A story to share

[GoldieBoomer]

I was one of those 30-40 pills a day people.  But it doesn't matter if it is 5, 10, 20 or 30 a day - you are still addicted.  Trust me, I have been an opiate addict for 20 years.  5 back surgeries, etc.

Anyway, I went to rehab/detox last October and have been completely pill free for 5 months.  Felt like **** for the first 2 months (still feel lousy sometimes, but I credit that to 20 years of abuse).  There are many other options out there for pain control - over the counter anti-inflamatorries like Alleve really do work.  There are also prescription medications like Notriptyline (not narcotic or addictive) that work amazingly well.  

Trust me, those of you that take these narcotic pain pills are mostly taking them for the "high" they cause - not the pain releif.  That can be achieved just as well with other medications that are not narcotic.

Getting off this stuff was the hardest thing I have ever done (and I gave birth to two lovely children).  But I am so proud of myself and continue on my journey to recovering fully from all of the ill effects opiates cause.

Good Luck to everyone.

48 year old woman living in Northern California

[OcdKid227]

     Thanks for your story.I am new to this site and it is comforting to know that even after 20yrs.You were able to beat this awful addiction.It really gives me hope that I can also.Thanks again.

[worried878]

Yey...very motivating...how long have u been clean?  keep posting..we love to hear good news

[Avalancheblanche]

Thank you for your success story.  It is something we all need and love to hear.  
Great to hear you are proud of yourself....you should be!  I am inspired by you and can't wait to be able to say that I am pill free for 5 months....That must feel SO GOOD!!
I hope you stay with us for a bit!

[Mikeinthesouth]

I myself know what it is to have physical pain as well due to a broken spine and Stabilization surgery ending up 4 levels. I Do lnow why I did what I did in the begining and although the intentions for being on them somewhat changed throughout I can say there are those individuals who cannot take otc pain meds for one reason or another I do and have taken quite a few in the last few days since I chose to go this route ct. I know I will deal with the consequences of taking otc later, for right now choose to be clean. Being true to yourself I beleive is important, but I choose not to pass judgement here on anyone and choose not to say if someone is in pain or not just to say what I know and that is what I deal with in my life.

[gizzy32]

so nice to hear success stories. congrats on being clean for 5 months, truly an accomplishment. ty for sharing that story as i know it will help someone on here fighting to stay away from these damn pills. good job