how do i stop using hydrocodone??

[deanslist23]

hello, i have been taking hydrocodone on and off for about 4yrs. i started taking them regularly about 2yrs ago. my doctor was giving me 120 5/500 hydrocodone a month for my knee (i've had 3 surgeries). i started noticing that i had more energy when i took them, so instead of the prescribed 4 per day, i started taking 8-10. then, i started taking my husband's 5/500 (he got 90 a month for 2 back surgeries). in june, we switched dr's and when we went in for our 1st appt., they didn't have our records yet, so they gave me 30 and him 60. since then, i've asked to be put up to at least 2per day (not that i would only take 2) but i was told i was too young (even though i'm older than my husband).since i was drastically cut down, you would think i wouldn't take so many. wrong! it just made it so mine were gone in 5 days instead of 14. anyways, i've been telling myself i need to stop taking these for months now, and that i'll cut down with the next rx, but i never do. instead, i found a neighbor who would get some for me. i've gone to urgent care saying i have back pain, to try and get them for in-between my rx. if i can't get hydro's, i've taken tylenol #3, tramadol, darvocet, anything to make my stomach feel better when i don't have any. the point is, i realize i have a problem, and i'm ready to quit! i'm tired of feeling sick, looking for them, etc. what is the best way to get off of them?

[deanslist23]

ok, i was unable to taper, however, i did cut down. i ran out on sunday with an expectation of getting more on monday. it didn't work. now i've been "clean" for 4 days but all i can think about is when i will get more. if i can go this long without them, why do i want them when i can get them?

[deanslist23]

thank you sooo much for all your kind words. yes, i agree, i'm thinking the tapering won't work, i was supposed to start yesterday, but talked myself into taking 8 instead of 4, said i would do it today, i have a feeling i won't! what gets me the most is that a couple months ago when i ran out, i went a whole wk and a half without them. i felt like crap, said if i could do it that long, i didn't need them, but sure enough, when it was time for my rx, i got it and started all over again! it definately is the mental part that's so hard, i constantly talk inside my head, like i don't need them, i'm fine, i'm not gonna do it, etc. i'm also a little concerned because i do actually have pain(disc degeneration in my neck, fibromyalgia, 3 knee surgeries, cysts up and down my spine) and i'm not sure how i will deal with it, although, quite honestly, the hydro don't help with the pain, just give me energy. i know you guys said exercise, which at the moment i go to the gym 4x's a wk, but when i don't have any, i can't seem to get out of bed!

[momofmm]

I agree with what everybody has said.  Going CT is the only way.  I tried to taper with my husbands help and it never worked.  I stopped CT and today is my third day clean.  Doesn't sould like much but it's a hell of a leap.  You will make it through.  The hardest thing for me was the restless legs, which I've had since I was 16, and the no sleep.  I have 2 small little girls to take care of and a husband that works 16 hour days.  Like everyone else said be prepared.   Lots of water, vitimans, and hot showers or baths.  You will make it through this with the help of all the wonderful people on this site.  Good luck and Godspeed to all!!!

[Skidmore]

I agree with cold turky. I am at day 15 couldnot do it any other way.I had a large habit and i have experieced a rough 6-8 days and everything started getting beter.I would suggest drinking 1-1/2-2 gallons of water a day stay as busy as you can and take steam room showers ,hot tubs or hot baths.Many people on this site have done this including myself and your not alone . good luck and I will pray for you

[Greatgreebo]

Just go Cold Turkey. Get out know why you are still ahead. Tapering is near impossible for a true addict....trust me. Go to my (Greatgreebo) journal and read the PAWS part 1-3. The physical part is a snap....some chills, some creepy crawlies, some lack of sleep.........and then you think you are fine. It's the mental part that is the hardest. Read up on the PAWS..(mental withdrawal symptoms)....these are your worst enemy. Trust me.
You can do this. Just stop the pills and get your life back while you are still in control.
Good luck,
Greebs

[sweatinit]

Hi and welcome! Jeez if that doesnt sound familiar. I knew i needed to stop for months before i finaly did it. It was really hard becasue like you, I would say "oh next month" but it never happened until 22 days ago (yay) i just got so tired of sweating (hence my handle) where, when  and how. I had so much fear about quitting only to find out that i had built up fear of things that werent even there. Anyway for me I went cold turk. It was a very unpleasnat 5 days and i did not confess to anyone during that time. Thats were this forum came into play. tehse folks held my hand and my heart as i detoxed. You can do this too. We will be here for you!! If you can take off doe a few days from work thats even better. Most say days 3 and 4 are worst. For me it was days 4-6. I had een taking any kind of opiate i could for year, but mostly perocet and vicodin. Get some gatorade, hot baths, Pray (if you pray)  and exercise as much as you can. Keep posting and feel free to send me a private message (PM) if you need to.

[formerjerseygirl]

I agree with Mereceze some people can taper but I never could either.  Look for something on this site called the Thomas Recipe.  I thought it helped a ton with cold turkey withdrawal.  I am on day 8 of no vicodin and had pretty much the same problem as you.  I did have to take a week off from work and put my husband in charge of all kid responsibilites..that was tough since there seemed to be no bedtime in site each month but I had to not care.  However, I have detoxed myself like that on my own three other times and have always gone back so what I finally realize is that we need help.  Not just a site like this although this is super helpful but also honestly with people you are close to, a counselor, meetings, something.  Good luck.  You can do it.  The first 4 days will really suck.  Watch lots of bad television...the Jersey Shore got me through my worst day...so bad but so good when I needed mindless **it.

[mercedeze]

I knw exactly how you feel I was out of control for 2 yrz. And today is day twelve opiate free. I could nt do the taper dwn method it never worked.frm my experience cold turkey is the best way. I felt like hell for 5 days bt it is so worth it. Right nw I feel great bt I knw I will have my ups and dwns. If I cn do it u can. Feel free to msg me if u would like. Break free frm the viscious cycle