withdrawling for the first time

Hey ya'll,
I'm extremely new to this website but already I can tell you that all the posting on here are really encouraging.  I guess I want to know if anyone has been through my same starting point or near it.  I've wanted to quit tons of times and the only thing holding me back is the utter fear of withdrawling. I do believe in God and I know he's there... but everytime I get the courage, I get that little voice inside my head that says ....Yeah chief good luck with that. Then I'm back to the fear again,  Any advice will help.  I am completely on my own, no family support, no doctor support.  Ok so heres my situation:  
I have been taking at least 10 percocet 10mg a day.  For at least since I was 21 and I'm offically almost 27.  So yeah thats a long time.  I know I have a problem.  My whole life has changed.  I dont' want to do anything anymore.  That is unless I have the required amount of my meds to function.  My work has suffured and so has my family life.  I know I need to quit.  I get scripts once a month. but after 2 weeks when theyre gone, I'm on the hunt.  Its pretty bad when you have to schedule your life around whether you'll have something in your system and feeling ok.  I stopped today.  Cold Turkey as I believe its called.  Yeah I'm freakin out.  I would really like some advice on what to do to stick this out at home.  I really need to work through this.  Like I said my job has really suffered,  " If I don't have anything I really don't feel like working."   One thing I think might help is that I get promethizine from my doct.  which is a anti-nausia which I have like 25 of left.  But the leg cramps are the worst for me.  I know I might sound like a baby.  And trust me now more than ever after reading all the posts, I know If headed for war.  I just would like to know if someone close to my position in amount or length of use has made it out of the battle alive and well enough to talk about it.
anything can help.   Sorry about the spelling and grammor  lol/

[foofoo59]

I'm on day 1 trying to get off Ultram.  I didn't use for the length of time as yourself, but I got hooked anyway.  I can't help you with what you're going to go through, I'm about to experience that for myself, but I'm very proud of you to make the decision to get clean.  You're very young and have your whole life ahead of you.  I'm sure there are many here on these boards that will offer much more than I can.

[cathy5841]

I WILL JUST SAY I HAD A PRETTY NASTY OXY/HYDRO ADDICTION.  I QUIT C/T AND I AM OCVER 4 MONTHS CLEAN.  WONT LIE TO YOU THAT FIRST WEEK WAS HELL.  i could nothave worked..i did have a job but i took of.  after a week it was not all roses for sure, but i felt like i might live.  and i did.  the thomas recipe will hlp you alot.. its in the health pages on this site.  also epson salt in a hot hot bath saved me..  eat lots of bananas for potassium and immodium ad.  good luck if i can help you in anyway let me know.
cathy

[Missy31]

I have been in your shoes, not as long as you but same amount daily, I quit cold turkey and made it threw physical WD but the mental was worse for me I am now on suboxone, it is working well for me not for everyone and some don't agree with it. You can get threw and it will get worse before it gets better no reason to sugar coat it. look at the Thomas recipe it helped me tremendously with WD and lots of hot baths or shower and bannanas help with the aches and RLS. Stay on here and rea and post this site will help you a whole lot. Best Wishes!

[MissKitty333]

Do you think the promethizine stuff my help with the nausia.  Also do you have a link to the Thomas Recipe.  When did you really start to feel it.  Also, How many bananas a day you think.  Sorry for all the questions.

[bmc1976]

Just remember that you can do this! I'm not saying it will be easy, but might not be as bad as you think. I know the headache it causes running out of pills and searching for more. I would do that over and over again towards the end of the month. The headache for the physical part of withdrawals will get much much better after 5 days or so. It's such a short amount of time! It's pretty much like a bad flu. Just try and look at it as just that. When you're sick you know you'll feel better after a few days. The same goes with withdrawals. What helped me the most was going for walks. I know it can be so hard to muster up the energy to do so, but it is so worth it. It really helps with the leg cramps and the restless leg thing. Also be sure to drink plenty of water. Come on this forum and post away. When going through withdrawals it helps so much to get on here and read posts. I would sit on here hours at a time at night, read posts, and post my own thoughts. This forum is a great tool for recovery. There are so many wonderful and caring people on here! It helps so much. There are amino acids and vitamins that are suppose to help with withdrawals. I think it's in the health pages in the upper right hand corner of the page. Others will be able to help  you with that. Just stay mentally strong. For me, days 3 and 4 were the worst. After that each day got better and better. Have faith and yourself and don't fear withdrawals. It is the first step in getting your life back. Just know that you are stronger than those evil pills and you're not going to let them win! It's you against them and you are so much stronger! Best of luck and if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We are here for you!
Brian

