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Well you have arrived with an identical problem to many here ont his forum.
to answer your question, Yes, there are many things you can do to get off of these drugs. Give us some more info first though. You didn't mention much about why your taking them, or if you are in pain. Also, you may want to take a look at the challenge I p[osted here and ask yourself if you want to try this.
If you do, we'll help you, OK? Here's something called the Thomas Recipe for Vicodin withdrawal. MAny here, myself included swear by it.
We are NOT doctors, just fellow users. Check with your doc first, tell him everything, in all it's ugly detail. Then ask him about this plan.
Rex
p.s. Not sure I agree with Benzo item below. I did it using Klonopin VERY VERY sparingly!
--------------------------------------------------------
THOMAS RECIPE
If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.
For the Recipe, You'll need:
1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.
2. Imodium (immodium) (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).
3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.
4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.
5. Vitamin B6 caps.
6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).
How to use the recipe:
Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.
During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.
Use the Imodium (immodium) aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.
At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.
With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.
As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.
Please post the details on this supplement if you any info on it, or have used it successfully.
Rex
Thanks for your posts. They really help me alot. I'm glad you're here.
Love to all,
Pink
As far as the Benzos, I don't recommend them at all - they are part of the original Thomas Recipe I found here.
Listen to me carefully Pink - be VERY careful with these drugs, because from what I read withdrawal from these is a greater hell than from opioids. Stevie Nicks had a well publicized detox stay from Klonopin, and I would not wish this on anyone.
As I have mentioned, for me the mental pain of anxiety and depression is a thousand times worse than the physical pain. You may want to jump over to the mental health forum and have a lok around or post a question over there. So please consult your physician before continuing with any plan.
Having said that, they can help in low dosages to help you sleep, and take some of the WDs away. Ativan, klonopin, and Valium are all in the same family - benzodiazapans (sp) and are basically tranquilizers. Ativan works faster, but Knlonopin lasts longer - I have no info on Valium other than it's the oldest of the drugs.
Take these in low doses or not all if you can stand it. Use the other items in the recipe to help you.
Were you the one who said that you never prayed, but you have just started? If so, I will be happy to provide more info on God to you, but only if you want it. I will say that I know God has been watching you and waiting for you to take a step towards him. He's got a plan, that's so much better than our own plan.
Let me know if you want more info, or if I can just answer any questions.. OK?
Rex
Rex
But now, you are turned around and speeding back the other way, and for many THIS turnaround is the hardest part.
Many of us are way down the wrong road, thousands of miles even, but we know once we turnaround, with some rough spots ahead, there is hope we get back to where we once were.
Congratulations on completing one of the toughest parts of detox - the admission!
I would focus on detox in two parts:
1) Taper down on the narcotics first, until you get a very low level, which you will then take to a NO level
2) Worry about getting rid of the other non-narcotic stuff next, like the ibuprofren
One more thing - all the experts, of which I am not one, will tell you that the alcohol and drugs go hand in hand. What I mean is while you consider Detox, why not consider COMPLETRE sobriety?
Good luck - don't forget to harness THE MOST AWESOME POWER IN THE UNIVERSE - God and prayer!
Rex
Thomas Detox Recipe
PLEASE NOTE: I am not a doctor, simply a long-time Rx opiate junkie who has had many opportunities to develop a way to detox. This is a recipe for at-home self-detox from opiates based on my experience as well as that of many other addicts. It is not intended as professional medical advice. It is always wise to make sure none of the recipe ingredients or procedures conflict with medications you may be taking. Likewise, if you have any medical condition, disease, allergy or any other health issue, consult your doctor before using the recipe. Thanks, Thomas
This recipe is designed for cold turkey opiate detox. It assumes that you can get about 5 to 7 days away from your job or household responsibilities during which you can sleep, veg and act as miserable as you feel. Opiate WD mimics the symptoms of the common flu, so, if you need a smokescreen, hide behind a bad case of the flu.
If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.
For the Recipe, You'll need:
1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.
2. Imodium (immodium) (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).
3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.
4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.
5. Vitamin B6 caps.
6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).
How to use the recipe:
Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.
During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.
Use the Imodium (immodium) aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.
At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.
With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.
As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have any medical complications, first check with your doctor before detoxing to verify that this regimen is safe for you.
Though they frown on such things, I'm listing my private e-mail here for you (and only you, mariposa partisans are not invited). Call on me shoud you have questions about detox or just want to talk to someone who's been there more times than you've celebrated birthdays): ***@****
Thomas
I agree with your comments completely, and I am also glad you listed the recipe along with the steps and timing issue.
My feeling on the benzos is that if you know the potential dangers of the addiction factor up front, you'll be be ready if that llizard turns into an alligator ;-).
Glad your here, and thanks personally for your recipe which likely saved my life, or something like it as it existed while in Vicodin hell.
Rex
Thanks anyone!
I'm Done
Your habit is huge, one you don't develope without years of practice. Unless you are putting us on about your habit size, I suggest you get professional help. Either in the form of an inpatient detox, 7 day methadone program or a 5 day buprenx program. Even with professional help I think you are going to have withdrawals well into the 2 week mark. You may even be a candidate for methadone maintainance, which is something I almost never suggest.
You must be doing something illegal to support that kind of habit. If you are'nt now you will be very soon. You need to do something fast or you will be doing your detox in jail where there are no choices. The way to stop a hydrocodone habit is the topic of this tread. Go back an read it again and then you will have all the information available. The rest is up to you. Either way you are in for a rough ride.
Keep posting, I am saying that you should expect this to be difficult, not impossible.
Peace
I'm Done
How you respond is more important even than what you do about your habit, IMO.
The one concept I never understand when I was growing up was that of Grace. Grace is undeserved kindness, and I'm telling you, I did not understand that fully until I really needed God and bad.
