question on withdrawal?

[OxyDout]

hey guys, I know I have been posting often so most of you know my situation. it has been 3 weeks now, and I have only stumbled twice, both times were minor, I used only 20mg of oxy the first time, which was about 2 weeks ago and the second time was a little worse, I took 20mg at night and then a little less then 20mg in the morning, I never really felt anything from them just enough to keep going. However, that was this past fri. and sat. morning, now for the last couple of night I have been dealing with the restless leg and a little of the sweats although I'm slowly starting to get rid of them.  so its been about 3 days since I last had anything (20mg) and I'm struggling...amazingly I'm doing very well with work and my girlfriend as well. I think they are the two things keeping my head on straight.  Any words of wisdom.......

GWH

[ash]

Hang in there pal. I'm in the same boat. i've got three days today. I've been on and off meds for the last three years. It gets harder and harder every time I go back to those little devils. i feel scared like life won't be the same without them. Read what vicodee wrote. words of wisdom and experience. vicodin and lorcets were the norm for me. I never ran into oxys but it really is the same when it comes to how we all feel. Ya? take care my friend. I am lucky to be able to read and respond to my fellow addicts. It is my recovery and strength. God bless.


  the ash

[dabby]

Hi,
Help! I feel awful. I am cutting way back on my hydrocodone and I cant stand it. I am only taking 10-5/00 a day and I keep telling myself that this is better than complete withdrawal, but my body wants more. I cannot function. I am trying to work, but cannot concentrate on anything and I feel weak, achy, depressed. I have absolutely no interest in anything except getting more. I have to be strong this time and I need support and help. I am a 51 year old woman, who has had severe arthritis pain and really have a reason to take the stuff, but I have abused it badly. I was taking about 30-40 s day, and if I could continue to get more I would take more. I think my liver is shot from all the tylenol. I have been doing this for about 2 1/2 years and even if I go through the withdrawal, that won't take care of the underlying problem of depression. I never seemed to have an interest in anything unless I was high. I will continue this later, I am posting from work and it is hard. I keep telling myself that this could be alot worse, I could be without any.

[Korg]

Hi Savan.  From your discription, I would cast my vote for you to find a good in patient program that can be there to get you down on a regimented program.  I believe in weaning, but you sound in dyre straits.  I'm no expert, but please look into it.  I suggest this based on your honest disciptions, and the high amount of what has to be the worst drug out there.

Let a set of good professionals help you while there is still time.

May God be with you in every step you take, I'm praying for you to find your path, Korg

[savanmarley]

Please help. I have been on oxycontin for 2-1/2 yrs. and as of Feb 15 2002 I have to get off this medicine. I tried going thru detox 4-01 and could not stay off this ****. I'am very angry at the Doctor that started prescribing the oxycontin to me after he new that I went thru detox and yet when I got out he still said "you look like your still in pain, do you want to get back on the oxy's again?) Stupid thing to ask a addict. I no that I'am the one who should have said NO, but the addict in me said YES. Now almost 1yr later I'am right back where I started from. I'am taking 80mg. x 4 a day and I no I need to start tapering off. Does anyone have any suggestions for a routine for me to help me to detox myself off this stuff. I'am scared to death because I no what I'am going to go thru. My head,stomach,legs and whole body screams out in pain right now just thinking about going thru withdrawls. So if anyone has any suggestions for a way to help aleaviate(spelling) some of the symptoms I would greatly appreciate them. Thanking you all in advance.

[Mike1174]

Hi, All, I posted a couple of times in the wrong Question under Hydrocodone withdraw, so you can read my story there. Anyway, Iam on day 8 of my withdraw from Methadone, Jesus, that was the toughest thing I have ever went through in my life. Iam ok, my head still hurts, I have been taking a multi-vitamin, Now does that work to get rid of my headache and return the brain chemistry. When will my head feel normal again. I read get a product called T-Lysione, does that really work, and what is it an Herb or something.

