Any suggestions for getting off of Norco/Vicodin for good?

[becky_33]

I had started taking Vicodin after a slip and fall. It started after I thought I exhausted all possibilities with physical therapy, massage, chiropractic, exercise, etc. My general doctor referred me to a back specialist, who did nothing more than prescribe me vicodin... and a lot of them. I had taken them years before after having wisdom teeth removed, and enjoyed the feeling, but never abused them. However, having a doctor prescribe 6 per day let me think that's what I should have been taking. I was on them for a year, gradually increasing the dosage (he switched me to Norco which is a higher dosage of hydrocodine) and went off them cold turkey because I ran out, and the office couldn't refill them. It was hell, and at one point, I thought I was dying. I had cold sweats, electricity running through my body, restless leg syndrome, trouble concentrating, diarrhea, nausea, etc. but I kicked it. The first 4 days were hell, then I started feeling good. After 2 weeks, I felt 'normal' again. I was achy from my fall, but it was better than being high all the time. I didn't feel groggy as I did when on Norco/vicodin, and felt really good.

About 3 months of being 'clean' and totally off of the norco's, my brother-in-law broke his arm, and after joking that it would be great to get some of his meds, he gave me 3, which I took those right away, and was craving more.

I went to my back doctor and he prescribed me more, which I told myself it would only be for days when the pain got bad. However, I was back to 6-8 a day and here I am, 8 months later, again without pills, and going cold turkey. I have the same symptoms, and am wondering if I can stay off the norco's for good. Does anyone have tips/advice? I have a great husband who is supportive, and realizes my problem, but he is the only one to turn to. My family is critical of anyone who is addicted to something, and my friends don't understand how people get to this point. I was in the same boat, until I got hooked. That's why I am here for support and advice.

[buddycrunch]

peggy, start a new thread.   scroll back up to the top of this page and click th orange box that says "ask a question"   then you'll get more support finding you.

[PeggySueW]

I  have had 1/2 Norco since about 10:00 last night and want to get off of them.  Any advice would be appreiciated.  ***@****

[jarci]

I have cancer and was prescribed norco for breaktrough pain.  it is an evil drug! its a struggle just like alcoholism. Even if you stop completely, it will be a life long battle to stay off of it.  Your body will remember and crave it forever. Even 1 pill will get you back off  addiction wagon just like 1 drink for an alcoholic...i know, i know, many are saying i'm being dramatic but i'm recovering myself.  The first sign that what I'm saying is true is denial or feeling like "i can handle 1 or 2".  At this point in my norco recovery, I choose pain instead of the addiction because I'm lucky I guess, my pain subsides after a couple of days but remembering the pain of withdrawl as a worse pain makes
me keep going.  I've had my best friend who was straight and narrow break into my house to get some because he thought he could weein himself off.  He was probably the most mentally strong person i've seen.  I saw him go from strong and clear to a downright junkie, now we share a seat on the wagon and can't believe what the addiction made us do. the ironic thing is you get all the negative side effects of heroine with none of the highs so people think its ok.  Norco works on pain receptors and usually only lasts 4 hours. problem is when theres no pain, the opied has no where to go except to the brain, the way the prescription is given is usually "take every 4 hours" well you probably don't have the constant severe pain that norco works for so you end up addicted.  its the hardest journey I've ever been on and to add insult to injury, my wife had her boobs done, started on Norco and watching her struggle with it now is breaking my heart. this is one of those drugs I wish they could disinvent. Remember, your body will turn into a sort of "demon" it will turn any minor ache and pain into the worst pain...you'll feel like dying, major depression, severe stomach pains , nerve pains, headaches, nausea, migraines...whatever it needs to to make you take it. if there's access to it somehow you will not make it, if you know someone that has some you'll try and get some from them..thats when you know you're addicted for sure...when you try to score more...you'll go to the doctor to get more and he will give you more! that's the irony. be strong! keep telling yourself, when you at your worst and think its all lost, "i'm stronger thansome stupid pill" don't do it for anyone, do it for yourself.  tell all your friends that you will be detoxing and not to give you any no matter what! if they have norco they will not judge you, they woll understand and help, you'll be angry with them at first but when you're off and clear you will be glad they didnt give you any.

[becky_33]

I haven't really considered counseling, but maybe that will be the difference between my last time I went off the norco (which only lasted 2 months). I will look into it and definitely consider it. Thanks!

[atthebeach]

well congrats on your clean 8 days. i am so glad you are feeling better. please keep yourself on guard so the addiction doesnt sneak back up on you. have you set any counseling in motion? any support groups?
be vigilant in your recovery.
the recovery road is a marathon not a sprint.
keep the faith
debbie

[becky_33]

I am now 8 days off of the Norco/Vicodin, and I feel terrific! I didn't realize that this forum would help as much as it did. It was great having heard other similar stories, and knowing I wasn't alone in feeling the way I did.

[2nd_X_Around]

Please don't pick those up that's just asking for trouble again, 2 days ago I saw that guy that supplied me(at NO cost) he ask how you doing? which usually is the code for do you need and I just said doing fine thanks. You have to commit to say no and avoid any possible obstacles having those around will make WAY to easy.

[becky_33]

Today is day 4 of detox. I feel pretty amazing, but I also know today is the day that my Norco prescription is being automatically filled. I tried to tell myself last night that maybe I should just pick it up and take them for really bad days, but that's how I got addicted the 2nd time around. It's really amazing how tightly addiction can grip you. I never thought this would happen to me.