Why not suprise your family - parents, kids, heck everyone, and go to church tommorrow? Just go without any expectations, just go as you are, broken, just to say thanks and to worship. I promise you will be amazed at how He will touch you.
Rex
It really helped me in the past. Its kind of how this board makes you feel, not alone with people who care.
I know this could be hard but you should really consider opening up to her. Get rid of as many of the secrets as you can and you will feel better and more motivated than ever. Take care
Nod
Come back in the morning (Sunday) and read my post, if I can get in on the board concerning this little 4 week adventure of ours.
It all starts tommorrow, Dec 1st a new day of a new month.
AND, with your strenght and ours, plus God, it ends January 1st 2003, a new year with a new future free of pills.
I don't care if I am laughed at, I believe every single person on this forum can do this...
We shall see....see my posts in the morning.
Welcome to our forum, and Yes, you will find help here. I know because I did.
Rex
I said, "I'm addicted to Vicodin" and she said, "Heck I have know that for years".
Funny how we believe we're living these Jams Bond secret lives and we are actually more like Keystone Cops.
Rex
Keep posting
This is my first time posting, it was very relieveing to hear that I was not alone in my situation when I was going through the first few days of this horrible experience. I did not know what to expect and was very scared to start my road of recovery. My addiction started after a severe car accident over 2 years ago. I started on Vicoden (500) and Duragesic patches 25 ugh and then up to 100 ugh, there was a problem with medical payments and I could not afford the high price of the patches. The alternative for me was Methadone (40 mg) and Vicoden (750) 240 per month. I have been on this and other meds for a year before I realized that I had no motivation and my ability to have normal feelings and emotions were lacking severely. Being petrified of going through withdrawls I had prolonged this for a few weeks before first tapering down to 10 mg of Methadone, felt like **** already. I stopped the Methadone cold turkey and tried to counter the withdrawls by taking more Vicoden (stupid), after 2 weeks of withdrawls and NOT sleeping I went to my family doctor and told him what was going on (highly recommended). He gave me a few options, start the meth. again, admit myself into a detox clinic, or try it on my own with the help of some medications. In order for me to start this I needed to quit both Methadone and the Vicoden in order to do this properly. The meds that he perscribed were Phenobarbital (barbituate) and Clonidine (blood pressure med). I waited a day and then bit the bullet, (cold turkey from 8-10 750 vic.). The withdrawls were unbearable at times and the worst was the inability to sleep combined with the various other w/d symptoms. I drank plenty of fluids and stayed in bed for the first few days. Expect the worst part in the first 2-3 days and then the following days are much better, 5th day was much much better and even slept.
For everyone that is considering quitting use my experience as some relief; I was using alot of meds and was able to get to the 6th day now. Mentally I feel as though someone turned the light on and I have morefeeling and emotions than i have had in years. It is well worth the sacrafice and the rewards far supersede the initial pain and tears. These drugs are evil and fool you that they are affecting your quality of life, don't waste your precious years and love that is suppressed. It is mind over matter, if you don't mind it don't matter;) I believe I have a long road ahaead but it is good to know I am not alone. The good lord is here for everyone if they CHOOSE to accept into their hearts and he will guide you through this. There is much valuable info. here that will help with teh withdrawls.....and thanks to all the people that have posted previously.....it made things easier whne they were rough. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!!
Go home and disconnect the battery from your cell phone - don't think just do it.
What if one of these suppliers gets busted? Are you going to be caught up in the same net? Nothing - I repeat nothing - is worse than jail, please trust me on this one...
Remember your committment, your climbing the stairs now. Don't stop and don't look down - you can do this! You will do this!
Rex
I invite you to joisn us and welcome...
Rex
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I have no financial interest in them at all, ie, I make no money by referring to them. But I use their products and they really do work for me. I don't know if they would be helpful in detox, but calcium does help detox and coral calcium is really the best kind to take, so it stands to reason that it helps. They also sell an amino acid combination that contains L-Tyrosine and many other amino acids that are supposed to help with detox. They have a nutrionist available for phone consults. He supposedly charges for phone consults, but gave me one free 'cause I said I had a question about one of his products.
It's www.cocoonnutrion.com
good luck,
WW
Then I noticed over the last 6 weeks that upon waking in the morning my lower back or possibly kidneys seemed very sore and tender. That was my wake-up call to do something about my addiction.
They did seem to give me a lift or more stamina throughout the day. But I feel it was only a substitue for being clean & sober. I stopped drinking completely a few weeks ago and took my last pill Dec. 1. The next day I felt very sluggish and notice small aches & pains that I did not notice before. Today is better and got a good nights sleep but also know that I must continue with this pattern of healthy living and will introduce a small walk into my routine within the next few days. Any other advice for a recovering addict?
So what you you can to support others here - it will help with your own recovery.
The worst, if not over now, will be over soon.
Way to go - great job
Rex
I was afraid to take these concerns to my family physician for fear of my employer would discover my problem and arrive at the conclusion that I was no longer able to perform and be dismissed. Does this happen?
When should I expect the fuller nights sleep to arrive. This has plagued me since I quit taking the hydro's. Maybe 3-4 goodhours of deep sleep and then awaken and feel restless and unsatisfied with who I've become. And no amount of rationalizing can make me come to any other conclusion that I'm addicted and WILL stop. I'm glad I found this site and it comforts me to know that others have the same problems but have learned how to overcome their addictions and take it a day at a time. Hopefully getting stronger each day.
Thanks again Rex for the support and hope everyone here gets back on track.
As far as the doctor goes, I suppose it depends on the country you live in, but in the US i think it's illegal for your doc to say anything to your employer.
You don't need to use the word addict with your doc, just do what I did. I told me doc that "the previous dr handed out Norco like it was candy and I became dependant on it. I would like some help getting off of it..."
