vicodin/hydrocodone addiction

[taz]

For the past several months, my mother has been "in recovery" from neck surgery.  The pain medication her doctor prescribed was vicodin & soma.  Since the surgery, her pain has not subsided, despite increased doses of her medication.  Five months afer her surgery, soma was cut out of her medication as she began experiencing nausea and vomiting.  At present, she takes 350 mg of vicodin three to four times per day, yet continues to complain of excruciating pain in her neck, (worse than the initial pain following her surgery).  She is listless, defensive and agitated, but occasionally shows bursts of energy.  I have read articles that say you cannot become addicted to pain medication if you using them for pain, and I have read articles that say otherwise.  Clearly this is a very delicate subject, and the nagging question is how to address the addiction (if there is an addiction) without minimizing the pain (if there is pain which requires medication).

[SSSS333]

I was on this site yesterday, I was on day 3 clean. I have been on vic for almost 10yrs for chronic back pain. In the beinging it never seemed like a problem. At first I was taking 2 or 3 500mg a day, after about 6yrs of that I went up to 3 750mgs a day, then I found my self maybe here and there taking up to 6 a day.I made the decision that I wanted to stop, I went to the doc and explained how I felt. I told her I just wanted to stop cold turkey and needed something to curb the withdrawals. She said no, and that I would be better off weining myself down. She said next time I call for my refill to call for the 500mgs. I had already been breaking my 750's in half to insure I would not take so much in one day. I ran out 4 days ago, called the script and they havent filled it. day one wasnt that bad, I have been taking naproxyn for the muscle aches, although I was calling the pharmacy like every 4hrs to check if my script was there( I did that for most of the first 3 days) I got to the point where I started calling around to friends that I knew either I had gave them some or that I knew could get some. that felt like an all time low! yesterday on day 3 while waiting for a contact call I got online to see if doing a body detox would help with the withdrawals, and I found this site. I began reading. I was having the restless leg thing, the fast heartbeat, no energy, upset stomach, and when I did get out of bed I was very light headed. I started drinking propels like they were going out of style. I started getting a splitting headache, realized that i usually drink like 3 sodas a day and that I hadnt and I was probably getting caffeine withdrawals too! lol so I drank a soda and ate some dinner. My reasoning for telling my story and posting this is this, while reading these posts yesterday I got a contact call, they asked me how many I wanted. I looked at my screen thinking about all of you have so much hope and how some of you have been worse off and made it, I texted my contact back and said "Im 3 days into withdrawals, I think Im gonna play it straight, Do me a solid and dont give me any." If I hadnt came across this site I dont think that I would be 4 days straight! I feel much better today I dont crave it as much after turning it down, today is easter sunday and I have dinners to go to hopefuly I can find the energy to do them. I just want to say thank you to all of you for your stories and your strength! God bless all of you and if you pray for the help it will be there you just have to except it! THANK YOU ALL!!

[Abomb32]

I've been taking Norcos the last ten years. I'm sick of the addiction and am ready to quit. I take 4 to 5 pills a day. The different thing about me is that I will not take them all day. I suffer until I'm off work and then take 4 at once with a couple beers (pretty healthy huh?) I've never gone a day without taking any so I don't know how bad kicking is going to be. One part of me thinks that 4 pills a day for ten years is going to be hell to stop, but the other part of me thinks that because I only take them once a day, I might have an easier time quitting. Anyone else out there with an opinion/suggestion?

[MistBrown]

Yes!!! You will get better I promise! The physical WD are not so bad, it's the mental WD that cause you to go back to using it. Here's a great secret, go to the health food store and get you some L-Tyrosine Glutamin, and you will feel much better same day. There's some natural stuff too for Anxiety, take it!

[helpplease915]

I've been off vicodin for about 6 or 7 days, and I have zero motivation or energy. Will I ever get it back?

[Dave439]

Hello, the posting where Sheralyn mentioned that success of quitting painpills is very inspiring. I am in the midst of a four year addiction. I had surgery in 2004 and was prescribed Percocet. I LOVED that feeling. I can even recall telling my father how great the feeling was and I remember him telling me "you are NOT supposed to LIKE the feeling!" I quessthat being in my late 20's at the time, him telling me that may have sparked my curiosity even more. Shortly after, I ran into an old friend that has been getting me Vicodin ever since. I am the CEO of a national company, so unfortunetly money is no barrier to stop me from the addiction. I have "wasted" tens of thousands in the last four years. Now, just as you said, I never feel go. In fact the "great feeling" or the "buzz" stopped years ago. It is a mental addiction. WHen my CPA noticed so many withdrawls it made me start feeling guilty, so about a year ago I quit cold turkey and felt great. I guess I didn't go through withdrawls because I really was determined to get off of them.