[CASEY]

Are you my clone or did we both go to "Mom school"? Your concerns are so like mine.  I become so obsessed with David taking his vitamins, getting B-shots, taking a shower, cutting and shampooing his hair, changing his underwear. Of course, he isn't doing any of them.  I think, because the situation is so out of control, I try to grasp for something "normal",  to make order out of chaos. The kid is killing himself with heroin and I try to get him to shower. Crazy huh. Trust me, Kate, you nor I are bad moms so don't even waste one minute going there. My son started heroin to self medicate his depression. Now his excuse to continue using is that quitting won't do any good, the depression was there before and it will be there after.  I am getting sick of my nagging voice but it is so difficult not to keep pushing treatment. He won't hear of it. Sound like Dan is much more open to sobriety.  Take care, keep praying and try alanon. My prayers your direction. Love, Gina

[littleguy]

I am sure that it is not your fault and that a bad mom would not be standing by him the way that you are!!  There are many addicts that have had the door shut on them as soon as they admitted it to their family.  All you can do is be there for him, without enabling.  That's a tough enough job without looking back on all of the things that you could have done differently.  Just love him.... the way that only a mother can.

littleguy

[irishmom]

It does seem to be getting out of his system so quickly.
I'm learning pretty quickly that I really have no say.
Day 1 to Day 4, he pretty much did everything I suggested.
I told him when to take his vitamins, eat, drink,
bathe, brush his teeth, call the counselor.
Day 5, when I suggested he eat or drink, I got no,
I don't think so, I'm not hungry, not thirsty, etc...
So I'm getting the idea that it's a hour by hour, day by
day experience.  I'm trying very hard not to tell or
suggest to him what to do or when to do it.
I'm realizing also that I'm trying to control the situation
and can't.  Good lesson for me to learn.  
Now if I can only convince myself that I'm not such a bad
Mom & this is not my fault I may get this day to day thing
under contril.
Thanks for listening!  Kate

[Telby]

So glad to hear your son has come so far.  The only good thing about heroin withdrawal is that it pretty much winds down around day 4.  Remember however it will be at least 180 days before the brain chemistry is again stable.  The vitamins are really important in this process.  I think the odor is part of his detox, the poison literally comes through the pores.  All of these symptoms will go away but as others have said the urges for drugs will hit very hard.  Relapse is associated with the combination of the brain changes and triggers, simple things like a song on the radio, having money in your pocket, seeing an old using friend or even the change of seasons can trigger strong drug urges.  In counseling he will learn to identify his personal triggers and have some plans of action for getting through.  Remember this has to be his path, you can't walk it for him.  The brilliance of living "one day at a time" can help you as much as it helps him, keep your expectations low and your serenity will be high.  You are in my thoughts, love, Telby

[irishmom]

Good Morning, or at least I think it will be a good morning.
My son looks so much better, especially his eyes. Yesterday,
he ate some decent food, went and played with his band,
(he's a drummer-his brother went with him) worked some,
took a shower (Thank God!), got his hair cut and most importantly, spoke to a counselor.
He's not on any drugs other than vitamins, so he hasn't been
sedated.  This has been a straight detox.
I have a few questions, he's smells terrible, like the odor
is eeking from his pores, is this from the detox?
He actually got some decent sleep last night?  Is that from
the last 4 days of hell or was he just lucky?
Will the none stop talking and feeling like he should get in touch with everyone he may or may not have hurt continue to
go on?  He seems to want to tell everyone whether they know
or not just in case he did something to hurt their feelings.
Should we insist that he get drug testing or will this be
part of the therapy?
We are not kidding ourselves, next week he starts the intense
therapy and know that this will be a fight for the rest of his
life, however, he is handling the effects of the detox much
better than any of us thought possible, even the doctor.
5 days down, the rest of his life to go....
Thanks for listening and any feedback you can give.
Kate

[jennyfla]

I can spot a junkie from a while away, and it's all in the eyes.
It's not just the pin-pointed pupils and the glassy-look, it's more the fear and the emptiness that you can see in their eyes.  They say the eyes are the windows into the soul, and the soul definately takes a big hit for an addict!
I can see it all in my own pictures or when i look in the mirror.
My heart my be full with love from my children, but my soul is missing something big.  
Funny how opiates were such a 'kick' at first, they made me happy when i was sad and alone after we moved here 5-years ago.
They grabbed hold of me, even after witnessing the pain my husband was going through with his addiction.  I had a break while pregnant, and i still started using again after I had Kayla.  Hello, Stupid!!!!  Now the physical addiction has grabbed hold of me, something i avoided for the longest time, and i was dam proud of it!!!
Anyway, this post got long.
I've got my angel on my shoulder!!! :)
Lv Jenny

[CASEY]