I will only give you one "If I were you..", OK?
I would flush those Vicodins right away and then symbolically give them the middle finger when you do - bery liberating and also reminds you oh how strong you can be when you set your mind to something.
I am on day 11 or 12 (lost count) with no Vicodin and just flushed my Tyelonol #4s, so I amy need your help over the next couple of weeks.
Great job and hang in there...
Rex
1. Narcotics
2. Alcohol
3. Loneliness
4. Christmas holidays
5. Withdrawal
I just want the pain to stop!
Welcome. If you have gone off of these completely, you may 4-5 days of hell, but the worst will be over soon. Just hang tought and remember the feelings you have are not your real feelings, they are feelings induced but the taper or elimination of the Vicodin.
You are on a low enough dose that I would not worry about your liver, although it can't hurt to have it looked at.
Take a look at your calendar and realize that by the end of the weekend, the worst will be over and normal feelings will return. For me, I had great feelings physically, but felt pretty bad emotionally. You just gotta hang tough, and read some of the other posts here.
Check out the Thomas Recipe - you'll find it in one of the threads above.
We'll be praying for you.
Rex
Is there anything non-narcotic you can do to deal with the pain? If possible, go off of the darvocet too if you can find something to deal with the pain.
There are people here who would give their right arm to have caught this problem so early and when the dosage is so low. Hang tough for a few days and also check out the Thomas Recipe (posted in a thread above) for some Vitamins and other suggestions.
Good luck and we will be praying for you two new folks...
Rex
I have been a behind the scenes reader of this forum for over 2 years give or take time off due to relapses. Today is day 4 off a severe hydro/codeine/oxy/methadone habit over the past 3 years. It started as most legitimate pain therapy of 4 pills a day to a raging 30-40 pill a day habit. I realized this was a problem (after a year) and started methadone to stop. This worked for about 3 weeks until I started adding hydro on top of the methadone. This lasted about another year. I finally detoxed off methadone completely in October. Which by the way is 100Xs worse than any hydro detox. Over the past 2 months I found I still was taking 20+ hydro a day and substituting in DHC to avoid withdrawals. I finally stopped hydro November 30 and stopped codeine December 1. All thanks to my desire to finally quit and reading all the supportive posts in this forum. Thanks Everyone Today is day 4 and I am feeling better. I still managed to work all week but it was hard. The only symptoms I am having is extremely tired and achey (achy). I finally started eating OK today still a little nausea. The only thing I had to detox with was clonidine, which helped me sleep. I have been here at least 30 times before and relapsed back but I am hoping this time will be different. Thanks Everyone and God Bless.
Brian
Use the Thomas recipe above and stay positive. Maybe my pal Methman will jump in and give you some advice.
He has already walked a mile in your shoes.
Thanks for posting - don't be a stranger!
Rex
The next few days may come in waves but each day should be better than the last. You're not a bad mother, you're someone who stepped in to quicksand, and has been fighting to get out ever since.
A willingness to get out brought you here, and that also means your good.
"We are not what happens to us, but we are how we respond to those events".............Tony Robbins
Rex
Your drive and determination is amazing to me. Revel in the fact that you're strong enough to endure this short term discomfort in the grand scheme of your entire life. What makes your drive? Where does your determination come from? Why didn't your addiction kill you? There is a purpose for your existence on this earth that has not been fulfilled yet. Answer these internal questions and build on your amazing success.
Don't THINK you are strong, KNOW it.
Peace,
Mike
- the world thru my eyes looks clearer
- I actually still have feelings that are returning slowly
- Food tastes much better
- I enjoy the time with my wife and kids much more
and I am sure I will notice more as the day and next few days go on. Its funny how you can forget how great things can be once you get out of the drug haze. I am just trying to keep in mind how terrible is was to go thru the withdrawals, (again) and how great things look and feel once the numbness wears off. Now comes the hard part, staying clean while dealing with some intense chronic pain issues I deal with everyday. Thanks again Rex1 and Methman and to all who posts supportive comments.
Brian
take some advice and follow the old addage;
"You can take care of the problem right now with a scalpel, or later with a meat axe"
Kick it while it's kickable - this advice, had it been given to me two years ago would be worth millions...
Just trust me on this....
Rex
We have 2 great kids.We would do anything to be clean.He is the only employed one.Everyone I've called for help won't talk to me with no insurance.Even a private doc.Inpatient treatment is not an option.We cant afford for him to take time off work.Alot like your situation.My kids are 9 and 2.The kids alone are enough reason to want to stop.I'm petrified.To be sick(detox)and function taking care of them is impossible.I know you are trying yourself to come out of your own hell.Your situation is just so much like ours.I felt we might be able to help each other.If you want to e-mail me feel free.***@**** luck in your journey.
Just an Update, Not so good of a weekend. After 6 days off, I took a step backwards for just 2 days but back on track again. Starting over today is day 1, not bad WDs at all. I am at work trying not to think abolut it.
My downfall started (again) as severe pain on Saturday which I couldnt take any longer. This started the ball rolling and I ended up taking about 50+ hydro 10 over the weekend. Due to to it only being 2 days on I dont expect much additional wds due to this mistake.
Is there anyone out there who has to battle permanent chronic pain in addition to the addiction. I tried everything from accupuncture, nsaids, physical therapy, cortisone, ibuprofen, ultram, etc. unless I take 1o time dosage, it does nothing.
Thanks everyone and have a great day.
Brian
I too, dream of Norco days. Days where I lived without pain, physical anyway. The temptation to go back is always there.
I truly, I mean TRULY, believe that God showed me something two weeks ago, because I went into a depression where I didn't know what to do, where to go, who to call, what to take, I mean it was a living hell in my brain.
I stopped. It stopped. My back hurts. And here we are.
