Need support/Tapering off Norco

[love_me2013]

Thanks for helping me figuring out how to start a fresh thread. I have been on 20 10/325mg of Norco & have decided to stop. I can't do it CT, but I also can't continue life like this. I started reducing my dose today to one or one and half every 3 to 4 hrs vs 5pills every 4 hrs. I must say I feel ok. So far I have taken 5 pills (50mg of Norco)... It's 3 pm and I need to stay focus on tapering off and not getting high. It's hard to have self control...  But doess anyone have any advice, tips? Anything will help.

[Sonrissa]

In my opinion, cold turkey is really best. Just get the worst of the physical stuff over with. You can do this. Be prepared. Make sure you have some Immodium for stomach/bathroom issues, some Magnesium, Potassium, and a goo multi vitamin. Get some Epsom Salts for baths. This will help with achy muscles and restlessness. Have some bland, easy to digest food, like soup, crackers, yogurt, toast, etc. You will need to keep up your strength. Stay very well hydrated. Drink lots of water or Gatorade. Most important, try to stay as active as possible. Get outside every day and take a short walk in the fresh air. This will help with fatigue. You may want to get some Melatonin, or Alteril, or Sleepy Time Tea to help with sleep.

I wish you the very best. Just a few days, and you will start to feel better. Also, get rid of any pills you may have left, and talk to your doctor, and cut off your sources. This is extremely critical for success. Take care and keep posting. We will help you get through every step,

[love_me2013]

Thank you so much... It is a vicious cycle..and I am tired of it. I, have been reading alot of threads and it seems as if my only choice is CT. I would hate to drag this and feel miserable during that I'll start tomorrow.

[love_me2013]

I do get them prescibed I get 180 a month 10/325 I have lupus and I get side effects or ulcers to other meds previously prescribed. However, I abused them I'm afraid to tell my Dr because I don't want her to cut me. I have been on Norco for a year and a half but taking such large amounts for a month. I also buy more from a source because I run out., pathetic I know. I think that if I can actually start by following Dr's orders 1 every 6 hours it would be a huge step. Yesterday, I struggled because I knew I had pills, but I kept reminding myself ” that's all you have left, your going to get sick”. I am proud to say I took a total of 9. & not 20. I would take 2 @ times, so today I'm sticking to the same regimen. Except I'll decrease to 8. I don't have anyone close by to help me taper. But I see my kids and I have to remember it's also for them. I can't let them sre me sick if I do CT. It would not be fair to them...they are 6 & 3 so I need to be healthy to care for them. Yesterday was a good start... I'm pleased with that. Next week my goal is to cut to 7 a day if not 6.

[Kbusymom]

I didn't have any luck tapering either.  I agree that it draws out both the WD and the mental hell.  
Have you cut your sources?  People talk a lot about that on here and it is so important.  The last time I tried to quit, I hadn't cut my sources and made it a few weeks and then was right back at the dr.  It's so hard to do, but I feel stronger now in my efforts to be clean.  There's a freedom in knowing I have no options.  
Check out the Thomas recipe on here for the WD and keep posting and sharing.  Welcome to the forum.

[Kimby34]

I'm just going to be blunt. Don't taper. CT. trust me. If you have access to them, you'll take them. I tried so many times and then id say "forget it I'll just finish this bottle and then I'm done" then I'd decide I'm going to try to taper again and it's just a vicious cycle. Get the worst part over with. The hardest part for me is the mental part. I'm fighting this demon daily. You can do the physical part!!!! Trust me, it's not going to be as awful as you think. It's like the flu. Just have a plan for the mental part, because it's worse. Be strong. Get support!!!!!! I'm here with you.

[Sonrissa]

Hi love, (ha, that sounds funny) the best advice I can give you, because I was unable to taper, is to make a specific and detailed plan. Write it down, and keep it with you at all times. Stick to it! Don't deviate. Also write down all your reasons for quitting and refer to it often. Stay as active as possible, and make sure to get out in the fresh air. It will really help you with energy,

Good luck! I wish you all the best, and keep posting your progress, and any questions you may have.

[kyle505]

P.S. - I just re read your post. I have to warn you, self control has nothing to do with detoxing.  Early in the game you will be tempted, over and over again, so basically, if you have a source for pills you will relapse.
The first thing you must do if you're serious about this is cut all of your sources.  Next, tell your secret. Finally, get aftercare.
Other's will be along to expand on those steps and to offer their input, but the bottom line is - if you really want to get clean then you have to do those steps. Leave one out and you'll relapse.
K

[kyle505]

Most of us can't taper without help, even after a doc has set a tapering plan. When the dose gets down there, our heads start talking to us, and the plan goes out the window.
If you want to taper, you must have someone who can help - have them hide the meds and then give you the correct amount, per the plan. Otherwise if you know more pills are down the hall you will use.
Also, tapering does help a little with the physical side of detox, but it tends to prolong the mental battle, and that is much harder to deal with than the physical symptoms.
Finally, how long have you been using this amount? And is it 20 a day?
Those two facts are important for further help.
K

[CRSeaside]

Hi love. From personal experience I always begin by cutting the pills in 1/2.

[lild713]

I'm being honest tapering won't help it's going be really tempt to eat more then tapering I'm just saying...It's hard sometimes we think oh I just do another one and I stop tomorrow and the cycle goes on and on. I wish you the best and luck and you can do it!

[IBKleen]

Hi, I am glad you were able to start your own thread. It is a violation of our guidelines to give out specific taper information but I will say to do it slow if you can. Tapering is hard and maybe do not succeed (I being one of them) so if you can spread out your dose and go down slow it would be best. Are you getting the pills from a doctor?