how do I quit pain killers

[tokeone01]

I've been addicted to pain killers for like 3 years and been trying to quit I was taking 10s 15s and 30s perks and viks whenever I got them. I was going through like 20 pills a day. And I've been snorting them the whole time and still do. I want to quit though. Im putting my family through hell and spending all are money on pills. And tramadol don't help. Whats the best way to quit because I feel sick when I try and end up relapsing I have to quit though for mine and my family's sake. Need help bad. And don't have good support system.  My wife supports me when she's home but she works most the day. Please let me know the best way to quit. Thanks

[wanabesober]

Thank you for your advice.
I wish i could do outpatient care. But i have no medical insurance now. So im kinda on my own i guess.
Just hoped someone knew of any natural symptom relief.

[Pantx]

connecting with others who are going through the same process is helpful. An inpatient detox may be useful since you lack a support system. Remember that the initial withdrawal symptoms are temporary but you will need acute and long term aftercare. I would suggest contacting your local NA group or reaching out to an addictions psychiatrist. If you can't go inpatient they can help you with outpatient detox.  Several factors are involved in deciding whether or not you can quit on your own or need a medically supervised detox.  Inpatient detox usually has medication and assistance so that you have minimal suffering. Additionally there are support groups and fantastic education to help you learn new habits and coping skills.

[wanabesober]

Hello. I have been on pain killers over 5yrs and wana quit badly. I think if i could even control the NO energy, depression, and aches all over. I can do this alone. I have no support system. Just me! This all being said. Does anyone have any tips on things of any sort to help with tbese issues?  All advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you

[Pantx]

See, your attitude is already good. That want to help others will help you stay clean too. Just make sure you focus on yourself first. Caretaking can cause a certain level of stress that can trigger urge to use while you are in the acute phase of detox.  I think you will do better than you think you will because your attitude and enthusiasm is pretty good plus look at you already cutting down.  Just be mindful that as you cut down your tolerance will also go down, so you are at risk for OD if you relapse so no matter what DO NOT go back to the dosage that you were taking. While your body tolerated it well it took a while for it to build a tolerance to it. All too often people get clean or cut down quite a bit, get triggered, Use and try to use at the same level they were before and inadvertantly OD.   At the minimum seek a local NA group :)

[tokeone01]

Oh yeah im from Colorado and its geting bad out hear everyone I know is doing pills its like the new best hi even kids are doing them more then people know and doing whatever to get them at a dollar a mg there robbing and stealing just to get em it's sad thats another reason I want to quit because maybe if I can I can help a kid are an adult to do same thing. Thanks again.

[tokeone01]

Thanks for the support. I will look in to that. And have cut ties with alott of people. I went the last five days doing only 8 pills it has been really painful but I am determined to quit I know I can but I know I need help to I feel better today knowing I can talk to someone with my experience. I know it won't be easy but nothing is. So thanks very much for your help I will need it to stay positive and get clean for good.thanks again for support.

[Pantx]

If you want to reach out to me privately, please do not hesitate. I am interested in following you and keeping up with you so I will add you as a friend if you don't mind. Your story resonates with me and I think you can beat this. I will be happy to support you through the good, bad and ugly as best I can every step of the way.

[Pantx]

Hello. I'm not certain where you live but in your situation I would recommend an inpatient detox and rehab program. The reason is you show high enthusiasm and readiness to address your addiction head on and because it is placing stress on your family, an inpatient program can provide you a safe environment in which to detox, learn new coping strategies and get established with aftercare.  The inpatient programs are highly recommended for people with minimal suppot. It often can help show your family that you are serious about becoming sober.  You will develop relationships that will translate to an improved support system at release. It may be embarrassing and you may have concerns about stigma, time off of work etc.  However, this disease can kill you and destroy your relationships so it is worth it to put yourself first and get well.  Your priority needs to be your sobriety.   Do not be ashamed, you should be proud that you are taking this step.  I have been in an inpatient program before and it was the best decision I ever made.  It can be scary to take that step. You usually have an intake process. If you are scared either take an understanding friend, a spouse or contact a local NA group and ask if someone can accompany you to the intake so that you are not alone and you are fully supported.  Good rehab facilities won't make you suffer and you will find that in that safe place you will be able to form relationships with others who are in the same place as you and have an understanding, safe and supportive environment of trained professionals.  It is very difficult to get clean when you are in an environment where others do not understand addiction or you have minimal support.  You deserve to have full support and good health, this includes freedome from addiction.  Inpatient rehabilitation is also the preferred place to go when you have not been able to successfully stop on your own or have been using for a long time like you have been.  Not being able to stop on your own is not a sign of weakness or a reflection of failure. It is a sign that you lack the support you need.   In inpatient rehab they have medications and such to help you detox safely and with minimal discomfort.  You are not only there to detox, they teach you a lot about co-occurring disorders (addiction usually occurs after some kind of trigger) Coping skills, the rewiring of you mental facets begin in inpatient rehab. If you go I highly recommend that you participate in every group activiity while there and fully commit to your sobriety.  Most states have legal protection (FMLA) etc for persons with drug addictions and you can ask the inpatient facility you choose for assistance in navigating the job protection and privacy side of your treatment option.  Most places are required to provide to you a patient advocate in case so that you are receiving everything you need.    You seem to have significant motivation to quit but you also have environmental stressors that may make it hard at home. Your family is also stressed out by the situation and want you to get well. My spouse was fully supportive of my inpatient rehab.  Not certain where you are getting your medication but you will want to get a plan in place to cut off your supply. This may mean terminating relationships with your suppliers.  At minimum you need to clearly communicate your intent with your PCP. Be clear and honest with him.   Reach out to a local psychiatrist and/or an inpatient rehab facillity and a Narcotics Anonymous group.  In fact, if you have reservations about inpatient treatment and need help an NA group local to you will likely be able to help you pick the best one because most of the people in those groups have likely been to an inpatient program.  Residential or Inpatient programs provide a supportive, intensive therapeutic structured and safe environment in which you are removed from the daily stressful circumstances that fuel the urge to use. Negatively influencing factors are removed from your daily experiences, you can begin to work on life skills that had been interfered with due to addiction.   If you need help finding a program near you feel free to send me a PM with your location and I can help you locate one.   There is a support site out there called crazyboards (google it cuz I can't link it here) there are a lot of folks there who have been where you are. There is a chatroom there and those people were a huge support to me when I had none at home.  

What an awesome first step you have made. I sincerely hope you consider an inpatient program. Again, it is scary at first, but it is worth it. Most people usually expect to spend about a week at minimum inpatient detox but some programs run a bit longer. Some programs have Inpatient acute care with followup Intensive Outpatient (you don't spend the night but you go every day for treatment) You can choose co-ed programs or stick to others in your sex.

I know you posted this in the Ask A Doctor forum. I am not a doctor. I am a patient advocate and I have also been in an inpatient care facility.  You may be wary because of intensity but these inpatient treatment programs are highly emotionally supportive.  Not just for you, but your family.  If you're serious I would recommend just going all the way. Let people help you. You deserve it.