addiction question

[todd247]

Ive been taking Norco for about 2.5 years. I never take the drug in the daytime at work. In fact I only do it at night about 6:00 pm. It started for a root canal. I know I am psycologically addicted for the afternoon high.I only take 10mg daily for 5 days a week. I read that opiates help for Restless leg and it does. Now after reading the forum Im learning that the RLS may come from the opiate use. I love the drug for the sleep primarily and it lifts my mood in the evening. Remarkably I have not had a need to take a higher dosage since I originally started with 7.5mg. Im an avid runner in the mornings so that may delete the urge along with running my own business. Between the RLS and the urge in the afternoons I hope to continue with the ability to control my use.

Anyway any thoughts about the RLS?

First time posting on board. I just found the site and have learned so muck.

Thanks

TD

[Zurich42]

Yes, it blows my mind that you're a mayor - but then it probably scares people to know that I implement emergency room software for a living - and SEE the 'recreational' users daily.  It's amazing that I've functioned as well as I have - with as much Vicodin as I have taken.  I'm in the beginnings of tapering off - on my 4th day now and have only taken 1.5 tablets (down from 10-12).  I was going to go cold turkey - but then read that there is a majority of users that fail at cold turkey - and waste precious time - so...I'm still tapering and have a 'plan' of attack for this week.  
Like you, I run - in the Colorado cold though.  It was 41 out earlier today - and due to 'jumpiness', I decided to go for a 2 mile run around the lake.  Not sure if it's V withdrawal or not - but I sure as heck (they monitors don't allow us to cuss - dang it) felt Jack Frost for the first time this year.  I was so hyper that my dog could barely keep up (before you think I'm a sprinter - my dog is about 30 pounds overweight and is 8 years old).  

Anyway - I just wanted you to know you're not alone through this - there are a lot of us here - all walks of life with a lot to say on the subject.  I've only been on this site for a short while - but already cherish the advice I've been given.  It's good and 'human' to know that there are others suffering and want 'out' of this mess just like me...and you perhaps...

[1eagle]

Yes, there still are good people in the world. Your post that acknowledged that made my day. You must be one of the good ones yourself. Hang tight.

[todd247]

Thanks for the feedback. It is very much appreciated. I look forward to being a regular on this board. It is true that the world is still full of good people.

todd

[susieq87]

I am a librarian and had a problem with them over the summer. I knew the potential for problems as in the past being a counselor.  I managed to walk away by going to a weekend retreat or workshop for addicted people.  By gGod's grace I am free of it and no longerhave the worry abou whether I am going to get those pills and take them during the day.  It all came from having a procedure done.  We look for that comfortable energy.  Anytime you take a narcotic, it alters your thinking.  Perhaps not in your case. They say anytime a drink or drug causes problems, it is a problem.

[1eagle]

You are doing exactly the right thing by taking stock of your situation now, and hopefully preventing a full blown disaster. You might find the energy returning if you can get over the hurdle of being accustomed to your little helper. You simply do not have the severity of a problem that most of us here can document. But the fact that you felt compelled to get on this forum means that you are concerned. If I were you, I would probably want to stop entirely for a few days and just see what happens. Hopefully you have not been doing the quantity that would mean severe wd symptoms. Then play the cards as they are dealt. You did hit my soft spot with a boy just starting Cubs...if it makes you feel any better...things get to be a real problem when your use escalates  to 20/30 pills a day, whenever you have them on hand!! Not surprised one bit about the political connection. I was a Scout with the mayor of our city and my roommate from military days is a congressional rep from Scottsdale Arizona. Just because you are either intelligent or accomplished doesn't enter this pill equation. It seems like the pill bottle can be a totally equal opportunity devastation.

[todd247]

Im not beating myself to death over this and I realize I had better be carefull. Ive seen the devastation in my community. I am also the mayor of our town, bet that blows you away!.' haha. My son just started Cub Scots and I commend you for taking your time with less fortunatute kids. I looked back and actually it has been 3.5 years of taking this but never more than one per day and never more than 5-6 pills per week. Its going to have to stop here sometime. Ill just have to Man up to it! The fatigue is what is keeping me on it especially in the afternoon/evening. No problem during the day because Im busy and I look forward to the afternoons. Thought I had a thyroid problem and was disappointed that was'nt the case. Just getting older, lol.

thanks

[1eagle]

Don't beat yourself to death over the guilt...sounds to me like you probsbly are a good dad. I have been a Boy Scout leader(with decorations!!!) for over 12 years and I cold tell you about poor fathers. I currently have about 47% of Scouts from single parent homes...talk about bad dad's!!! But I digress..you sounded so much like me that i had to reply... I commend you on your discipline using the hydro's...but it does sound like you might be flirting with disaster...most of us here probably thouhgt that we could control our use at one time or another. You don't really realize when you are involved that you have crossed a line that seperates medical use from recreational use. I would be most upset if you woke up in 5 more years and found out that you had lost control at some point..and that you were currently out of control. At least you sound like you are honest with yourself. And that is a really good place to start.

[todd247]

IBKleen,

Thanks for the response. Believe my I am full of guilt for taking what I do. I guess I can walk away with 10mg per day because Ive never taken any during the daytime. If I ever started Im sure I would begin to justify the use so I better never begin. The sad think is that Im letting this evening habit take away from my family activities but I try to be there for them like a Dad should.

Good luck to you.

JTD

[IBKleen]

God love ya. You are to take 10 mg a day and walk away. I could never do that. If they were there--I took them.

I don't know if it helps RLS or not--I would guess just the opposite because it is a prominent symptom when going through withdrawal from the meds.

I will comment on this though: It is a shame that you take the meds to feel better . That behavior concerns me. Be careful--that may catch up with you.

It is a holiday weekend and it is very slow here. You will have to be patient for more posters. Good Luck.