Getting Off Oxycontin/Roxicodone Without Rehab

[Shoreside33]

Hi, this is my first time posting on here and from what I have seen on this website, there are so many people that actually want to help and that is hard to find anywhere these days.  Ok, I am 20 years old and I have a full time job, going to college, and doing pretty well.  But I have just come to realize that I really do have a drug problem.  I never in my life thought that I would end up doing any sort of narcotics, but I made the mistake of trying them, and before you know it, it's been about 5 months, every single day that I have taken pills. The main one's are the Roxicodone 15 and 30 mgs.  When those aren't around, I go to the Oxycontin.  Like I said, for about 4 to 5 months, I've been taking nearly 60 to 90 mgs of painkillers each day.  I have gotten to the point where I can't afford to pay for them anymore and I just hate having to rely on something just to get me through the day.  One thing that I can't do is go into any detox or rehab clinic.  It would kill my parent's for them to know that I was doing this.  I have a 3 week vacation from work and I really want to get clean while I have the opportunity to do so.  I know there are going to be horrible withdrawals and I am more than ready to go through it to get clean.  My main question is what kind of withdrawal symptoms should I be expecting when coming down off of these, and I know it might be a dumb question, but I've read that you're going to feel like you're dying, but you really won't.  I just wanted to make sure that there wouldn't be any serious complications with detoxing.  I will go through whatever pain in takes to get off of these but I just couldn't put my parent's through knowing what I've been doing. I have nothing to do for the next 3 weeks and I felt this would be the opportune time to get this over with.  I'm sorry for the long post but this is the only place I can get this off my chest.  But to sum it up, I just needed to know what to expect and to make sure that I wouldn't actually die from coming off of these.  Any advice will be greatly appreciated and I really just want to get my life back on track before I get too far in.  Thank you so much in advance to anyone that can help.

Shoreside

[Bwt1967]

This is my first post, I have a daughter with a serious addiction to roxie codene and I do not know how to help her. She had an accident which left her with some paralysis and a screwed together back at age 16. She went through therapy but has always had lots of pain, she is now 30 and has been taking the Roxie for a couple of years now I suspect, 4 - 5 per day, I can never get a straight answer. I cannot get doctors to talk to me because she is an adult and there are legal implications. However, she buys them off the street and she cannot afford them, nor can I. My wife and I are afraid of cold turkey but it looks like that is the only path forward. She is very positive and wants to beat the addiction but when it gets bad she backs out every way she can, it's like a different person take over. At present we are trying to be supportive without giving her any of the pills because we do not have them and we cannot risk getting busted trying to get them for her. We just hold her and try to avoid arguments, give her warm baths, etc. we just don't know what else to do, it really hurt us to see this but we want her to beat it. I admire all the straight talk and the effort I see in these post and I really wish the very best for all of you here. Any suggestion is certainly welcome, it seems I can manage people and pressures from work but I just don't know how to help the people I love the most......,,,

[Lovesick9999]

I really envy all of you so much. I am 22 years old n my boyfriend and I went from doing percs to oxys/roxys over the past 3 years(the entire time of our relationship) and yet again he wants to stop. I guess I do too but I do not agree with his idea of a method of detox; I say this bc it never works. I also feel like weening off is the best way to detox because by the second day of cold turkey we are fighting like crazy n can't take the aches n pains anymore. Does anyone think if we weened down to 15mgs a day for 2 days n the following day took 40mgs of methadone the withdrawals wouldn't be as bad? And where can I find this Thomas Recipe

[hangemhigh4]

I have used 120 to 180mg a day when I took them a couple years ago. You can quit if you really want to. You have to be sick of them. The problem is if you quit is staying off them. When you feel better you want them again. Thats the hard part is losing the desire. Good luck to you.

[want2bme]

start a new post.  Go to the top of the page and hit ask a question.  this is an old post so no too many people will read it..you will get people to respond to you with your own thread

[prettywings1031]

Ok, My boyfriend who im am absolutly in love with and so blessed to have in my life has suddenly picked up an addiction to roxies/blues.  actually i cant even call it an addiction just yet becase its a new habit and not used regularly, YET. i know the drug and i am familiar with it, even though i never tried it myself i have lost alot of friends to it. I know he is playing with fire right now and it kills me, he has already starting with the lies and the money issues and although when he is on them i can tel becuase i know what to look for, im trying to figure out a way to help him stop before he REALLY starts (and thats saying IF its not already too late) i have a great paying job, we live in a beautiful house, and the man i know is fading. he even told me that he was doing pills oocasionally (which i already knew) and told me to help him out by basically "babysitting" him. going everywhere with him, and i didnt mind that because i love being in his company when he is sober. but when he is on it he is a maniac. his temper was borederline unbearable before, but ever since this started its been worse. Not only do i want him better for HIM, but i NEED him better for me. Basically what im asking is to all of u who were previously addicted or currently are. besides LONG talks about how much i love him and hate seeing him high.... what can i do? or what can i say? this is an opportunity to look at it from outside what ur used to. u dont know me but i cant stand watching him hurt himself anymore, and i know its only going to get worse. so whats ur best advice for someone who is genuinely trying to help? how can i help him?
please write back soon....
thanks.

