fioricet problem!! help!!

[mimi2210]

I was on fioricet several years ago and took about 10 or more a day.  one reason I stopped taking them then was I started a new job and I couldn't really get any more.  I knew I had a problem but just couldn't stop.  I don't even know how I did it back then.  I just stopped cold turkey.
About 6 years ago my doctor gave me a script for fioricet and I thought I could take them and be ok.  well I was for about 4 years.  then about 2 years ago I started increasing the tabs I was taking.  I know take about 8 a day.  I feel guilty and just terrible about it.  nobody has any idea that I think of it all the time and worry will I run out!!  I am just so SICK OF LIVING THIS WAY.  I have done everything from being angry with myself then praying!
I am finally ready to quit.  Could somebody PLEASE tell me how to taper off of them.  the last time I took them I had no idea you could have seizures from stopping cold turkey.  today I took one less that I have been taking.
I REALLY NEED HELP.  if somebody would just give me an idea of how the best way to taper off is I would so appreciate it.
sorry that I have rambled on and on but this is the first time I've had the nerve to say this out loud or ask for help.  
I can't talk to my doctor about it because of my family.
thank you so much for reading.

[vicki595]

Hi there and Welcome-

First, we always recommend you be in touch with your doctor for help or to, at least, cancel future rx's.  Also, we're not allowed to offer specific tapering plans on MH. We can offer some advice, though.

A good taper is cutting back a small amount of Fioricet over time. It takes patience and resolve and it's very hard to do. The temptation to take more is strong but if you commit you can do it.

I had a long run on this drug and on Friday I'll be four years without it so it can be done and I'm happy to help you and answer any questions you may have.

Are you still getting these from your doctor?  If you did this once before, you can do it again but you need to want it badly. What's the status with your family knowing? Will you consider aftercare to help with recovery? AA? A therapist, counsellor, etc...?

Keep in touch-

[mimi2210]

thank you for listening to me Vicki. and yes I am open to therapy.
as I posted yesterday I took one less than I had been taking but I felt good about doing just that!  I so want to be free of it!!  I keep telling myself that I did it before and I know I can again.  I don't even know how this happened again.....its very insidious.
my plan is to cut back one pill a day for 2 or 3 days then go down 2 pills for 2 or 3 days and so on.  
I am tired of the worry of running out and so very tired of the guilt.
in answer to you question I have one refill left from my doctor and that is what I plan on using to get off of it with.
its so crazy that you can talk yourself into why you should take them!!

[vicki595]

It's very crazy, you're right!   Give yourself a bit more time between each drop okay?  This is important especially when you get down to low numbers. Keep the amount of the drop small, as well.

You can do this and so much of addiction is mental. If you stick to your taper AND see a therapist for support you'll be more successful.  Could you go to an AA meeting in your area?  They can be very motivating- I went early on and it was very helpful to me. I couldn't continue because it proved unhealthy for me; I was trying to help everyone else and not focusing on myself!  As soon as I was aware of that I found one to one support...

You said you can't talk to your doctor because of your family. What does that mean?  Do you think your doctor would violate confidentiality?