Well, this only lasted a little over one week and a stressful day had me calling him for more. Now I am feeling worse than ever and I even get a lot of head aches from the Vicodin. Possibly overdosing? I'm not sure. I take them like they are candy. I am 33 and feel my health deteriorating. I am ready to quit, I am just procrastinating!

[VSad]

I've been taking lortabs for about 3 yrs now. I take aprx 15 (sometimes more a day) the 10mg tabs. I need to quit before anyone finds out. Can anyone help and explain how i can taper off on my own?
Your help would be greatly appreciated.

[jayem]

i'm 25 years old and started taking a few then gradually got to 15-20 10/325's just out of boredom..a guy had a couple i took them and three years later i was fully gone! i did the methadone treatment, it's almost as bad as the vic's the only upside is it's in a controlled place...well to get to the point, i just got busted by the D.E.A for attempted purchase of a schedule IV substance...these things aren't something to play with,  i dont know whats going to happen but let me warn you out there getting these w/o a script the feds will pin your *** too the wall...i am detoxing right now and i work in a full commission job, i lost my last one because of the arrest...now i have no insurance, the govt. seized my truck and bank account on the charge of using the vehicle and account to facilitate a drug purchase, no money exchanged hands i just walked in and bang! plz b careful and if anyone has any legal advice i'm open and also some light at the end of the tunnel on how to get passed day 5 of the symptons

[FLaddict]

welcome, this thread jumps from 2000 to 2007 these old posts get overlooked alot . i would post your question on the main page. scroll down and click on back to forum and then when it goes to the main page click on post a question.

[taunya]

I am 30 years old and have been addicted to VIC/APA 10/325 for almost 18 months.  I started using to calm myself down with the euphoric feeling it provides.  I only take 2 a day, 1 in Am, 1 in Pm.  Not a "huge" addiction, but one still the less.  If I try, which I guess is a good thing, to take a 3rd, i always get very strong heart palpitations, like my heart is skipping beats really hard for a few minutes.  Anyone else have this while taking hydrocodone or oxycodone?

[erbs]

I am in the same boat as you.  Just starting the withdrawl process.  Let me know if you want to talk, im sure Ill be here and going through the same thing as you at the same time!  

[mandakay084]

i know i'm commenting in probably the wrong forum, but why is it that i can't get pain meds when i need them!?  i am a runner and have sprained the same ankle about three times this year.  this time was the WORST.  I'm not running anymore!  But I can't sleep.  I know there's no breaks (blessed with great bones) just a very bad tendon.  I had x-rays, however the pain keeps getting worse, the doctor didn't want to give me a prescription when i went.  Is it bad to see another doc to see that i can get some meds, or does that look bad on my record...maybe make me look like an addict....???  I'm honestly not but i need something for this pain, i'm dying.  (can you tell i have a low tolerance?)

[mandakay084]

BEST DRUG FOR ANXIETY--KLONOPIN (OR CLONAZEPAM) I USED TO DRINK TO SUPRESS MY ANXIETY AND BECAME AN ADDICT AT A YOUNG AGE.  THE ONE THING THAT GOT ME OVER THIS ADDICTION WAS THIS MEDICATION.  I HOPE YOU GET THIS MSG AND I HOPE YOU BRING UP THIS MEDICATION UP IN YOUR VISIT...IT WILL BE WELL WORTH A 200 DOLLAR DOCTOR BILL.

[FLaddict]

This post was started in 2000... it will get overlooked due to the age of the original post.. It would be helpful if you would like to be a part of the forum to repost this in a new question or in a post that was started today..
Welcome

[Sheralyn]

Sorry, I didn't know they wouldn't let me post my email addy.  However, I'll check in here from time to time to see if I can help any of you.  

[Sheralyn]

