Addicted to Vicodin

[Brandon216]

Hi all,
I've been lurking for a little while and finally decided to post. This seems like a good place for support.

I have finally acknowledged to myself that I am, in fact, an addict. I wasn't always one. It started off fine. I would get prescribed Vicodin after having dental work done, and would be excited to have the drug "for fun" (it never really helped with pain...I prefer ibuprofen...but it made me feel good). The 20 or so pills in the prescription would last about a week or so, and I'd never look back. I wasn't addicted.

However, for the past six months, things have began changing. I met the wrong kind of person. Someone who sells the stuff. I wanted that "fun feeling" again, so I'd buy three or four, here and there. As time went on, I noticed I was making the drive to his place more and more, and buying more and more.

I now buy between 20 and 35, once or twice a week. As i'm sure you all know, that's a lot of money (that I don't have).

I've never really tried to stop, but I've experienced withdraw when I run out (and the seller is also out) and have to wait an entire day until my next fix. I absolutely hated the feeling. It was painful. My stomach hurt. Problems in the bathroom. Insomnia. Sweating. It was awful. But it would go away as soon as I bought more.

I can get by taking 3 or 4 a day. I prefer six.

I just took the last of it and I don't want to take it again. It is costing me too much money and I feel like a hypocrite for judging other addicts when I, myself, am an addict. My entire life now revolves around when i'll be able to get more, and I'm sick of it, but I am dreading the inevitable withdraws.

Any advice to cope?

[oldspower71]

I was on 120mg oxycodone/day for 2 years. Before that, I was getting 240 10mg vicodins/ month for 4 years. I am on day 10 since my last dose of oxy. I did not taper. I got upset with my life and quit cold turkey. 72 hours after my last dose, I felt fine. It was about 4 days in for me when the symptoms of withdrawal really hit. I went 80 hours with no sleep (and I mean NO sleep). I missed 2 days of work. Now I realize why sleep deprivation is used as a form of torture. I felt like complete ****. I was getting stressed because my doc called and said my oxy script was ready for pick-up. I stayed strong and told him to tear it up. I realize we are talking about 2 different drugs here, but I want to tell you what worked for me. Go to the doc. Tell him your situation. Ask for a script of Baclofen, it is a muscle relaxer with antidepressant properties (research has been done on Baclofen with patients suffering from opiate withdrawal with amazing results). You can look it up easy enough. I took 30mg baclofen and 1mg klonopin before bed. I slept for 12 hours. I felt like a million bucks. Since then, I have tapered down to 10mg baclofen and 1mg klonopin and I feel amazing (to the point where I have been lifting weights (light, high reps) every day for the past 4 days. I still feel a little jittery, but after 2 years on oxy, I would say I am doing amazing. Now, I used the klonopin because I had some, but I really don't feel it is necessary. I am telling you, Baclofen will help you. Google the research done on Baclofen w/opiate withdrawal, print it out, and bring it with you to the doc. I am not a medical professional, but it worked wonders for me. Good luck to you.

[FourJays]

Hey Brandon-
I am so glad you found this place.  I agree with everything the above members have said.  Only YOU can make the decision to do this.  It will not be easy, but it is SO worth it.  And let me tell you - the longer you put this off, the harder it will be when you finally decide to do it.  I lost 15 years of my life to pills.  I wish I would have done it a long, long time ago.  The pills wont just let you go, YOU have to make it happen.  It is awesome that you have realized you are in trouble this soon.  You are one of the lucky ones - get out now!!!  Keep posting here for support - you will find it invaluable in the days to come.  Good luck . . . . you can do it!

[YesLife4Me]

Hi Brandon.  Gosh, that's exactly how it started with my dealer/so called friend.  A few here and there, then 10 at a time, then 20 and then 20 became weekly, then a few days.  It doesn't take long before we are dependant, then addicted.  I did this cycle for years before I decided to stop the insanityl. I tried many many times to quit based on the fact that I ran out, but when I would get a few days in I couldnt stand it and give in.   At least you found this site first and educated yourself first on what to expect.  Knowing is half the battle.  I didn't realize that quitting was the actual easy part even though wd is a nightmare.  Its the mental games, lack of energy and living without them that became the obstacle and bigger threat to sobriety. Putting down the pills seems easy in theory and I wish it was that easy.  Not trying to wcare you, just prepare you for the long haul.  

Here is what i learned:  You have got to change your playground.   Get rid of your source and their contact info.  Tell them you are done.  If you do t, those pills call out to you in rough times.  The enlist the support of friends, family and NA or AAl. You have to surround yourself with people who are going to help you.  But first let's get you through detox.  You CAN do this.   Get the ingredients from the Thomas Recipe and hang tight close to this site for advice and encouragement.  Proud of you for taking the first steps in admitting you have a problem, reaching out and taking steps towards reclaiming your life.  

[SmilingBright]

Just wanted to say You can do this!!!  If you really want to quit then this can be done.
Prayers going your way!!  
Christina

[VICourageous]

Hi So you have read alot of posting around here??? Yes we all or most did the game of running short, spending money, on & on. This is one part of the addiction...We lived to use and use to live...Can you just go c/t and we can help u with the detox state...IF NOT then can u go to a doctor be honest and tell them what you would like...They can either give u something non-addictive or if they taper you DO NOT have them on you or in the house..We can stiff them out and find them anywhere..Give the pills to someone you trust to dull them out for a taper...You have to stay TUFF and do not that the lil ol survial part of the brain play the I feel good tape over..Just one......If you want it bad enough you can have it..Stay here with us and we can help you with the detox state..It will get better...min by min...
God Bless you for wanting your life back..
vickie