[bmc1976]

The thomas recipe is just to the right under "most viewed health pages".

[MissKitty333]

Thank you so much for the support.  I actually walk on a regular basis, but that was always with Stuff!!.  How far did you walk.  Did you use anything to sleep like Tylenol PM or anything.  I wonder if that would help.

[MissKitty333]

Hey Yall just read the thomas recipe and where to get first item if I don't have acess to it. Any substitutes

[MissKitty333]

Just a question:  given how much I take regularly what would you consider a taper.  What would work to slow down and quit without the extent of withdrawls.  Anybody got experience in the taper dept,

[bmc1976]

I just walked until I didn't feel like walking anymore! I always went in the early evening. It was so relaxing and helped take my mind off of things. It was almost like I didn't feel the withdrawals while walking. You just don't want to go so late that it affects your sleeping. I did take tylenol pm but it didn't really seem to help for me. I've heard many people recommend melatonin. It's a natural sleep aid. You can get it at walmart or any place that carries vitamins. Also, hot baths help so much. I think I took about 5 a day or more.  GoingToMakeIt has a good amino acid protocol that might help. Just find his name and look under his journals. You can find him in my friends list.  

[scared2Bwithout_my_Vees]

You are definitely not alone here.  I (and many many  others here) have gone through the same thing.  It IS really hard but you can do it.  Keep the goal in mind and know that life will be much better clean.
I was taking 20 vicoden es a dat for about 7 years.  I started much lower of course & worked my way up.  I thought I would never be able to do it.  I was terrified of the wd's and afraid to live each day without the "safety" of the pills.
You will go through alot of different stages of the wd's and through many emotions.  Try to remember that each day is a big success and gets u one day closer to the misery being over!
keep posting!!

[lostdreams]

Hi, pills wasnt my doc, I was a heroin addict for 8yrs, i too had no family support, i went cold turkey also, been clean now for over a year. If i can do it, so can you. This is not going to be easy by any shadow of doubt but if you really want this then you WILL come out the other side and feel GREAT about it. I wish you all the best and keep posting. There are loads of great people on here you can talk too, we will be here if you need us.Take care

[MissKitty333]

Has anyone done this detox thing while working a job.  With no time of that is?

[MissKitty333]

Did anyone have an idea on the tapering thing to fit me?

[bmc1976]

I think tapering is a great idea. The problem is it takes so much willpower. This is the reason most just go cold turkey. If the pills are there, we take them to chase the buzz. If you think you can taper, it might be worth a try. But if you don't stick to you taper plan and take more than you had planned, you probably need to go cold turkey. They thing about tapering is you are still somewhat able to function for work and other day to day chores. It is still not a cake walk, but can make it more bearable. Let us know what you want to do and we can help you with a good taper schedule. Avisg is great with taper plans. If you want to taper we need to know how many pills you have left.

[MissKitty333]

ok lol you ready for this  2-10mg percocts.  Broke in half I took one half of one. or 5mg of percocet

[worried878]

tapering is an option....you get your dose down over time by taking small doses throughout the day..tapering is hard and does not work for many as if you have your pills with you, some, like me, find it hard to stick to the taper....a friend held my pills for me finally...it can help and there is an article in the health pages on tapering...main thing is you gotta quit either way and stick to that goal

[thisissohard]

I can't relate due to the fact that I was not on as high of a dosage.  I suggest you take a leave of absence from work, I can't imagine you quitting cold turkey and working at the same time.  I was on 4 norco a day, 10 mgs, and I was sick as a dog for about a week, then dead tired for the next month, extremely anxious, depressed. I don't want to discourage you from quitting, but please contact your doctor and find out the safest way to quit. You will also need to check your blood pressure.

