need some encouragement!

[Aila1222]

I have "cold turkey" quit taking vicodin now for 24 hrs....and I am miserable! I have never abused the drug, only have used 500 mg twice a day for the past two years off and on for surgeries, kidney stones and other health problems. I thought cold turkey was the best way for me, because if I keep taking it I do not see an end. I am aching, sneezing, fever, sweating, irritable and restless. I want to take one to rid myself of this feeling, but I feel if I do I will never have an end to this cycle. Please help me! I just need encouraging words! I live with my husband and two young kids and I am too ashamed to talk to him about this!

Alone....
Aila

[Aila1222]

Thanks so much for your support! This is really hard,but your tips are easing things.  I am on hour 44 of cold turkey withdrawl now and the need to use is very strong. I'm trying to get it in check mentally and physically.  My brain keeps saying one little pill won't hurt....but I know it will so I'm trying to distract myself from falling into those weak moments.  I though about going to the drugstore and buying some things suggested....but I have no energy and taking my son to school this morning I almost backed into a tree because I can not concentrate.  I have taken so many baths already, and called off work yesterday. I think I may call off today again, because I don't feel strong enough yet.  I've been taking prenatal vitamins and xanax to sleep. I'm trying to stay strong but with no one around me aware of what I'm going through I feel like screaming.

Aila

[shiningstar500]

Staying active helps alot and so does taking the otc meds. You will feel better soon, the withdrawls shouldn't last too long. Good luck to you and I wish you the best!

[Storme]

Hi hon,

I know this seems impossible to bear right now but it isn't. You can do this. Please get yourself some Hylands restful legs from the drugstore for the restlessness also epson salt baths and bananas will help a lot. I used SleepMD which is all natural to get some sleep at night and I went for walks to help distract myself and again fight off the restlessness. I am 72 days clean now and I feel terrific.

Try to stay hydrated with water and gatoraide and also get a good vitamin supplement and some immodium. The first 3-4 days will be the worst and then I promise that you will start to feel better. This won't kill you, even when you think it might. Please DON'T give in. You are stronger than the meds are.

[gnarly_1]

HI and welcome to the forum......so your starting out day 1 your 24 hr in and that was 9 hrs ago so by now your in whats called ''acute withdrawal'' first off try not to let fear into the equation it only makes it worst....and its always worst in our minds then it actually turns out to be....I truly believe this is a battle one or lost in ones own mind....so keep a positive attitude it will really help you along...look up the thomas recipe on the right had side of
the screen you will probably need to send someone at this point to get it for you
your going to go threw some really uncomfortable feelings the next few days
get comfortable with the saying...''you just got to be ok without being ok for a wile''....
it will serve you well for the next few days....my favorite therapy is a nice hot soak in the tub...it will do more then any thing else to releave the symptoms....dont under estimate this therapy...keep in mind this is 1/3 physical and 2/3 mental be ready to fight on both fronts and remember when your on your last nerve with this thing...keep in mind it is only temporary I also agree with renting a bunch of movies your probably not going to sleep much for the next few days they will give you something to do will up all night
if your up tonight...try laying on the couch with your eyes shut and some soft music playing in the background ...if your believe in God prayer helps when your up at 3am shaking he's all you got....I hope you get a good nights sleep hang in ther keep posting for support we all want to see you succeed good luck and God bless.....Gnarly              

[riversandparks]

I'd agree with the folks here.. I just started my day 12 since I quit at night.. I will tell you.. Redbox has been my friend... My husband brought 2-3 movies home every day during the long weekend from RedBox and after the long weekend, have still been watching 1-2 movies daily in the evening which is when it got worse for me.  During the day, I do have a job but have been lucky enough to work at home since my direct boss and my peers are on the east coast.  Local site does not expect me in the office much so that helped a lot.. I usually have tons of con calls set up so, the day was ok.. when I didn't feel well.. I took some day quil and went to sleep.. in the evenings.. those movies and baths helped a lot before taking some nyquil to get myself to sleep.. Days 2-3-4-5 were the worse for me but it's gotten better since.

