Addicted to pain medications (hydrocodone, percocet, OC)

[wellherewego]

Hi, I am struggling with kicking pain medications and opioid addiction. I started to take lortabs as a pick me up as I worked. I waited tables at that time. I was a recreational heroin user as a teenager but had long since kicked that habit. I was really naive to to think that pills were not a big deal... it seemed harmless in comparison to other methods of recreational drug use that I put my body through. I have been taking pain medication for 3 years now. The withdrawal is so hard it feels. I just want to know is there any, and i mean ANYTHING, that aids with this opiate withdrawal?? I start feeling anxious and sweaty within 6 hours from my last dose. Diarrhea that feels like lava. Insomnia yet constantly exhausted, goosebumbs, fever, body aches and cramps, constantly sweating and just downright depressed 24/7. The anxiety and mental aspect is what really kills me. I have bought sam-e to possibly aid with mood stabilization and just want to know if there are any good over the counter things that can aid with withdrawal? also, how long will this realistically last ?

[ladybug97]

I am on day 4 of coming off of Loratabs, and it has been the hardest thing I ever done, My 3rd day was the worst, For bathroom issues get Immodium that will stop going to bathroom so much, try (I know it is hard) to keep busy and your mind on positive thoughts, Think how good we all are going to feel when we Kick this Devil off of our backs, Wishing you the Best, and stay strong

[wellherewego]

Thanks. I have experienced the first onset of withdrawal before and I have realized that every single time... I find some way, some how, to get my hands on some. I just hate to withdraw around my children. I know I mentioned recreational drug use in my past, but since getting clean I had kids in that mean time... and sure enough these seemingly harmless pills caught me off guard.(I mean an opiod is an opiod, but I don't know if it was my addictive tendencies growing up that enabled me to rationalize excessive "meaningless" pill popping.) It seems hard for me to find that time for me to detox while still taking care of what needs to be done, ya know? I just can't do this anymore, though. the symptoms don't sound so bad on paper, but it mentally it is exhausting.

[kyle505]

Welcome...The "detox timeframe" is different for all of us - a lot depends on the amount you were taking daily. But, in general, on about day four you'll see a very dim light at the end of your hellish tunnel. Everything you're going through is typical, and unfortunately, you'll have to deal with it (although the posts above will help). For me, when I started eating again I saw great results (day four). If you can't eat, drink Ensure and lots of water/Gatorade. Try to take a walk as soon as you can. Now, the mental part of the journey will last longer, but each day that you're clean, the easier it will get. Hang in there. It can be done, and it does get better. Life without pills is great - that's a promise. Keep posting.

[overopiates]

Check out the Thomas recipe here.name brand immodium not generic take generously sleep aid either a small dose of a benzo or otc med for anxiety hot baths try to eat stay hydrated

[tryinhard4444]

I was told that potassium helps with the restless leg syndrome. I've gone thru the w/d's so many times you'd think I'd have taken the time to figure it out--but it changes with every drug and every person. I know that I spent a ton of time in bed on all of them. It ***** and it seems that the only way to get off of one is to switch to another--i used benzos and that helped, but then I was addicted to the benzos.....the only way I've found to work everytime is to just suck it up and do it. You'll feel pretty lousy(at it's worst) for about a week probably, but it DOES get better. Benadryl helps to calm your body and with sleep--baths--antioxidents, healthy eating, and just a strong mentality toward getting better!

[wransomejr]

Immodium, Gatorade. It is important to just be okay with not being okay. For most people day 4 is a turning point, but everyone is different. Don't lay around if you have insomnia - watch TV, read if possible, etc...exercise is good...push yourself to walk or hike ASAP. Check out the "Thomas Recipe" at the bottom of this page. Just know the pills have messed up your body's chemical makeup and it will take a while to balance out. You will have an empty place where the pills were that needs to be filled with something positive. As soon as you feel like it get to N/A or personal counseling. Not having a plan for maintaining one's sobriety is what makes many of us (including me) relapse and if that one little pill leads to another period of sustained use, another detox will be needed. Nobody wants that. Best of luck, and congrats on taking your life back! -Randy

[cosmo20]

hello man just want too say i took strong b vits and magnesium vits helps fatigue and was good plenty hot baths  i came off 60 ml methadone and 20 benzos and it was ok so just wanna say you go for it bud the fear is worse for me 75% of problem oh and maybe ask your higher power for a bit of help ?? take care