How do I get off Hydrocodone? HELP!!!!

[macilee]

I used to drink alot, replaced that with Meth for 4 years before I decided to stop. I was clean from everything for about a year. One day I got some hyrocodone & 3 yrs later, I take 8-10 10/325 per day. I do not have pain or a prescription for these. I spend so much $ buying this crap! I want off so bad! I have tried to taper off but that doesn't work for me. I'm afraid of the withdrawals. Anyone have any good suggestions? I really need help!!

[Overwhelmed10]

I want to chime in offer my support too! Don't let the fear of wd's stop you, it's definitely do-able, just like the flu.m and it's soo worth it once you are done.  No more being a slave to those pills!  Good luck!  :)

Oh and have some Immodium ready too. ;)

[dominosarah]

You got good advice from the other 2 so i wont repeat what they said.  I just want you to know we are here for you and understand what you are going thru.  Lean on us and we will help you thru~

[FourJays]

Hi macilee and welcome . . . congrats on taking your first step to getting free of the pills!  You have been on the 10's for 3 years, right?  Are you taking any other meds?  The safest way is always a taper; I know you said you have tried.  When you did so, was there someone to hold the pills for you?  If you could find someone to do that and cut down your dosage even a little before you jump off, it may help.  But I can relate to the inability to taper - I could not do it either, despite several attempts over the 15 years I used.  I did do it cold turkey from dosages higher that what you are on.  It was not easy by any means, but I got through it.  Have you heard of the Thomas Recipe?  Check out the links on the bottom right of this page.  It is a protocol for opiate detox, full of great information and suggestions of items to get to help through the first few days.  You can take what you want from this in addition to suggestions from other members here on MH; you will get more responses (may be a little slow at night, but should pick up in the morning).  By posting here you have taken that ever so important first step.  As far as the method you choose to use; that is totally up to you.  Tapering v. cold turkey is a personal decision.  Again, given your usage amounts, a taper could help to lessen the withdrawal a bit and is the safer way to go.  But it does require a lot of self determination and will power.  Either way, please don't be afraid.  I found the whole detox thing to be such a head game.  Even with my c/t from a high dose, it was not as bad as I had imagined it to be.  It is very similar to having the flu.  Either way, if you want this bad enough, you CAN do it.  This site is a great source of information and support.  There are lots of members here that have been right were you are now and done this successfully.  There are also lots here doing it right now.  Keep posting with your progress and questions you have.  I'm sure others will be along to give you more input.  Do not fear the process; it is a temporary thing; a thing that will change your life forever.  A few days, weeks of discomfort are very much worth what you will get in return for the rest of your life!  Good luck - you are not alone here :)

[atthebeach]

Hello and welcome. Good for you wanting to reclaim your life. Did you do methadone or methamphetamine?
What did you do to maintain your sobriety when you quit before?
It is possible to stay clean and sober And to be free from the chains and bondage of addiction. You have to walk the recovery road each and everyday and make the conscious decision that you will not use this day. One day at a time. Did you attend counseling and/ or support groups when you were clean?