And so, I think all I can say to you is;
1) get back on, and do the opposite of what you did when you relapsed
2) Tell yourself over and over that ENOUGH VICODIN TO KILL A HORSE could kill you, or worse, cause a stroke or something else that could impair you and ruin the life of someone close to you. Yes, I know this is a severe statment, but it is true and is very motivational, would you not agree?
3) Find a non-narcotic way to deal with the pain. Make this your mission in life!
Tell you a mildy amusing story that happened to me over the weekend. Went to see the new James Bond movie - Die another Day. Now, no matter whether people think they're stupid, which they are, or exciting, which they can be, or whatever, everyone agrees that they grab and hold your attention for most of the movie - right?
Guess what I realized at the end of the almost two hour movie. During the movie I was not in pain! Well, I was, but I wasn't.
Because my mind wasn't running its pathetic little dialogue, that goes kinda like this:
"Oh you poor guy, your back hurts doesn't it? Yeah it does. Man it really hurts! I mean it hurts worse every second. I mean now its really unbearable! I can stand it anymore. Man, I hate this. Do you feel that? Yeah, I feel it! I can't even sit still. My legs hurt too - where's my vicodin....?
Thats how it starts for me, anyway.
Instead I was thinking "Now - who came up with the idea that "in this scene, we're going to have Hally Berry come out of the water, and swing her hips from side to side more dramatically than any woman in the history of mankind has ever swung her hips since the freakin stone age and the beginning of time itself, and possible forever more!"
Or I was thinking, "now lets see, if a helicopter was dropped from the back of the plane at, say 40,000 feet, doing 4 or 5 hundred miles per hour, while on fire, after being flow through an amplified ray from the sun, and subjected to several internal explosions and gunshots, 007 and Hally Berry can get in it, back it out of the cargo door, and at around 500 feet off the ground, start the thing up, because it's dropping perfectly level! And not only that - they both still have their hair in place!
Or (finally, and mercifully) I was thinking, whoever made this movie knows how to push just the right buttons at the exact right time, triggering that dom-dom-domdom, dom-dom-domdom bond music, when you know he's gonna use a gadget. And then my mind drifted and I thought " and so their getting 8 bucks a pop, and maybe a buck or two goes to the theatre another buck to the production company and millions of people worldwide are gonna see it so thats, what - a truckload of money!!!!!!!!!! and I wonder if they are really any better at computers than I am or even have a higher IQ BECAUSE THEY ARE CERTAINLY MAKING A HELL OF A LOT MORE THAN I AM!!!!!!!!!!!........sorry, got carried away.
You get the idea. Distract your mind and you eliminate the pain, without pills. Find a way to do that long enough and your body stops craving the drugs so much. Clearer think returns...
Then you stop seeing Bond movies ;-).
Good luck and let me know if I can help (in my typically long- winded way)!
Rex
Glad to hear your doc visit went good.
Stay focused and visit here as often as you can.
As you start your plan, make sure you let everyone know what it is and don't be a stranger.
Rex
Glad to hear it's going well.
Just remember your one step away from going back though, so avoid all the places and habits you had before.
Keep chugging along.
Rex
Rex1- I liked your last email and I also believe getting your mind off the pain is the best way. This is one reason I always go to work no matter how bad I feel, I tried the stay home thing a few times and sitting around thinking about how bad you feel is worse. Please keep in touch your posts and methmans posts have helped me tremendously.
Good luck to all and God Bless.
Brian
Think about tapering back over the next few weeks if you can it will be well worth it in the long run. Commit yourself and join the 2003 challenge. Read the posts here, they are very motivating and supportive.
Good luck and stay strong.
Brian
You see people tend to justify things so freely, and the next thing you know..f@#ked. I told myself I'd just quit, when I had to. However feeling scared is what landed me here with you all. I thank you again for being on this planet with me, sharing something with me so personal and absolutely scary, but belief brings relief. Believe in yourself and love who you truly are, and better yet what you'll become when "life" appears again after the dope. May we all have the best of luck and make the holidays with your loved ones the best yet, you owe it to YOUR LIFE. -Hman
Later guys Ill check in later today.. its about 5 am
Compared to many here, my story is extremely short-lived. I'm a 140 lb., 5'8" 33 year-old woman. Nine days ago, on Wed. Dec. 04, I was admitted to the hospital nine days ago for severe OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome). Basically, I did in-vitro fertilization and, as happens 1-2% of the time, my capilaries leaked litres of fluid into my abdomen until it was crazily distended. My waist went from 27" - 40" in just a few days. I put on ten pounds of fluid. I couldn't breathe, eat or drink, and I was in so much pain I was actually screaming out loud and passing out. Never had real pain like that before.
I was admitted to the hospital and given IV morphine every 2 hours as needed (which was often) for about 4 days. The morphine started making me really sick, so they tried oral Vicodin and anti-nausea stuff in my IV (Zofran &d Regalin) Because I wasn't eating, oral Vicodin made me even sicker, so they switched me to IV Dilaudid every 3 hours for about 2 days. Finally my abdomen started shrinking and was able to eat, so they sent me home with Vicodin and Xanax, to help me sleep. I've been taking "Vicodin 5/500 tablets" every 4 hours, including overnight, for 5 days now. I've taken about 3 half-pills of Xanax in that time.
In total, I've been on heavy-duty, round-the-clock barbs for nine days, and the last five days have been just Vicodin & occasional Xanax. I've taken 16 Vicodin in about 64 hours.
I'm still in pain from this problem, but today I started really weaning myself off of the codeine. Instead of every 3 hrs., as prescribed, I took a pill at 8am, one at 12noon, and 1 at 7:30pm.
