vicodin addiction

To: All posters
I have been on vicodin for almost 2 years for damage to my lower back. They said surgery would not help. The problem is i take about 10-12 5/325 a day and have been for a long time. I am slowly increasing because the pain is not going away and the high is not the same. I am worried because i want to stop. I had a physical and they said everything is alright and no health problems. I tried to quit on my own and i got really sick and could not do it so i went back on. My doctor said not to quit cold turkey it could kill me. Problem is i moved to another state and cant find a doctor because i have no insurance and i am almost out. i do not know what to do now. I live in San Francisco now and they do not like giving out narcotics but i kind of need them as i am adicted, can someone help me please and guide me on what to do.

[Nicole1105]

Can you find a practice that is certified to give out Suboxone? That will help you get off of the Vicodin; just be careful that you don't get addicted to the Suboxone. Going to NA or AA also helps a lot, along with seeing a psychologist that specializes in addiction. Good luck. We are here for you.

[jeffclowns]

i was taking same amount ,snorting  the yellows so i was doing the 10's most of the time and i quit cold turkey i mean you have to evaluate your situation but from every thing i read or heard you can quit CT ,the w/d's usually last for most 4 days and there is stuff to help look at Thomas receipt on lower right hand side it really does help with the w/d symptoms ,i mean it's up to you but from what i read about Suboxone that ain't going do you much justice either ,i wish you the best.god bless.jeff.

[IBKleen]

Hi, I am glad you started your own post so we can talk just to you.

You said that the pills are not helping with the pain and you are not getting the high. Are you taking the pills for pain and to get high? If so, increasing them will not help with the pain because your tolerance will get higher and the relief won't come and you will never catch that high again. Have you ever tried to control the pain without narcotics? Often when we are on the pills for a long period of time they can begin to work against us which seems is happening to you.

I cannot believe that your doctor has you on that dose. I don't understand how you are getting a script for that many filled.

Anyway, while coming off of the pills at that high of a dose would be uncomfortable, unless you have other health problems, it won't kill you. There are only a few drugs that are life-threatening to cold turkey off of and Vicodin is not one of them.

I do not recommend Suboxone unless you plan on doing the program. It is NOT a drug to be taken to "get off of" another drug, it is a program to be followed strictly under a doctor's care along with counseling and outside support. Only a physician who is certified can prescribe Suboxone. If you and your doctor decide to go that route, please do research on it before you jump in and please talk with members who have actually done the program. It can be a wonderful tool if used properly but know that you will also have withdrawal when it is time to come off of that as well.

If you have someone who can help you, your best bet may be to do a taper but first you will have to find a doctor. There must be doctors who will accept cash or if money is an issue, are there clinics available where you are?

There is a lot of support here so stick around as members come on tonight. I hope it all works out for you.

[addictedinsanfran]

Thanks for all the help. when i run out i ask the pharmacy for a refill and my doctor approves it. I am prescribed 240 a month at one time. I always run out early and the doctor has to ok a early refill. I do not think i am taking them for the pain anymore. I just take them because without them i am sick. The first thing i do in the morning before i crawl out of bed is pop two of them and lay there till they make me feel better.

I use to take them every 6 hours or so then every 4 i am now taking them almost every hour and a half like clock work.