Does Opiate Tapering Cause Fear of Life?

[GA_need_help]

I realize I am so very different from who I used to be.  I used to be adventurous and love to travel.  Now I am super cautious and want to avoid any activity that takes me out of my "comfort zone."  And a lot of time I feel so fearful I can't find a "comfort zone" at home.  I just don't know what to do a lot of the time.   Some days I am super anxious as well.  I have been tapering from Opana ER (an intense Opiate) and am on less than 1/2 of my initial dose.  I just want to know if others have experienced this.  And if so, how long did it take to get your personality back (get my neurotransmitters functioning properly again).  Also, how long did it take your pain to lessen if you were in pain?

Thanks,
Marie

[Emily_MHManager]

Hi everyone -

Please remember that while you can talk about tapering symptoms, symptom management, etc., we can not discuss tapering plans. We realize it's not always possible, but tapering should be done under a doctor's care, and we don't have any doctors posting in this community. A dose that works for one could cause serious problems in someone else.

Thanks for understanding,

Emily

[GA_need_help]

For some reason the evening has been the most fearful time lately.  Has anyone else experienced this? It used to be the morning!  Marie

[lulu747]

Hi Marie

Just wanted to say how proud of you are and how much I admire your courage and strength....You're doing awesome.....Love...Lu

[sandra5353]

I didnt mean tapering off a drug was like SUBOXEXNE! I meant,,,,, its just another way to prolong the inevitable! Ive heard good and bad horror stories of coming off of suboxene, but again! That isnot what I meant. I guess some know more on here even if they havent experienced a certain way, and that's all well and good. Im outta here! lol

[GA_need_help]

It's fine.  Thank you for the kind and understanding reply.  I know you just have my best interest in mind!  I do appreciate that!  Marie

[Bkitty]

Marie,,,Im so proud of you. Id write more but I feel sick. You are doing this and doing it right!~Bkitty

[GA_need_help]

I wanted to add that I am going to AA almost everyday.  I agree with the people that have suggested it 100%.  I would have 15 years sober, were it not for the back pain, surgery and slippery slope with pills.  So, I have a big hx in AA, and I have recommitted myself to going and being very involved in the AA community.

[vicki595]

"Well..I'm just a big,fat quitter. I know this will make some veteran members of this board very smug and utter "How Sad" Sometimes, I think they do a search on posts just so they can swoop in there, stay long enough to judge and type the words "how sad, i would NEVER do that"  Guess I'm just not as strong as some of you."


That's not very nice...

[littlebit010101]

Thank u so much that's what I needed to know...I'm gonna suggest this way to my brother....thank u much...

[vicki595]

Tapering off a drug is nothing like taking Suboxone!  Tapering prevents so many of the stressful conditions that shock the body during detox (physically) that it's at least worth a try. Not everyone can taper because it can be a huge MENTAL challenge but it's always an option for folks.

Tapering is MUCH easier physically and, yes, some people are just going to have problems.  But, you need to go very slowly and you need to be patient with it. You also need to have a firm mindset that the drug use or abuse is OVER and that's where recovery care enters the picture. A lot of people begin their recovery care DURING a taper and that supports a better state of mind and relieves a lot of anxiety.

Obviously, I'm a huge advocate of tapering and I'm in a minority!  As addicts, we love a "quick fix", we're all "id", and we want the detox OVER with yesterday!  It doesn't FEEL good!   It's not realistic either...it takes a long time to get better; no matter which way you choose.

[littlebit010101]

Sorry I have a brother I would love to help if I could but I'm as dumb as a rock and trying to understand ..again thank u...