[jstntime]

Hi and welcome,

It feels good to get it off your chest right???  I think that is why NA works so well.  While there you are surrounded by people who know exactly how you feel.  It also gives you a chance to share openly.

You should post your own question or story and let everyone here help you out because this post is 3.5 months old.

Yes go to NA!!!!  Every single person at the meeting knows how tough it is to go to that first one and they will welcome you.  I remember almost running away when I got near the door, this after driving around the place about 5 times!!!!  I LOVE to go to meetings now and have made some great friends there.

Goodluck and congratulations on taking your first steps to freedom!!!

bob

[StuckInAnonymous]

I am in the same boat; 21 years old, at a good university, working. I have a great family, friends, and boyfriend and the only person who truly knows about my addiction is my drug dealer. I have been doing roxicodone and oxys for about a year and a half. I am privileged, intellegent, and in control of every other aspect of my life. I know I have my whole life ahead of me and am slowly destroying myself and my future. BUT....for the life of me, I can not flush these damn pills. I always talk myself out of it, money, "what will I do??" type thoughts.  Everyday I look up NA meetings and everyday I do not go. When I began to run out, I get obssesive and depressed. Some weeks are great, I'm okay with my lonely addiciton, and some days I breakdown about it.
I know I need to do this, and stop this before it gets worse...but like the say, you can't truly quit without commitment. I NEED to find that commitment.

wow, this is more then I've told anyone about this in.....well, ever.

[jstntime]

Congrats on your decision!!!!

Involving your parents and your doctor will allow you to get the help you require.  I can't say it enough.....you are in a good position and sound determined.

So incredibly proud of you for taking that giant leap.  Wishing you success.  The sleep will come back, the stomach stuff will go away and you will have your life back.  Hang in there, it can be done.

Crazy happy for you, keep us posted!!!!

bob

[sweatinit]

Well congrats to you! Telling our secrets to those we love definitly lightens the burden, huh? The sleep thing will come. It does takes some time though. Do you read? When i was up in the middle of the night, I would watch tv or read. I tried not to get anxiuos about the sleep becaue that seemed to make it worse. Sleepy time tea is a claming tea that can relax you as well. If you can get some exercise, that will help too. Thats when i turned a corner in the sleep dept. Good luck to you and keep us posted. God Bless...

[Shoreside33]

So it's been 50 hours since my last pill.  I finally gave in and told my parent's what was going on.  They were upset for a while, but as always, they are behind me and helping me in everyway they can.  I had the chills and hot sweats the first day.  The second day, I didn't have the chills, but that's when my stomach problems started.  The main thing that I am having problems with is the insomnia.  I went to the doctor yesterday after I told my parent's my situation and he gave me Chlonodine (sp) to help.  Since I got my prescription filled, I take one of those and two Benedryls and I still can't sleep!!!!!  I can deal with all of the other symptoms but man it's hard without any sleep.  Anyways, I just wanted to post because like I said before, without this website, I really don't think anything would have changed.  Thank you all so much for the support.

Shoreside

[jt808]

hey stick to it, and smokn pot go ahead i see no problem if thts what makes u feel btr i thnk it is fine.

[jstntime]

Very happy for your decision Shoreside!!!!!

You can do it if you want it bad enough.  The best advice????  Keep busy!!!!  Get out of the house, do a puzzle, watch a movie.  Lying in bed is the worst thing you can do.  You need to occupy the brain so it's not constantly thinking of pills.

Keep us posted, we're all here to help!!!!

bob

[jenny06xx]

good luck we are all thinking of you
keep posting and asking questions it really helps :)
jen

[Shoreside33]

Ok, I rid myself of everything I had left and I am starting tomorrow cold turkey.  I really appreciate the honest responses about my tapering idea.  Without those responses, I would have been putting myself through way much more.  I have already told my parent's I am not "feeling well" and that I feel the "flu" coming on.  These past few days I have been researching non stop on what to expect and how to do this, and I know now, that I am completely ready.  I know that drugs are drugs but I was just going to see if anyone knew if smoking a little pot would help me through the withdrawal process?  I used to smoke regularly but quit because of the much more intense high with the pills.  Anyways, again, everyone here is all I have to confide in and without any of you, I already know I wouldn't be able to do this so thank you all so much.  I'll post everyday and keep this updated on how I'm feeling and I'm hoping so much that after these next couple days, this bump in my life can finally be over with.

Thank You Again,
Shoreside

[vicki595]

Hi~

I have to agree with Bob ...Flush and jump now.  By tapering way down like that,you'll still have withdrawals then take the pill then withdraw some more...it's hard on your body and you!  Best to just get on with it...