[2nd_X_Around]

Day by Day,

Today is day 6 for me, yesterday I felt great... today just average... buts that's how it goes and this is my 2nd time around, however the first time I was taking MUCH GREATER DOSES...thank god I tried to keep it down this time knowing what was coming

Good luck an fight hard

[becky_33]

The 1st time of withdrawing/ detoxing, I didn't know that I would experience the extreme symptoms, and I thought I was going to die.. literally. I think what makes it easier the 2nd time is knowing to taper off, knowing what to eat/drink while detoxing, and also finding support on this website. I also know which days will be the hardest (the first 3 are the worst), whereas the first detox, I didn't know how long I would feel that way, and the doctor was unreachable. Now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and I am just taking it baby steps.

[gnarly_1]

HE Becky god to here your feeling better.....no to withdrawals are the same but count yourself lucky most say it gets worst each time....keep posting for support and get involved with some sort of aftercare it will help you get past the cravings and stay off the mery go round we always emphasize getting clean is ezer ....its staying clean that takes the work ......hang in there keep posting for support good luck and God bless,,,,,,Gnarly

[becky_33]

I'm at day 3 of no norco and I feel a lot better than yesterday. I think vitamins and eating simple foods have helped. It's a lot easier going through this the 2nd time!

[becky_33]

I did take the dog for a 30 minute walk today. It did a lot to my mood and minimized the aches/pains. Then I followed it up with an epson bath which was great as well!

[becky_33]

I'm lucky, because my mother-in-law took my daughter over night, so I don't have to wear my mom hat. I also work from home, so I canceled all meetings and have been doing work in comfy clothes. I can't imagine having to go to work and try to perform in front of others right now. I'm kind of a mess.

[2nd_X_Around]

Also forgot to mention I did my best to take the dog for walks to keep the blood flowing remember lots of hospital patients suffer from RLS cause they are bed ridden, gotta get up an move NO MATTER WHAT, you might only feel good for 1/2 hour make the most of it go outside lay in the sun, just dont lay around an pout the faster U move the quicker you will feel better.

[atthebeach]

yes the opiates have a tendency to stop everything up, so sneeze away. this too shall pass.

[becky_33]

Thank you, I will drink more! I too was apprehensive about the valium, since now, I just want to stay away from prescription drugs. BTW, is it common to sneeze a lot while detoxing/withdrawing?

[2nd_X_Around]

Yes I did Thomas recipe with a couple of tweeks NO scripts only OTC stuff like Advil Pm and I did take activated charcoal which absorbstion ,and I cant live without eating meat at least 2x's per week, lots of fruit for me High Energy foods, not to good on stomach though, went about 3 days of really feeling bad but had to have stiff upper lip for family, as they did not know just had to suck it up, blamed most of stomach issues on eating something bad and maybe stress, actually felt much better today, those 5 hour engery drinks have L-Tryosine in them

[atthebeach]

you need to drink more (dehydration) causes you to feel light headed and dizzy. i think the valium should be taken off the thomas recipe. use valerian root, melatonin, i found a couple otc natural sleep rememdys. alteril and sleep by nature made. they work well they have a combo of valerian root and melatonin with other extracts.

[becky_33]

@2nd_X_Around: Are you trying the Thomas recipe? I just printed it out, and I'm planning on going to the vitamin store tomorrow. They encourage valium, but I think the valerian root will suffice. I remember from my first detox, that day 5 seemed to be the best I had felt in a while! The first 4 days were icky, so congrats on getting past the hump!

[2nd_X_Around]

You did it once YOU WILL do it again, I am currently ending day 5 of my second go around and remember it gets better everyday. This time I did it with LOTS of Vitamins,Melatonin,Valerian Root, of course Immodium, Aleve,L tyrosine, Bananas and Protein shakes.

Remember it will only be a few days of hell and as each day passes you will feel better.

[becky_33]

I'm nearing the end of day two of officially being off the Norco. I read through other people's posts, and took advice of taking a walk, soaking in an epson salt bath, drinking a LOT of water, and taking good vitamins. Everything seems to have helped some, but it's still uncomfortable. I feel light headed, have hot/cold flashes, and feel electricity going through my body. Hopefully tonight's sleep will go better than last time I detoxed. I do have Valerian root on hand though, which helps promote sleep.

[becky_33]

This has been an eye opening experience, b/c I live in a small and quaint town that surprisingly has a high rate of people (especially teenagers) abusing heroine and other opiates. I never knew how some of them could start since most are highly educated, from good families, and have a lot of great attributes. However, I heard that many start from using vicodin, then get immune, then go on to the next drug, and eventually get hooked on heroine. Luckily, I didn't get to that point, but I have a great deal of empathy for the people who get hooked.

[therealmattj]

First of all do not worry about what friends and family think in regards to addiction. Nobody can possibly understand the seduction of Norco or any opiates. I was a severe addict to Norco and almost died, and when I hear people that have an addiction problem I actually now look up to them and respect there character and struggle. It is a chance for rebirth, this disease also has such a majestic beautiful side to it, the art of the wake up call, and to go to hell and back is a life changing and positive experience. If you are seeking medical withdrawl help and need advice such meds to ease it, direct msg me. But I just want to tell you this, and this is what differentiates you from someone cold turkeying first time is you have the confidence now to know what to expect and that it can safely be done. Find that strength within yourself to KNOW that this is a cake walk and you've been there done that. go in with that mentality. Explore the mind over matter aspect of it. You are gonna be just fine, you are a rockstar, just keep going, dont stop keep moving 24hrs, 48hrs, 72 go go go go , do not look back... you are driving through a blizzard and the sun is gonna rise in a mile, Everything is going to be just fine and in a few days you will be back in control!! All of my respect to you.