Then tonight, when I tried to go to bed, I felt suddenly horrible! I absolutely can NOT hold still. I feel like someone is regularly pumping away at my adrenal gland. I'm jumpy, jittery, and totally exhausted. All I want to do is sleep. My eyes keep drooping closed but my body will not calm down. Even as I sit here typing I keep squirming around and having to change sitting positions every few seconds. It's 4:50am and I've been up all night. I can't even read because I can't concentrate worth a cr@p. Every few seconds I feel this strange "buzzing" in my head, kind of like being electrocuted.
Now, I'm someone who has never even smoked pot. I am not a fan of feeling dopey and drugged. I hated having to take these pills, but had no choice. I was especially terrified to take anything because it turns out I am PREGNANT, but my doctors have SWORN that these drugs this early in pregnancy for a limited time will not hurt my baby or cause problems. I had no choice but to believe them.
If this adds anything to the mix, I had been on a tiny dose of Zoloft for depression before finding out my in-vitro worked and I had become pregnant. I had been taking 25mg once daily for about five months, and went cold turkey the moment I found out I was pregnant.
So my questions to the board are these:
1. Given my history, how long do you think it will take for these withdrawal symptoms to go away so I can get some sleep? One day? Five days? A week?? HELP!
2. How big a dose do you consider "Vicodin 5/500, 1 - 2 tabs every 3 hours" to be a big dosage?
3. Also, do you think it's Vicodin withdrawal doing this to me, or is it also exacerbated by the morphine, dilaudid, and/or Zoloft?
4. Any drug-free suggestions for these creepy-crawlies????
I really do feel like I'm about to crawl right out of my skin. I have 1 refill on the Vicodin and one on Xanax. I'm afraid to take one single more pill, though, because if this is what it's doing to me, I no longer believe that these drugs aren't hurting my baby.
My heart breaks for so many of you and your stories. Hopefully we will all get through this soon and be all the stronger for it.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Many, many thanks.
Susan
Good Luck!
There's no way I'm sleeping tonight either. I'm fluey, and I'm achey (achy) all over. Hopefully the crawlies will be better tonight so I can at least hold still. That would be nice. I tried to take a nap this afternoon because I'm so dead tired, but couldn't hold still either. I've never experienced anything like this in my life & it was totally unexpected.
Something must be really screwy with me that I could have w/d symptoms after such a short time. I mean, I read here about people who would probably kill to be on this stuff for only nine days...so what is my problem???? Why am I detoxing here like I've had a years-long habit???? I feel like I'm losing my marbles.
I think everyone here has so much courage. I hate these drugs. I really feel for all of you. Strength and hope to everyone, especially Rex & MethMan for being so helpful and kind.
Susan
Thanks alot guys
Jason
I know what you mean by the aches, but I never experiences to shakes you described.
Maybe someone else here has. Have you tried any exercise?
Goodluck........
Rex
thanks for all of the posts above
Rex you rock
later guys
Now, go in to protect mode. Remember well how difficult is was to detox and promise you'll never ask yourself to do it again. That will help you protect your sobriety. It and the folks on this forum are the only things keeping me from using again.
Great job!!!!
Rex
Thank you all for the advice
Jason
Hello everyone. *waves*
I don't even know where to begin... *sigh* So many of your stories have "me" in them.
I was never prescribed Vics... but when I broke a tooth once, someone gave me their scrip, and the rest... as they say, is history. *heavier sigh* Sometimes I take up to 15 11 milligram pills a day. My husband... who doesn't do any other drugs, doesn't drink, or smoke... has gotten hooked as well. We cannot believe this has happened to us. We live for the days that our "connection" gets her scrip filled... We have done no Christmas shopping yet because.. *hangs head in shame* well... you all know why...(they cost us $4 a piece) and we have two kids. My husband keeps saying that he is too smart to have let it get this far...(aren't we all!) It was just a fun way to relax and buzz at first. Now we need them just to feel normal. *sigh* I am supposed to start Nursing school this coming fall. But I dare not do that till I kick this. This has been going on with us since May of 2002. We ran out for four days and we both just wanted to die. He works but I am a stay at home mom... and it's maddening! When we run out this time.. we both agree that we are DONE, and need to go cold turkey and just suffer cause we deserve it. Forget any help from doctors... we have ZERO health insurance. Neither of us has been to a Doctor in over 5 years for anything. I have read this forum off and on since about August.... and only had the guts to post today... and only cause I am on the evil things right now. I hate that I need them. Thank you for reading my rant... any help or advice would mean so much. I think you are all VERY brave, and just reading your words comforts me... But I am soooo very, very scared..... *sigh*
-Vamp
I to am fairly new to this site, 12 days and have been on hydro for 6 years. A couple of hints, post on the top question even if it does not directly seem to be your question and only post once.
Look through all the questions and you'll find different ways people are getting off hydro. Some go cold turkey some taper, since you inpatient treatment is not an option look for something called the Thomas Recipe in this forum. I don't remember what question it's under but sevral members swear by it.
Like I tell everyone, do less today than yesterday and keep reading the post and keep posting. It's very theraputic.
Goodluck!
Teeitup!
Thanks
Jason
1. Thomas Recipe
2. hot tubs
3. Streching
4. Distractions
5. Ibuprofren
6. Prayer
Good luck.
Rex
Thank you all for everything
Now things will really start to improve quickly for you. Just stay the course.
Think of it this way. You have just gone through the worst and if you give in now, not only do you have to go through it again, but the next time it will be even worse!
DO NOT GIVE IN.
Look at your calendar, and at Jan 1st - 10 days from now. If you are like me, you will 4x or 5x better than you do today. Do whatever it takes to get through the next ten days, even it means sleeping more and living in a hot tub somewhere.
See you in your new (recovered) life in 2003!