I am having another different issue but not the horrible WD symptoms I experienced during those days...

Get some movies.... grab some popcorn and keep yourself occupied.. I am all out of movies that I actually want to rent from RB now:).

Thanks and hang in there..

[Back2Reality]

I would just like to give you some words of encouragement although I have been tapering and took my last pill tonight.  I never used all that many, but did use every single day for over a year and a half.  I found myself panicking when I would get down to just a few pills and planned to have them for vacations, etc. because I would also panic thinking about being on vacation, etc. without them.  I have finally gotten SO sick of worrying about being drug tested at work, hiding my use from everyone, planning my nights around taking them and feeling so alone in my addiction to them.  

The only advice I can give is to keep yourself busy however you can. One thing I've been doing alot is taking walks with my dogs.  Reading, doing laundry, washing dishes, knitting and even watching TV.  I made myself continue to do my "normal" things without taking a pill and getting used to the feeling of doing stuff NOT high.  Tomorrow will be my first day in a long time without one single pill, but at least I know I'm out of them now and am not panicking or scheming how I can get some more. A month ago I would have been texting my neighbor to see when I could get more.  I'm just going to do whatever I have to do to go on from here without them.  

I understand feeling like you can't tell anyone, but if there is any ONE person you can think of to confide in it would probably help.  If not, continue to come on this website and get the support you need!!

And believe me, I'm not trying to talk like a pro, remember tomorrow is my first day in a long time without them, but I am feeling strong and like I'm going to do whatever I ave to do to get off of them, so I hope that SOMETHING I or someone else here said, will help you!!

[janet19]

Welcome to the forum, you have come to the right place for help.

Getting off of opiates is not an easy thing to do, but a lot of people here have done it. It is good that you have only used small amts. up to now. But trust me that will change and the longer you rely on it the worse the addiction will become. That 2x day will grow to 4x day to 2 pills 2x4x6 day before you know it.

GET OFF NOW!   YOU CAN DO IT!  PLEASE DO IT!

It does take your most inner strength to beat this, but you life is worth it a million times over. Think of beautiful things and know that those beautiful things will grow brighter each day of your sobriety.

Read up and know what to expect. You can find that answer about anywhere on this forum. There are withdrawals and they can last 4 or more days. All the info you need is at your finger tips. There are some great people here. You will find them very supportive, strong and fascinating people on this forum.

[pillfree21]

Overcoming opiate addiction is something that will really test your inner most strength, but once you beat up (and you will)...you will be much stronger and wiser for the experience. In the meantime, you must believe that things will get better and that all of this misery is a small price to pay for your life back.

The amino acid/exercise/diet therapy advice does help and put you in the right mind frame to get past the physical and start working on the mental aspect.  Good Luck with your recovery.

[NoMore81410]

Hi hon! You are not alone on here! We all have been through this. Take a lot of hot baths to help for the aches and pains. Please DO NOT take any that is just a lie that Satan is telling you to take one to feel better but don't give in to him! I know you probably feel like you are about to crawl out of your skin but it is temporary! I was on this stuff myself for 3 years and the last 6 months I took 8-15 per day. Just keep telling yourself tomorrow I will be a little better. Put in a movie to distract you or read a book. This too shall pass and you can do this! I am 32 days today and I have my life back! I am getting healthy and my mind is more focused. You can do this! Stay strong! Keep us posted!

[chronicmistake]

Don't give up!!!!  I just quit Norco and am 6 days clean.  Go to the health information page at top of this forum to get the Thomas Recipe which will help ease the WD symptoms.  Just get through 3days.  The 3rd day is usually the worst.  If you do not need these medications anymore you have to stop.  I got mad and strong and just jumped after people on this forum believed in me and encouraged me. keep us posted.