When my son went through detox at home, it was great as long as he was sedated but when he wasn't anymore, he became restless and whenever anything went wrong he would threaten to go back to drugs. I ran around, trying to keep him busy, make sure he took his meds. Now, I realize I needed to turn the responsibility over to him or the treatment center. As parents, we are too vulnerable to their pain. He broke holes in the walls, dented our car, broke drawers. He stayed clean for 4 months while I chased him around like a crazy woman. 2 years later, he is still addicted. I am so happy for you that yours will go to treatment. Please continue to prayer for David and I will for you, also. Just don't let him and his addiction drive the bus. It is a crazy ride. Hope I don't bum you. Sounds like your son is sincere about quitting. Prayers your direction. Love, Gina

[jennyfla]

I just wanted to add a wish of good luck for the caring moms on this board fighting a battle along with their child.
I'm an addict and married to an addict, and we have three beautiful young children.  I can't imagine the pain you must feel watching your own child struggle through his addiction.
Take care of yourselves!!
Lv Jenny

[irishmom]

Hello Gina!
We meet with the specialist on Monday.  In the meantime, my son
is going thru detox.  The first 3 days have been hell!  Our family doctor put him on multi-vitamin that contains magnesium,
potassium, phosphorous, also he's on B-1 and 1mg. of Folic Acid.
He also wants him to drink plenty of water and gatorade. Eat
dry cereal and triskets.  The first 48 hours he literally could not eat anything, he's gone from freezing to sweats, jerky body movements, restless sleep for an hour or two and feeling like he should have a toilet attached to his body.  Thankfully,
he's starting to come around and from what I've been told this
is when the counselling will become very important.  His mind has been concentrating on the physical aspects of the detox.  He's
told me that the better he's feeling the more the idea of getting herion is coming over him.  Right now we (the family) are concentrating on keeping him occupied and listening to him, he's
talking alot, it almost seems like he's on speed.  He's been calling alot of old friends apologizing.  It breaks my heart but again, I'm seeing the real Dan...so in a way it is a relief. Anyway, he got tested for HIV, STD's & Hepatitis last night and we will know the results next week.  He was told he'd have to be
tested every 3 months for the next year to know if he tests negative.  We are trying hard to keep the faith and thank God
that Dan is trying to find himself again.  As soon as I know more
I will post until then, please know that you, your son and all
suffering our in my thoughts & prayers.  Kate

[irishmom]

Thank you Telby!  I am so racked with guilt that it feels like
I'm not doing enough...I love him with my whole heart & soul and wish, hope & pray that our love will help him.  It certainly didn't stop him from putting the herion in his body.  The why is what he has to find out...
I'm so thankful that I found this site.  I've tried to read almost all the post over the last month, and will continue to do so.  It's truly remarkable the amount of caring that shines thru each post.  So thanks to all! You've shared yourselves and it's certainly has helped our family!  Take care...Kate

[IrishRose]

Hi Irishmom, Sorry meant to get back to you sooner, both NA, AA, Naranon, and Alanon have websites, I think if you just enter any of the above in your search engine you should come up with them, or look in your phone book for NA/AA and they will give you info about local mtgs and you can likely hook up there with someone to direct you to some local reasources. Some days I feel I am constantly in prayer for my child that his life will not take the path his father's did or part of the way mine did. I fortunately was able to raise him mostly clean and sober, I hope he is able to give this gift to himself someday. He has been on Paxil for the last year and is tapering off that now thank God. He moved back home with us in Oct to try to get his life together and that some days makes it even harder for me to let go. He is trying I think, he has cut way down on his alcohol consumption but there are still those nights I can't sleep when I know he's out there partying. 1021/Irishmom, I'll keep all our boys in my prayers and you as well. IR.

[Telby]

As I was reading your first post I immediatly thought " she needs to hook up with Gina" so I was so happy to see Gina had responded.  Your kids are very fortunate to have you as moms, so many addicts get the door slammed in there face and I believe the love they get from you will literally save their lives.  Keep the faith and support each other.  If there is anything I can do to help please let me know.  love, Telby

[CASEY]

Wow, you take action. Good for you and your son. I would be interested to know what an addiction specialist has to say about heroin and how to treat it. Please share your wisdom with us. Gina

[irishmom]

