Vicodin 8-10 a day :(

[realmcoy]

Hi Guys,  Im new to the blogs here but thought I would post my issue-- been taking vics 8-10 a day 5/325 for the better part of 1.5 years--  started with the basic 1-2 every 4 to 6 hours blaa blaa blaaa.... In all honesty I want to try and taper but do not know if I have the self control to do it --  Was drug and alcohol free for 20 years and these little devils won me over --  don't really want to make this "public" in my family as I am sure these are many of our own little secrets...  just wanting to know what is the most effective way to stop -- I can handle withdrawls but I CANT HANDLE THE ANXIETY...  any thoughts or ideas would be great... thanks to all

[LeaAnn807]

Hey there!  Glad to hear that you're joining our fight here!  You'll get lots and lots of support  There are things that you can do to help the physical WDs, but you'll need support to get through the mental stuff.  NA or counseling, even if you sit with your pastor and talk for a while every few days will help. As far as the anxiety, watch out for benzos to deal with it.  That's one of the worst things you can get started on while going thru WDs.  Getting off of benzos makes opiate WD look easy!  Just stay away from them if you can at all, and look for any other alternative.  Exercise helps.  Also, don't go into it thinking, "I can't handle the anxiety!"  Keeping a positive attitude helps more than the negative thoughts.  You can get through anything!  The Thomas Recipe has good info on supplements and OTC things that you can buy to help.  Imodium is a MUST.  Epsom Salts to put in your bath water is something that I did a lot to help high anxiety and aches and pains.  If you feel like you need medical help to get through this, be sure to talk to your doctor before you start the detox process.  You aren't on a super high dose, and I believe that you CAN do this!!!  The insomnia and low energy seem to last the longest of the symptoms for most people.  But again, there are OTC things you can get to help with that too plus exercise helps both things!

Good luck! : )

[littlebit667]

One option (the one I took) is to talk to your doctor and ask for help with the anxiety.  I talked to mine and she put me on a medication (off label use) that they give to people in jail and coming off drugs.  I hated the description, but it really helped me and I was about 3 days into detox.  My point is that there is help with your doctor if you think you can talk to them about it.  I am 60 and was taking 8-10  10/325 hydros a day.  

I kept telling myself...YOU HAVE the FLU!  It will be over and I will feel so much better.  My brain seemed to get that and settled down a little.  It is hard, but doable!  The Thomas Recipe (bottom of the page) under Health Pages will help.  I did not to the tranquilizers and had to cut back on the Ltryosine, but the rest really helped.  Imodium, Imodium, Imodium (liquid or pills if the liquid can't be found or you can't swallow it) will help.  I took double the dosage for a few days (personal choice) and it helped so much..even with the withdrawals in general and the opiate trots which sucked.  

Hydrate and eat! ((gatorade is good) Even if it is just a little every hour or so.(boost or ensure might work for both food and drink)  You have to eat something to keep your energy up as much as possible.  

If you have Restless legs..it is hit or miss what works.  Walking seemed to help me some.  Hot bath with epsom salts..a little.  I finally had to get my doctor to refill my restless legs meds (non addictive) to get some sleep.  If nothing works,your doctor might help.  Benedryl helps some with sleep issues and you will have them.

One hour at a time is all anyone can ask.  After 2 weeks it gets a little better and I started to say, One day at a time!  Your brain will do all sorts of things to get you to take a pill.  I found if I was hungry..the cravings got worse.  I would try to eat a banana, a few grapes or a few crackers to get that under control.

The hardest part comes after the detox.  Your brain will be all over the place and will try to get you back on the pills...It is having to work and not depend on the pills to help.  

Good for you.  I hope all goes well.  You have made a good start coming here....this site has helped me so much!!!  Keep posting!!!!!