[bmc1976]

Well with 2 pills left you don't really have a option to taper. Like thisissohard said, talk to your doctor and let him know you want to stop taking the pills. Also like she said it is smart to get your blood pressure checked as it will elevate during withdrawals. Most doctors will work with you and help you through this. There are things they can prescribe such as clonodine to help with withdrawals. He may even help you with a taper plan.

[MissKitty333]

So I should prolly not do this cold turkey huh,  I mean I've gotta tell my dr right because if I do it what am i going to do with my script.  I mean I know what I can do but I dont' even what to go that route.  

[cathy5841]

hey. they the thomas recipe is in the health pages on the top right of this page.  there is tons of good info in there so read it all.  yes the promethezine will help you i took it too.  tapering is very hard.  you have to have a lot of will power for that.  i didnt have any.  lol  on day 3 i thought i was gonna die..1 and 2 werent that bad.  let me know if you need anything.
cathy

[scared2Bwithout_my_Vees]

You CAN do this.  I was taking 20-25 pills a day of vic ES and the 1st day of my taper I cut down to 14 that day.  I couldn't sleep at night, was anxious during the day, irritable, tired like a zombie, had the runs, rls, sweating constantly...etc.
I was staying home with two VERY active 2 year old twin boys.  Being around other people at work would be hard but you can say you have the flu through the worst of it.  No one knew i was doing this.  my husband came home at night & i just said at 7pm that i was ehausted & went to bed.  I didn't sleep but didn't have to deal with interacting with him.
You'll feel pretty bizarre but u will make it.  It DOES get better.

[worried878]

You need to make a plan...talking to your doc would be a good start... He should understand and help you...u r young and this is very do-able...25 phenergan/promethiazine should last a while and does help with nausea and also helps with sleep...make a goal and stick with it...whether it be CT or a taper...you would need more than 2 pills to do a real taper tho

[MissKitty333]

ok heres the tough question,  Did anyone have a circle of friends that ya'll would front each other and stuff

[MissKitty333]

thats a hard thing to break.  We all go to the same dr  and all get the same thing.  But if I go to the dr which i'm next I will not be able to pay them back.  So i have that on my mind too.

[bmc1976]

I think you should tell your friends that you are done taking them. It will be too tempting knowing that they have some pills while you're detoxing. Most people recommend cutting off all ties with people that still use. I'm sure that would be very difficult though. If you go to your doctor just tell him that you are done taking them and you don't want more. You could just go cold turkey also. I went cold turkey and was taking over 20 10-500 lortabs a day. It can be done. Just decide which route you want to go and get a plan together. We will be here to help no matter which route you take!

[thisissohard]

that's a tough question.  If they are truly your friends, they will understand that it's CRITICAL for you to see your MD. You have your health, or paying your friends back.  They should surely understand that your health and safety comes first.  There are some people that can quit cold turkey on that high of a dosage and be ok, in terms of not putting their life in danger, but hun, it's a gamble! Some people are prone to seizures during w/d's, me being one of them, and I have had 4 during the time I was taking narcotics.  When I would try to wean or quit, I almost always had a seizure. This time, when I quit, I made sure that I was in bed, and not holding my daughter, and yes, had a seizure, not having any help, I ended up taking something else to help with the w/d's  and now I don't take anything at all. What I did was not smart, at least not for me. Don't gamble with your health, and life, please communicate with your MD, and talk to your friends and tell them you will pay them back when you can. If they don't understand, as long as they don't put a hit out on you, then find new friends!

[bmc1976]

I didn't realize withdrawals could cause seizures. I have heard stopping cold turkey from some pain meds such as tramadol could but didn't realize this with percoset, hydrocodone, or others. After reading that I agree it would be wise to see your doctor first! I guess I should have also! It's better to be safe than sorry.

[thisissohard]

It really depends on the person.  I didn't know either until I started to have them. Some people have a predisposition to them without even knowing.

