great positive attitutude. But i concur with the others, just go a little slower. It took you 7 years to get where youre at, so if it takes 6 months to come back down, dont worry about it. Youve got the right attitude and thats an A for the first chapter. Just keep up the great mindset you have and keep posting. If you make a mistake here and there, so be it. Why not try staying on the Loritabs at first and getting off the others and then go  from there. At least it wont be a drastic shock to the body. Welcome and have a great day.              elvistcb

[grievingwidow]

I agree with the above poster.  I do not think you should try to do this as fast you originally wanted to.  If you have insurance, I would surely consider going to a detox/rehab.  I think that may be the only way for me.  I am in awe of the strength you have shown this week in coming down so fast, but I agree, take it a little slower and/or get some help.  Good Luck!

Love, Cindy

[CATUF]

At the end of my active addiction I was up to 35-40 10/500's a day.  I quite numerous times but could never STAY quit until I spent a lenghty time in rehab.

I note your statement that "it takes will power...lots!"  In my experience I found that exactly the opposite is true.  Will power simply does not work with addiction.  Applying will power is getting into a fight with addiction.  However, addiction wins every time it's engaged in a fight.

Will power served me very through most of my life, but it was the wrong tool to free me from addiction.  With will power my addiction grew and grew, coming back stronger and stronger after each time I thought I had beaten it with will power.

The thing that works with addiction is SURRENDER.

CATUF
DAY-724

[ggin35]

That is a lot to come off of and I really admire you for what your doing! Please DO be safe and come off slowly. If you can, go to a detox program or get some kind of medical assistance. With the amount you are use to I think that is the only way to do it.