Rex
Rex
Hello I thought this might give people on this sight hope and seeing that I do this everymonth maybe it will help someone and it can work for you . Right now I haven't taken my vicoprofen 7.5/200 6 a day for my heiniated dics in my back for 3 dAYS. Each month I have a presciption for 180 tablets . The last week like clockwork I take the last five days and flush them down the tiolet . Reason why I do this is my mom will give them to me when she see me in pain and so will my friends . I Buy one bottle of advil and take the maximun prescipbed dose possable . It does not take away the pain but it limits it . I started doing this 6 months ago after being in my doctors office and seeing this one woman shaking in such a bad need for pills that see was asking people in the office if they had any . It scared the Sh** out of me .
Let me give you my back ground on how I had to start taking this medication . I was hit by a cop running a stop sign . I dealed with the pain for three years without any presciption medication finally I gave in . I need a operation but it is to risky at my age and the location it is in . I am ewaiting on a new fda prosedure to be passed and then I an getting the surgery .
Now you may ask if I am going out of my mind now after taken 6 7/5/200 vicopropfen for 24 to 25 days and not taking anything . To be honest I am not feeling myself . I am a little depressed and tired . and I have pain . But when ever I think of how I feel . I think of how pissedd off I would be at myself going back to the doctor early and the embarrassment it would be explaining I need meds early and that one woman who was shaking in my docs office . Now what do I use to get me thur this well I take advil of course and viavirin it's a over the counter stay awake aid in the morning but the night I am beat and fall asleep not every night but when I don't I stay up and think trhat one day it will be all over and I will be able to not think about meds . And believe it or not by the fifth day I have energy and when I am suppose to go back to the doctor for a refill the only reason why I do it is because the advil will not work any more . But I think because i never constantly stay on it I have been able to deal . I will tell the truth the five days I don't look foward to but it helps each month to keep me from getting addicted .
P.s sorry about my pucntuation and spelling I was never really good at typing .
P.s.s what is this thomasa recipe I am interested in it maybe it will help me even more . And remember someone watching all of us and looking out for us it doesn't hurt to know there is a hugher power that won't give us more then we can handle . Next time someone on here has "that feeeling if you know what I mean "think you could be worse off
I feel as though I can do nothing but continue to take the pills. Taking them have completely messed up my life, now my life is getting back on track because I now have the support of my boyfriend. Anyway...I guess what I'm asking for is any advice to get off this drug?
have a happy new year!
teeitup!
you all have helped so much and Im sure I speak for everyone when I say thank you.. Rex, you're an inspiration to us all.. I saw your post in one of the other sections about degenerative disc disorder.. I feel for you.... I have 2 herniated discs in my neck which cause very nasty headaches..
Thanks alot
Jason
She says she is not addicted to Hydro... that when people really need it for chronic pain, they can't get addicted... So, I have believed her. However... Since I've known her- she has increased her dosage from four or five 5's a day... to six to ten 10/'s a day.
She can not function without the hydrocodone... and her doctor doesn't give her enough to get her through a week, much less a month.... so, I have been buying them from a co-worker who gets a ton of them somehow.... It is MY fault that she is on 10's now, instead of 5's.... my fault... Because I am getting them for her.
Without the hydrocodone, she can not get out of bed. the pain is so bad, she sits up holding her legs against her chest, and she rocks herself and cries. She vomits... she doesn't eat... she doesn't sleep. IF she falls asleep, she has terrible nightmares and wakes after only an hour of sleep.
Her VA doctor retired, and she has not been assigned a new one.... the temporary dotors canceled all of her medications.... Hydrocodone, Ambien, and Zoloft. My co-worker hasn't had any to sell for the past 2 weeks. She has been without medication since Christmas.... So.... About 2 weeks now, with NO pain medication at all. This has been the worst 2 weeks of her life...
She called me today, crying... She wants to kill herself. But, she can't because of her son... I pray that she doesn't kill herself. But I'm terrified. I asked her to go check herself into the VA Med Center's psych unit, but she can't... She can't leave her son alone at home, and she can't leave her farm unattended... I live 2 hours away, and I can't help in that area due to my own job. Her son has to stay there to stay in school... So she can't check herself in. Plus, she won't even admit to herself that she is addicted.
My co-worker should have his shipment in tomorrow or Saturday, and I am supposed to buy some for her... But, then I am prolonging this problem.... But, the pain she is feeling now is too much for her to bare.... Shouldn't the physical withdraws be subsided after so many days? She is still in so much pain, and agony... so maybe she really does have chronic pain and needs the Hydrocodone. But... her liver is going bad, and her kidneys are going bad.... I'm killing her by helping her.
Should I NOT buy the pills and let her continue cold turkey??? I would have to tell her the supply dried up or something.... How long does cold turkey take for the chills, vomiting, headache, imsomnia, and all the other symptoms to go away??
Or should I BUY the pills and only give her a few per day to wean her down to a lower dose. I could Mail her like 5 a day, then 4 a day, then 3... so on and so forth.
I am going to talk to her about the withdraw symptoms, and point out that withdraw is what she is experiencing... and it's not pain from the accident... I would like to have her do the Thomas recipe, but she doesn't have access to Vallium or any other perscription.... since her VA doctors don't care. Plus, since she is getting the meds from me, illegaly... she's afraid that she will lose her VA benefits if they find out. She's stuck between a rock and a hard place... But I am determined to get her through this.
Please, Help me to Help her. I don't want to lose her to suicide, or liver failure.
Thank you VERY much!!!
B
However, I read about this on a bodybuilding site and it makes complete sense so I tried it and it worked. I had started to exercise recently and really overdid it on my chest and upper back. This may sound ridiculous to you but I was in quite a lot of pain, from the lactic acid that builds up in the muscles.
The suggestion is to do 2 things:
1. Get a complete stretch of the affected area
2. Invert your body such that your legs are higher than your chest, your back, and your head. I accomplish this with my recliner. I just sit in it and have one of my kids slowly flip it backwards. I end up in the position that a typical astronaut would be an immediately prior to the shuttle launch, if you know what I mean.
