Hello

[youngin20]

Hi. I'm a 20 year old and I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I also have three herniated discs in my back as well as scoliosis. Last year my doctor prescribed me darvocet and I was ok with it. Then my doctor left private practice and my new doctor wouldn't prescribe me any. My back started hurting so much after I stopped getting my darvocet. My mother has a worse back than I do and she is prescribed a bunch of hydrocodone pills a month. She would occasionally give me one and it would feel really good. I hate to say this but I have been living with this secret for a long time and I don't want to be like this anymore. I have taken my mothers pills from her for like...8 months. Not all of them. Just some here or there. Lately I've been taking like...6 pills a day and I want it to stop. Every time I try the pain in my back is murder. I get withdrawal symptoms, too. But the pain is so bad that I can't walk. I want to stop this now because it is ruining my life. I just want to be a normal 20 year old and not end up like my mom who has to take 12 of these things a day just to function. I don't know where to start. I don't want my family to know because I'm afraid that they will hate me forever. I was wondering if anyone knows how to start the process of getting off of these things. As I type this for the first time I'm crying my eyes out. I never wanted it to get this far and I just wanted my pain to stop hurting. I'm so unbelievably ashamed of myself and I need to stop. Thank you for reading this, whoever is.

[StaggerLee]

I've stolen from my family too.  Feels pretty ****** doesn't it?  You've already taken the first step.  Just take it slow and ease on in.  It'll be a bumpy ride but you'll be better for it.  You're young - you can kick this.

[MICHAEL_777]

You're not alone.  This demon slips up on the alot of us without our knowing.  Read through my journal about going cold turkey.  If that is the route you want to take then that is more or less what to expect and how to combat it.  Others here have successfully tapered and will post something soon.  How many have you been taking per day and for how long?  Also, include the doseage.  You CAN beat this, so hang in there.  Love and Strength to you!