I think I was just so panicked when I first posted....since
then (still in panic mode) but I've spoken to the family doc,
the county intake addiction center and our family sat down
with Dan and he finally admitted that he uses 1 to 2 bags a
day (so much for every Friday night) anyway, the gift from
God is that he went yesterday to intake and spoke to a counselor
who offered him 3 options...he is detoxing himself since Sunday
and looks like he's going thru hell, next week he will start intense counseling 3 times a week one-on-one & once a week with
a group. If at anytime he buys or takes herion he promised the
counselor to call and someone will pick him up and take him into
a 28 day inhouse program.
We also have an appointment with a doctor who specializes in herion addiction....so he's trying.  He's staying with his brother and physically away from his girlfriend & so-called friends for right now.  We actually got some sleep
last night...so I will definetly be clearly thinking today and will get in touch with the groups you have mentioned...Thank
you so very much for taking the time to answer my call for help!
We are praying and are trying to keep the faith...

[CASEY]

I am in the same boat as you are but my son is only 20. He  has been using heroin for 5 years. Please try to find an alanon or naranon group asap. I found one that is specifically for parents but that is not necessary.  I wasted 2 years trying to handle it all by myself because I didn't  think anyone could know my son like i do. I have made every classic mistake in the book. Early on, I missed some opportunities for him to get help because I was afraid he would be mad at me. He could have been involutarily hospitalized which might have led to help but I allowed him to be released to us. He is still using and sees no way out.  I keep trying to soften the pain because I can't bear to see him hurting but it has only prolonged the abuse. Don't expect him to be rational or adult like. His thinking can be confused and unreliable. Also, it costs alot so keep your gifts to a minimum. My son sells every birthday present...He is a sweet kid but in the claws of hell. Let your son know you love him but don't get sucked into a pity party with him because it is never ending. Nothing will improve until he faces his addiction and gets structured help. There are no magic answers but there is also no recreational heroin use. It quickly becomes ones life. I will pray for you and your son and mine, too.
Gina

[IrishRose]

Hi Irishmom,
     Im a mom too, of a 23 yr old boy so I understand your terror. Does he want help at this point? He has finally admitted the depth of his problem to you so he must be reaching out in some way to you. For you I could suggest Al-anon or Naranon, 2 organizations that provide support to the families of alcholics and addicts. You will find information and support there and both AA and NA have websites, I will look up some info and post again to you later. I guess you need to find out from him, where he is at exactly, sounds like he is scared, you are right if he doesn't want help now there is little you can do but keep the door open which it sounds like you have done already, and if you believe in a higher power ( i.e. God, whatever) pray for the both of you. You can also find out some resources in your community about treatment, NA, etc to arm yourself with some information for your own peace of mind and to pass on to him if he is willing. I will post again later, my dog is barking his head off to be let out. Take care. IR.

[irishmom]

Hello to All!
I found out today that my 26yr old son has been shooting herion
since May. I don't know what to do & I don't what to push him away. How do I help him help himself.  From what I understand
his introduction was thru his girlfriend who has had a major problem with herion for the last 6 years. His friend finally
told me because he is worried that my son will die.  I feel very guilty that I didn't see him clearly and recognize the signs
of his illness. He went from denying it, to admitting that he
does it occasionally, to finally admitting to me & himself that he has a major problem.  
I know enough to know that if he doesn't want help, nothing
anyone does will help him.
I don't know anything about herion.  Shooting and Snorting it.  His friend told me that Dan throws up after he shots up and also throws up when he doesn't have the drug.
Please help me find the right approach and thank you for taking the time to read this.

[skipper]

his-wife:
what is the high from hydro-c like? lets see...warm, pleasent sen-
sation of your feet not touching the ground, weightless, and slow.
my wife claims it makes a bigger mess of me than oxy. being around
someone who is loaded on any kind of opiates (when your not) is a
real exasperating expierence. for some reasion the phrase "thicker
than a brick" comes to mind. i can usually tell if someone is un-
der the influence of opiates just by hearing their voice, there
is a "far away sound to it."

i don't think i can describe exactly how hydro-c makes me feel. it
is difficult to take the expierence and describe it in any detail.
opiates give me a feeling that i'm not quite sure if i like. but
just let me have one more blast and then maybe i can decide!

keep an angel on your shoulder
kip

[IrishRose]

GWH- reading about your german shephard, we have a dog we think of as our youngest son! He developed some pain in the last year or so and our vet put him on Rimadyl ( spelling?) some kind of dog pain relief, may be an antiarthritic. Actually I think he probaby hurt himself chasing a bunny or jumping for cheese which is his addiction. But it seemed to help. Hang in there, better days are coming. IR.