[MissKitty333]

SO IS THE CONCENCESS THAT I SHOULDN'T DO THIS

[thisissohard]

no one here can tell you what you should or shouldn't do. We don't know you or your situation in detail, your medical history, your ability to take off work, ect. You have to gather as much information as possible and make the most educated decision you can for yourself.  What works for one does not work for another.  Seizures are not common during w/d's but can happen to a select few.- but here are a list of well documented withdrawal symptoms. You have got to decide what is best for you based on your own personal circumstances.

The withdrawal symptoms experienced from opioid addiction are usually first felt shortly before the time of the next scheduled dose. Early symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose, yawning and sweating. Restlessness, irritability, loss of appetite, tremors and severe sneezing appear as the syndrome progresses. Severe depression and vomiting are not uncommon. The heart rate and blood pressure are elevated. Chills alternating with flushing and excessive sweating are also characteristic symptoms. Pains in the bones and muscles of the back and extremities occur as do muscle spasms and kicking movements, which may be the source of the expression "kicking the habit." At any point during this process, a suitable dose of any opioid can be administered that will dramatically reverse the withdrawal symptoms. Without intervention, the syndrome will run its course and most of the overt physical symptoms will disappear within 5 to 15 days, depending on the opioid used.

[bmc1976]

Have you been through withdrawals before at all? If so, did you have a seizure? There are many people on here that have went cold turkey without problems, but a simple check up from a doctor wouldn't hurt. You'll get more advice and recommendations once the forum gets a little busier later on this evening.

[foofoo59]

Thanks for the detailed listing of things to expect during WD.  The last dose I took of Ultram was at 1:45 p.m. yesterday (Sunday), and except for the headache I've had all day, so far so good.  But I have noticed an increase in yawning over the last couple of hours.  I never would have considered it a WD symptom.  I have to admit I'm a bit scared of what's in store for me though.

[thisissohard]

SORRY! not trying to scare you! Just know that it does pass!  I thought I was going through early menopause!!!!!!!!!!!  I was HOT, COLD, HOT, COLD, cold sweats at night. A lot of what I went through I didn't know were withdrawals.  The least tolerable was the depression and anxiety, but you find ways to cope!

[MissKitty333]

HEY GUYS,
THIS DOESN'T REALLY APPLY TO ME BUT THAT CIRCLE OF I GUESS THEYRE NOT REALLY FRIENDS BUT AQUAINTANCES BUT  FOR INSTANCE HEROIN ADDICTS DO THEY TAPER OR DO THEY HAVE TO STRICKLY TURKEY IT.  ALSO IS THE WITHDRAWL (withdrawal) WORSE IF YOU CRUSHED YOUR PERCS OR OXYS

[MissKitty333]

this is my first day off percocets too... will you be on tommorrow so i can see how your doing.

[foofoo59]

I'll be sure and check in on you.  I'm going to need someone to listen to my whining!  We'll get through this.  We have to.

[thisissohard]

can't speak for heroin, but I had a friend that would steal my timed release oxy's and snort them. He had a hell of a time quitting and they put him on a medication to help. "from what I have read, and through others that I know"- if you're crushing, I believe that you not only have a physical, but also a psychological addiction, and you're looking for the high.  Making quitting more difficult. I would not try to do this alone, seek help where you can or you chances of relapse are high. Some may disagree, but it's my 2 cents.

[thisissohard]

side note- my friend who was crushing and snorting, lost everything before he finally got help. His job, his wife, kids, house.  If it was easy, then he would have stopped before his life crumbled before him. Now that he has been receiving professional help, I have heard that he's doing better. this is not everyone, but simply an example of what can happen when people are in denial (not saying you are)

[MissKitty333]

i technically wasn't asking for me but out of shear curiosity because the people i was around thats what they did.  It blew my mind.  Acctually too embarrased to admit it but I was afraid of the overdose factor on the label. lol  I am a chicken.  I'm sorry about your friend that seams like a horrible of cycle to get into.  

