Just starting detox

[Scurvy1]

I've been taking 7.5mg/325mb norcos for about 6 years. Drs. prescription because of arthritis in my knee. Just had a partial knee replacement about 5 months ago. My dr. and I had a program to ween me off the 13 vics I was  taking a day. I got down to 2 a day and stalled out. I'm taking 2 days off work plus the weekend. Today I'm taking my last 2 pills and I'm done. My question is, I'm 62 yrs old and after dropping from 13 to 2 a day, should I still expect to go through the same withdrawals I would've had had I quit cold turkey. I've read tons but still don't really know what to expect. Going to the store tonight to get Gatorade, bananas etc. Anyone have any suggestions on how to approach this.

[littlebit667]

I did it at about your age.   Yes, there will be withdrawals, but they should be a bit milder than stopping cold..which I did.  Epsom salt bathes help well.  Treat the symptoms sorta like having the flu.  

Hydrate and eat! ((gatorade is good) Even if it is just a little every hour or so.(boost or ensure might work for both food and drink)  You have to eat something to keep your energy up as much as possible.  

If you have Restless legs..it is hit or miss what works.  Walking seemed to help me some.  Hot bath with epsom salts..a little.  I finally had to get my doctor to refill my restless legs meds (non addictive) to get some sleep.  If nothing works,your doctor might help.  Benedryl or OTC Alteril helps some with sleep issues and you will have them.

One hour at a time is all anyone can ask.  After 2 weeks it gets a little better and I started to say, One day at a time!  Your brain will do all sorts of things to get you to take a pill.  I found if I was hungry..the cravings got worse.  I would try to eat a banana, a few grapes or a few crackers to get that under control.

The hardest part comes after the detox.  Your brain will be all over the place and will try to get you back on the pills...It is having to work and not depend on the pills to help.  

Good for you.  I hope all goes well.  You have made a good start coming here....this site has helped me so much!!!  Keep posting!!!!!

[jerry4664]

well let us know how things are going??

[gnarly_1]

hi well you did a great job tapering and this will help a lot but there is no ''get out of jail free card''  I agree with the others it should be mild compared to 13  just stick with it in about 4 days most of the phyical part will be threw  but it is the ''mind screw'' that can take a wile  we also recamend some form of aftercare....N/A is good it will give you the tools to make this your last detox  keep posting for support...
............................................Gnarly..................................

[clean_in_ks]

Welcome to the forum!
It's great that you had the help of your dr in getting down from 13 to 2...and congratulations on your jump!!

You have a good plan by taking off a few days coupled with the weekend...that will help you a lot!  And jumping from 2 will be considerably better than 13 for sure!

In addition to the Gatorade and bananas, having some Imodium for your tummy/bathroom issues and some Epsom salts for hot baths will help you a lot!  Staying hydrated (lots and lots of water) is really important.  Having some easy things to fix yourself to eat is a good idea too.  I didn't feel like eating much, so I drank Carnation Instant Breakfasts along with some pnut butter toast..LOL  I think they call them Breakfast Essentials now, but they have a lot of nutrients in them and are much better than Ensure or Boost, IMO :)  Our brains need amino acids and protein to heal.
Another item you might want to pick up, a box of Emergen-C packets (they come in different flavors).  They are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals as well as amino acids and electrolytes.  Because you drink it, your body uses it more efficiently than pill forms of supplements.  

Let us know how you're getting on.  Some one is usually around that can help if you have any questions that come up.  Keep posting for support and GOOD FOR YOU at freeing yourself☼

[motye51]

It sounds like your dr and you did a pretty good job of tapering down off the pills.  That is good.  IMO...you will be uncomfortable but shouldn't be super bad.  Don't psych yourself into making it worse though.  Your on the right path, gatorade, fresh fruit, dark green leafy veges, get a good multivitamin also.  Just sit back and let the process happen so you can come out on the other end!  You got this!

[real_jimmy]

A small dosage of a chemical can give similar effects of a huge dosage when there is a time period gap of not using at all. And that is where people experience overdoses.
Cold turkey is a big jump. You may have a hard landing but it ends once and hopefully for ever.  And at some point you may have to do that, even if that means jumping from half a bottle. And going of from the using, even if quantity appears like negligible to you on comparison, may be that one last big jump. The Psychological support from using is always strong and that habit of thinking tries to find cracks during recovery.  Some users may even appreciate a couple teaspoonfuls of using. So, using is always using.
And generally speaking, using will keep you in touch until you may get deep again.
Anyways, you will be doing okay, until you may want to increase the dose back and at that moment it is better to cut all the roots of your habit once in for all. And with time you will appreciate the beauty of life in real sense. And you may be the best person to seek an advise from, get inspired from. You will be thankful to be free, Take care