[Jane1962]

Just so you are prepared after you taper off the drugs it takes approxiamtely 18 months for your brain chemistry to go back to normal. You can also expect to relapse and go through what is called post acute withdrawl smpytoms. One day you will feel great then you may expereince periods where you feel yucky, like you just stopped using again. Hopefully you will get support either from NA/AA or a certified drug and alcohol counselor to help you get through the changes your body will go through. The doctors can assist you with your pain many diffrent ways, work with them and never give up. Remeber that you are saving yourself and those you love from unspeakable tradgey by getting and staying clean!!!  Good luck

[littlebit010101]

Ok...Vickie I'm the least of the least and honestly just trying to figure some things out...my brain is finally clear...but everyone seemed to at taper is easier and I times found myself mad bc I didn't taper but anyway...does this mean physically its always easier?? I mean physically being the way our bodies work...or are some people just gonna have problems...thank u for any insight...and just humbly trying to understand a lot of this...I

[ImDONENoMore]

I am sorry GA - I meant no harm.  I've seen you suffering so much I just thought maybe the taper wasn't a good way to go.  ut I do respect your decision and hope you're feeling better soon.  I won't comment again.

[sandra5353]

I couldnt taper both times. I was already in panic mode, which was why I had to get off. Tapering only prolonged the panic mode for me. Then, I knew i still would have to stop eventually and withdrawals would take over, so ahy wait for me? I just did it and got it over with. Its like when people take suboxene, why bother? Ya still have to eventually taper off of those and maybe go thru withdrawals. But that is why GA is having panic attacks or anxiety. Its already there, so she's just prolonging it, it doesnt seem to be working for her cause she's already experieincing bad withdrawals.

[vicki595]

Tapering isn't always easy but it can be a far more gentle way to stop the pills. The secret to tapering is patience and a proper taper plan. The process cannot go too quickly at all!  It needs to be very long with very TINY drops in doses over weeks at a time. It does seem like it takes forever BUT,if done properly,the shock to the body is so minimal...you can work,eat,play,travel,etc..while still going through the whole process. When you add supplements to the taper schedule, the whole experience is even better!    

Honestly everyone, it can be done almost painlessly!

[littlebit010101]

Hey Marie sorry ur going thru this...but I must say after watching what u have been through tapering man I'm glad I just jumped ct...don't know how u do it...I could never have done what ur doing so good job...and I thought tapering was easy again glad I just jumped...best wishes...

[GA_need_help]

HI, I appreciate it, but I really don't want to jump.  Please just respect his.
Thanks for your support.  I really would like to not have you say that again.  As I mentioned my doctor and I don't think it is right for me.
Thanks so much,  Marie

[lulu747]

Belle-

Hey doll...What's going on?  Send me a message and let me know-am here whatever you need....Lu

[kyle505]

Well, we all have our setbacks. I've been through several wds over the last ten years, but by far this has been the one from hell, and I am thankful for that. You know what you MUST do; no one is in a position to judge. It will get better; remember, count the seconds, count the minutes, what ever it takes to get you there. Please keep us updated.

[kyle505]

Lulu:
Thanks again. I just posted on another part of this site thai I actually went to get a haircut. I was shaky, felt sick the whole time, and had a panic attack when I got there and the place was closed. But, this is a great example as to why all of us, especially those just beginning the process, need to be strong and continue. Making such a big deal about getting a haircut just shows how messed up I am because of the med abuse.

[ImDONENoMore]

GA - I really think you're prolonging the agony by not having jumped off yet.  That's why so many stop when they're at the point you are at now.  I know you're scared, but once you stop altogether, you can move forward.  I really think this taper is making things worse for you.

[thebellepoque]

Welllll....I'm back at Day 0..but thank you for your kind words

[lulu747]

Hey Kyle...

I don't know where your thread is so I'm replying on Marie's (I know she won't mind(:)

I had a major board meeting on day 8 or 9 of my detox and I thought I was going to die!  No sleep, sweaty, anxious etc...But you know what?  I was great.  And every day I am continually amazed at what I am able to accomplish...Far more than I was capable of on opiates...I just wanted to give you some encouragement-doing things sober for the first time is scary..totally normal to feel that way.  But just stay in the moment and be proud of how far you've come and don't forget to breathe...You'll do great.  I know it....Lu