Yesterday, after I stayed in this position about 10 minutes I got back up, and about 20 minutes later I really felt good.
Stretching and inverting yourself allows more blood to flow through this area than normal. If you stretch out your upper back and neck muscles, this alone should allow more blood to flow through the area, but when you add inversion to this, you are really pumping more blood through this area! a higher blood flow allows your body to flush out the lactic acid, plus other undesirables in the affected area. More blood is a good thing.
Because I have been incredibly fortunate to have been off work since the 19th, I have also hit the Jacuzzi two times every day whether I thought I needed to or not. I know this is helping too.
Good luck to you - let me know if this helps at all. BTW, this is the basic premise for the inversion tables sold by a lot of Chiropractors...
Rex
Thank you,
Thanks
I was really thrilled to read your post just now.....admitting that you have a problem is such a HUGE STEP.
Now, we can tackle getting off these lit'l suckers!!!
Keep Posting
Percs
Thank you, jen
You've described that seemingly never-ending cycle of justifying our useage...that we all experience. Again, just recognizing that is an accomplishment.
To answer your question about how hard it is to quit; yes it's hard, BUT when your desire to quit exceeds your desire to chase that increasingly elusive high, YOU WILL DO IT.
Now to answer the second part of your question, regarding living a normal and HAPPY life without pills.....YES ITS POSSIBLE(I, as well as millions of others have done it). I cannot speak for anyone else, but I can tell you, all the things you've described (like being a better employee, etc) I've also felt. Percocet controlled my life for many years. BUT now that I've been clean for 5 months, I live my life with a renewed vigor. I swear I'm not blowing smoke up your ass....MY LIFE OVERALL IS GREAT. That is a pretty powerful statement, when you consider that last year I lost my best friend/ mother(suddenly), and one of my best friends was murdered(as well as 3 other close family/friends' deaths) In one of Thomas' posts the other day, he said:
For those of you with much shorter exposure to these drugs, know that the road home is not open forever. Return to who you were while that person is still within you. I killed the person I used to be and now I don't know who I am. But, hey, that doesn't mean my life is meaningless. Meaning comes from many people and activities in my life, not the least of which is passing on what I know so that my fellow addicts don't have to make a journey like mine.
Thomas
PRETTY COMPELLING STUFF
Jenn, you are right where you need to be to give it a try!
In a situation where a person needs "Pain Relief" such as myself, the need for powerful drugs is all that works. The results of a neck injury and also having Osteoarthritis causes me to crave some form of medication that works.... believe me when I say, asprin doesn't cut it! Here's the Sour Grapes.... Without the Pain Relief, I would be a basket case! I'm not kidding about that one bit. Now, I shall cut to the chase...
Why would I want to "Kick the Habit" of Percoset or Oxycodone and end my dependence upon those drugs?????? When, If I do... you could kiss my sanity good bye!
For the person that wants to take away the use of Pain Killers, I say: Let me hit their fingers with a hammer every few seconds for several years and tell them: No More Drugs!!!!
No sir, I'll not kick the habit...........
It's true, I take Oxycodone....10/650, 6 times a day. I don't get a "High" from them, but I certainly do get enough pain relief that knocks the edge off enough to be somewhat productive. Living with constant severe pain is very depressing. I have severe Osteoarthritis and Osteophytes are growing into my cervical and lombar spinal cord. In addition to that I had a Injury that broke my neck. I'm not trying to use this thread to complain, but I'm sure all of you can imagine the pain that I going through and these "Bone Spurs" are grinding up my Spinal Cord. I also must take sleeping meds to get me through most of the night, Halcion! Believe me, them puppies put you to sleep!!!! When morning comes, I have to start all over again with the Oxy.. and sometimes taking up to 2 hours before I am able to move around again. I appreciate the support that others are not attempting to get me to stop the Oxy and detox, but I would have to resort to illegal drugs if I could not get this medication anymore! I have tried to stop taking this Oxy and can't. I stopped for over 6 mos and nearly died with pain.... so to speak! My Doc has been very supportive to prescribe what I need, but I think I would do much better by using Oxycontin instead of the Oxycodone. It is more powerful, but slower release med. The problem is the cost!!!! I would not survive the surgery necessary to repair my problem....
I suppose, the point I'm trying to make is: I'm not having a problem with the Oxy, and I feel I can't stop using it! Not, for the reason of trying to "Kick the Addiction", but I must continue for the purpose of not having an alternative for pain relief. Therefore, I am opposed to programs that attempt to reduct the Pain meds for persons that need them. Oh... and I'm not a Cry Baby! Years ago, I suffered with "Cluster Headaches" for nearly 20 years. If there is anyone here that doesn't understand what pain is.... just ask me! That is little that takes away the pain of a Cluster headache!
Thanks for listening.......
It doesn't stop with my mother. My aunt is addicted, and my grandmother was addicted to percs and darvocet. There's a study in genetic trends for addiction!
I didn't even know about my mother's use (though I had a feeling) untill about a year and a half ago. My aunt's and grandmother's came as a complete surprise.
Lucci...I am sooooo sad to hear how bad your pain is...I dont think we understood your situation earlier...anyway..your right just to be have quality of life sometimes you have to live on meds...God bless...
You are certainly mature beyond your years...
We're here any time you need us!