I was addicted to hydrocodone for about 8 or 9 years.  Was taking the 10/500's - and eventually was taking 15-20 of them a day.  I started out with legitimate pain, got to like the feel of the painkillers, and the rest is history.  I kicked the habit COLD TURKEY about a year ago and I can't tell you how happy I am to be OFF those pills!  I still have my chronic back pain, but would rather put up with that than continue being a slave to the painpill addiction.  I'll be honest with you all:  Withdrawal was HORRIBLE -- one of the worst things I've ever been through, but I knew I had to face it sooner or later.  I am a very anxious person to begin with, and my xanax helped me, but only so much.  I was honest with my doctor and he was wonderful to me.  Painpill withdrawal is not dangerous, even at the amount of pills I was taking.  It took me to Day 12 to begin to feel normal and happy again, but then fatigue set in, and that took about a month and a half to go away; however, by this time, my craving was over so the fatigue was the least of my worries, and you do the tiredness does eventually go completely away.   The withdrawal is rough, but in the end it's so worthwhile.  I have NO desire for the hydrocodone and literally NEVER miss it.  YOU CAN DO IT.  I know in my heart that I will never take another narcotic painkiller again, unless, God forbid I get cancer or something equally painful.  Please, you who are in the midst of withdrawal, HANG IN THERE AND  DO NOT GIVE IN.  Withdrawal doesn't last forever and once you're through with it you'll have the happiness of knowing that you'll never have to feel that way again.  I did it cold turkey, and at home, so if you really try, you can do it without having to go into a rehab.  I offer you my story because I know the hell some of you are going through.  If I can be of any assistance, feel free to email me at:  ***@****.  I wish you all the best, and want to tell you that I am happier than I've been in a long time because  I am free of that miserable addiction.  Success can be yours, too!  

[_Jon_]

I have been abusing Endocet for approx 2 years now and something has go to give. I usually take somehwere between 5 and 10  10/325 pills per day.  The strange thing is that I actually feel better when I'm not taking them, but once I try to stop I get a lot of side effects including severe diarrhea which won't go away.

Would it be best to try tapering down over a few weeks? For example 4 per day for a week, 3 per day the next week, 2 per day the following week and finally down to 1. Has anyone had any success trying this?

[Marcus]

Hi all.  I came upon this site while searching for pages about addiction.  My situation in short:  I began taking percocet after major knee surgery for a football injury ten years ago.  Well, I have been in rehand three times, been "clean" for the most time at 1 year, and right now, am 3 hours into trying to kick again.  The last drugs I was taking were Percs, Vicodin, Roxicet and Endocets.  Anyway, this is just a tough battle. I love NA, I love the program, but everytime I get going, I get cocky and it sucks me back in.

I need to do it this time because it is destroying my life.  I know the next few days will be hard, but if anyone out there could "support me" through this site, I would really appreciate feeling like I am not alone.

Thanks to you all, and God Bless You!

Marcus S.

[maryanne]

or if you can't get vicodin here, just go to mexico and get it.

[Brian to Sick and Scared]

We've all been there and it is the pits.  Keep this in the back of your mind--one day when you decide to stop you can and will.  You will also get your energy, desires, motivation, etc. back.  I know it all looks like doom and gloom but there is hope.  Hang in there and when you're ready, try making some NA meetings.  Good luck.

[John]

Vicodin addiction is the pits. i thought i was going to be Strong today and not call in my refill but i gave in. I think i am an anxious person anyway and adding just a few hours of no vicodin on board has kept me in bed all day, no desire to do anything, no energy to do it if wanted to do it. Have lots of things i need to be doing but no gumption to do them without the vicodin, and so i will go to the pharmacy this afternoon and get a refill and i will feel all better except for that little voice in the back of my mind that tells me i'm a weak little man for not overcoming this. I started taking vic es about 2 yrs ago, after a low back injury revealed degenerated lower 2 disc.The drug was miraculous to me it absolutely killed the pain and i could function at work(i have since quit my job and have no desire to look for work) i usually can keep it down to 6to8 per day only because thats all i can get, i'm sure i would take more if i had access. And this feeling sorry for myself attitude i've adopted everytime i go without for a few hours...sheeez..lack of any stainable concentration. good luck all

[Brian to Sick and Scared]

It is not "bad" since it works well for pain and most patients do not become addicted to the medication.  If it is used for more than short term pain relief it does have a propensity to become a problem for at least some percentage of the population.  This does not make it bad, it simply means people should be aware of the potential for dependence or addiction.

[Deb]

If Vicodin is so bad, why is it prescibed so frequently?  It seems like that's all they give for pain anymore.  It couldn't be all that strong, since it seems so common.

[Deb]

If Vicodin is so bad, why is it prescibed so frequently?  It seems like that's all they give for pain anymore.  It couldn't be all that strong, since it seems so common.

[Brian to Sick and Scared]

Good people, bad people, rich people, poor people, it doesn't matter when it comes to addiction.  It doesn't make you a bad or weak person to admit you are addicted.  You must seek professional help.  If you are serious about getting clean, you must open up to your family and admit your addiction.  It is hard but it is necessary, otherwise you will simply go through this over and over.  Find an addiction medicine specialist to help you through detox.  Find an outpatient program or NA to help keep you from using.  Your life depends on you taking that first step.  You can do it.