[thisissohard]

THANK GOD you don't have that problem.  I'm glad you were afraid of the overdose lable, now THAT DOES cause seizures!  It blows my mind too, what people do, but I don't judge because I can't walk in their shoes.  I only wish for them to get the help they need. And I hope your friends do.  I was very fortunate because I was terrified of the label "addict", so I took my meds as prescribed but still had withdrawals due to physical addiction.  You're on the right path, I can tell.  Just stay the course, and no matter what advice you get here, take what you can that benefits you and leave the rest alone.  it's a hard road, no doubt about it, but well worth the effort. And nothing in life worth having and working toward is easy but he rewards are oh so sweet.

[foofoo59]

Well it's day 2.  I'm a little achy and restless but okay.  I stayed home from work today in case it gets worse.  How are you doing?  Still hanging in there?

[emilyanne]

Hi. I don't post much anymore but I've been clean for a year and a half. My best friend just finished a taper off of exactly the drug/amount you are on. She was taking ten 10mg percocets a day, buying them off the streets.
She started a taper and had her husband hold the pills. You will need to find someone to hold the pills for you...someone who truly cares about you and WONT give in and give you "just that one extra today". This is how she did her taper:
She started on a Sunday. That Saturday, she took her usual ten. Sunday, she went down by a half in the morning. ( she decided to start cutting her doses in the morning, to start getting used to being without pills during the daytime). Every three days she went down by half a pill. (You have to be patient, because it's a SLOW taper, but it worked wonders for her with MINIMAL withdrawals!!) So her schedule went like this:
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday: 7am 1 1/2pills, 11am 2pills, 3pm 2pills, 7pm 2pills, 11pm 2pills.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 7am 1pill, 11am 2pills, 3pm 2pills, 7pm 2pills, 11pm 2pills.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 7am 1/2 pil, 11am, 2pills, 3pm 2pills, 7pm 2pills, 11pm 2pills.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: NO MORE 7am DOSE. 11am 2pills, 3pm 2pills, 7pm 2pills, 11pm 2pills.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 11am 1 1/2 pills, 3pm 2pills, 7pm 2pills, 11pm 2pills.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 11am 1pill, 3pm 2pills, 7pm 2pills, 11pm 2pills.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 11am 1/2 pill, 3pm 2 pills, 7pm 2pills, 11pm 2pills.
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday: NO MORE 11am DOSE. 3pm 2pills, 7pm 2pills, 11pm 2pills.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 3pm 1 1/2 pills, 7pm 2pills, 11pm, 2pills.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 3pm 1pill, 7pm 2pills, 11pm 2pills.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 3pm 1/2pill, 7pm 2pills, 11pm 2pills.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: NO MORE 3pm dose. 7pm 2pills, 11pm 2pills.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 7pm 1 1/2 pills, 11pm 2pills.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 7pm 1pill, 11pm 2pills.
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday: 7pm 1/2pill, 11pm 2pills.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: NO MORE 7pm DOSE. 11pm 2pills.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 11pm 1 1/2 pills
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 11pm 1pill
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 11pm 1/2 pill
Monday: DRUG FREE, WITH EXTREMELY MINIMAL WITHDRAWALS FOR ONLY 2 DAYS. BY WEDNESDAY SHE FELT SO MUCH BETTER!!!!
After trying to quit cold turkey so many times, and also trying faster ween schedules, she was scared to death to try again. She said that if she had known how much it lessened the withdrawal symptoms by doing a slow ween, she'd have done it years ago. She was, of course, a little uncomfortable during the weening process, but was able to work her full-time job as a paralegal and still take care of husband and kids. She said the worst part was a lack of energy, but nothing compared to cold turkey or a fast ween.
The problem with this particular ween schedule is that you have to have access to alot of pills to make it work, and you MUST stick to the timetable, and take EXACTLY the recommended dose at EXACTLY the recommended times. You also MUST have someone hold your pills, as it is way too easy to "have a bad day, and just take that one extra pill". If you can, please try this!! I watched her do it and the effects really were SO minimal!!
Post to me with any questions! Sincerely, Emily

[emilyanne]

Just bumping this up in hopes that you'll read it soon!!