Percs
First I would like to say this is the hardest thing I have ever done. I have had 3 operations, one on each of my knees and one on my right shoulder. I have osteoarthritis and have been prescribed Hydros. I have taken them for years and never had a problem. Then I met some guys who introduced me to snorting them. Now I can't stop. I have started going to more than one doctor to get more. I am getting 100 10's from one doc. and 120 7.5's from another and it is still not enough. I end up buying more off the street. I can not live like this any longer. I had an uncle and my mother die from liver failure and fear I am going down the same road. It is to the point now I have terrible mood swings and take it out on my family. This is my last chance to prove that I can beat this or I am going to lose the life I have worked my whole life for. What do I do? I will do anything. I am tired of living this way. Help me. Please. I started cold turkey yesterday at 1:00 and it is killing me. I feel weak, I have the runs, my nose is bleeding and raw. How do I stop? Do I tapper down? If I do, do I still snort them. I really need some help. I want this to end. Anybody please, help me. I know I can do this. Whorehey
First I would like to say this is the hardest thing I have ever done. I have had 3 operations, one on each of my knees and one on my right shoulder. I have osteoarthritis and have been prescribed Hydros. I have taken them for years and never had a problem. Then I met some guys who introduced me to snorting them. Now I can't stop. I have started going to more than one doctor to get more. I am getting 100 10's from one doc. and 120 7.5's from another and it is still not enough. I end up buying more off the street. I can not live like this any longer. I had an uncle and my mother die from liver failure and fear I am going down the same road. It is to the point now I have terrible mood swings and take it out on my family. This is my last chance to prove that I can beat this or I am going to lose the life I have worked my whole life for. What do I do? I will do anything. I am tired of living this way. Help me. Please. I started cold turkey yesterday at 1:00 and it is killing me. I feel weak, I have the runs, my nose is bleeding and raw. How do I stop? Do I tapper down? If I do, do I still snort them. I really need some help. I want this to end. Anybody please, help me. I know I can do this. Whorehey
a little worried
I have had to come off of hydrocodone 4 times. It all started for me due to a back injury. When the pain stopped I would stop taking but the pain always returns. The withdrawals are probably one of the hardest things he will go through. The thing is, he is gonna have to want to stop taking them. When he goes through withdrawals be as supportive as you can. Make sure you don't preach to him and say he never should have gotten in to this mess. Give him his space if he when he needs it. Don't get upset if all he does is lay around. Part of the withrawals is being so tired without energy but not being able to sleep. You could contact a doctor because there are different medications that help with withdrawals. The more comfortable he is, the more likely he will be able to succeed. One of the times I came off of them I tapered down and had little to no withdrawals. If you decide to do this you must hold on to the pills and give them out as needed. It is so hard to taper and takes a lot of willpower. My problem was if the pills were there, I'd take them. Make sure you get him on this forum and have him tell us his story and any questions he has. The people on here are wonderful and do not judge at all. What seems to help people the most is relating to each others experience. Everyone on here is so supportive and have great knowledge to help during this time. You make some great friends that care so much. I wish you the best of luck during all of this. Don't forget to make a new post dedicated to you. You'll be surprised of the wealth of information you'll receive.
I am new to this site...I've been taking vicodins for about 2 yrs. now, and have decided to quit cold turkey. I'm on day #8 now, and feeling better everyday. I thank God for finding this site and reading what everyone has to say...God Bless You All..
hatesthis
I wanted to tell anyone in the medical field addicted to Vics, Percs etc.
If u have come to the point where u are calling in false Rxs or writing them. STOP NOW! u WILL get caught eventually and its a terrible thing to happen not only u but everyone around u. It happened to me.I was caught and my name was smeared all over the paper not to mention the embarassment for my kids and hubby. I had to go to jail and was labeled a drug seeker.Once labeled, u will not EVER work in the medical fiel and you wont be trusted. Also in jail u dont get to taper. you just suffer cold turkey.
PLEASE listen to me. you may not get caught today or tomorrow. But eventually you will get caught.
Ive been clean and soaber for over a year. Dont do it my way
Love kraut67
I'm not ready to tell my hubby about this but I would not be surprised if he's also not addicted. We've both been using his 10/375 hydrocodone since his back surgery 4 years ago. I have currently only taken a total of 7 each day but this week I was determined to cut back. At work, I notice the withdrawal symptoms. Monday I took 3 at work, 3 at home. Tuesday it was 2 at work, 1 at home. Today I had none left in my purse so I sit here in a small amount of agony and it's only 1:30. :( My neck hurts, I feel like stretching like there is no tomorrow, my ears are ringing and I'm getting a headache. I prefer to just taper off but I just may do that and once down to maybe 2 a day use the Thomas Detox method as I saw it posted back in 2002.
Now I realize it is not even close to what some of you are experiencing and I do feel for you. I'm just seeing how thankful I am that I started looking now for help instead of waiting until I had to get it off the interent. The doctors have taken him off the hydrocodone and we have 3 months supply left. Kinda nudges me to get the message!
Looking for advise, and maybe someone else whos going through or been there.
Thanks
You have posted on an old post. Copy your post and go up to post a question (green) at the top of page. We don't want oyur new post to get lost in this old one.
Thanks
Today I had to leave work again, I admitted my addiction to my boss and I was sent home. I feel horrible about being a drug addict but my doctor is the one who gave me the pills for my back problems.
WHEN WILL THIS HELL GO AWAY?
look plain and simple you are the one in control of your life narcotics are the devils drug, my withdrawls lasted almost a full year till my body got back to normal, the hard withdrawls where the famous feeling like a dead fish flopping outside of the water, cold chills, shaking badly after i woke up, couldent or dident want to move at all, throwing up for no reason, peeeing out of my rear end, pure hell..and like i said take control of your life and just stop, the reason your body is doing the withdrawls is because its doing its best to get back to its "a" game. what helped me was my strong will to survive i did this to myself and now i had to clean myself....there is hope pray to god or whatever you believe in. you do not need depression meds you do not need more drugs, shut up sit down and survive. i am clean now for almost 2 years now i have no cravings i do not want that again....point blank if my arm gets shot off, just pass me the tequila and a couple of advil