You will have withdrawals but your use has been brief and that's probavly in your favor.
So,flush all pills. Stock up on essentials you'll need for symptomatic relief. These can be found in the Thomas Recipe on the health pages to the upper right of this page.

You will feel like you have the flu. Myriad symptoms include: aches,headache,nausea,vomiting,diarreah,restless legs,insomnia,loss of appetite and fatigue.  Days 3 to 5 are generally the worst. Plan on being down for a week. Day 6 or 7 feels a lot better for most.    You need to go into this with an open,positive mind. The pills are your devil. You're young...they can ruin your life forever.

You're so wise to stop this now.  I'm proud of you. Now,get going and keep posting.

We'll be here to support you along the way.  Remember to keep yourself well hydrated.vitamin water,gatorade etc..vitamins and amino acids are essential.

Good luck~

Vicki

[jstntime]

I know your drug well and unfortunately, I also know the withdrawal well.  Withdrawal will always be much easier if you taper your dose down slowly.  The problem however is that this is next to impossible if you are addicted.  Many find that they are more successful if someone can dispense them the pills as needed.

The problem occurs because as your dose lowers, it is so easy to talk yourself into taking a few more "just for today" and wrecking your schedule.

Tapering is also exponentially obssessive as you watch the clock to take your next dose and as you watch the calendar to see when it all ends.

A general rule of thumb I see often is a 10% reduction every 3 days.  Personally, I never thought 3 days was long enough to adjust.  A 10% reduction once per week would be much easier.

The problem with your taper plan is that you will be making an 83% reduction (from 90mg/day to 15mg) on your first step.  You will feel similar to cold turkey AND will have the obssessive part going at the same time.  Double whammy, I think you are setting yourself up for failure.

You can't go into this half hearted.  You would be best to do a proper taper (if you think you can) at the very least.  The best advice????  Flush and jump.  It won't kill you, it's very doable.  Yes you will feel like crap but your taper plan will make you feel same.  I went cold turkey from many times your daily dosage and it wasn't fun but you dig in and get it done. (67 days today!!!!)  You have many things on your side, you have youth, short length of use and a habit at the lower-middle end of the scale.  You also have the time to get it done.  ALL these things are in your favor and will make wd more tolerable.

Make a solid plan Shoreside, you are wise beyond your years to realize your problem now.  Jump from the death spiral while you can, it only begins to spin faster.  Don't be afraid to ask for help!!!!!

Write anytime if you have more questions,

bob

[jt808]

hey well if u plan on tapering like that hopefully ur strong enuf to actucaally follow thru on it and tht u realize that ur stll going to most likely gona still feel like **** most of the day cuz ur body is used to more mgs so good luck stick wth it and beat this NOW bfore u get worse and than its even more an more harder to quite so best of luck to ya either way u decide just give it 110%

[Iwant2Bclean]

Left out the most important thing I wanted to say. Although telling my mom that I was addicted was the hardest thing I have done telling her was also the BEST thing I could have done! One more non judging person to add to my list of supporters that are gonna take you at your worst no matter what and still tell you I love you and you know it is true. I have one hell of a support system and I don't know where I would be in this hell if they weren't right here beside me telling I CAN BEAT THIS AND THAT I WILL BEAT IT!!!!

[Iwant2Bclean]

Sitting here on day 2 off being clean waiting for 8am to get here so I can get suboxone to help with the hell I am dealing with right now. Up until about 7 hrs ago I was up beat my spirits were high and I was joking around. I knew that that great feeling might not last til 8am. Well it didn't and when my mind was going in all different directions and my body going in the opposite directions here I sit wondering what the hell I am gonna do til it is time for Suboxone. Watching the clock and almost 6 hrs to go why do I have to feel like I do everytime I WD? Let's throw in the towel and face it you LOST. But then I asked myself what did I gain by putting myself through this misery just to back out with 6 freaking hrs left? I can't let my mind tell me that is the thing to do when I know that is exactly the thing NOT to do!!! Thanks for letting me vent a lil (which has come like a pro for me today)

[Shoreside33]

I would just like to thank everyone who has posted so far.  It has already let me know that I'm not alone.  I'll admit that I haven't quit yet, but I have 4 30mg and 2 15 mg left, and I have decided that for the next then days that I am going to only take 7.5 mg when I wake up, and 7.5 mg before I go to sleep.  I think that if I only take a total of 15 mg for the next 10 days, that when I quit cold turkey on the 11th day, it might be a lot easier to quit cold turkey than quitting cold turkey while I was doing about 60-90 mgs a day.  I would greatly appreciate anymore input on this because this is really the only place that I can confide in.  Also if someone could tell me if 10 days of tapering down is long enough that would be great.  Thank all of you so much.  You don't know how much this is helping me.

Shorside

[Skidmore]

Good luck and I will pray for you. I believe that you dont have to go to rehab or tell your parents.I am 44 days cleen of opiates and did it cold turky,You will go through some tough times but the rewards are worth every bit of it.I have came to believe that  C/T withdrawal is not life thretening. This forum is a great place for valueable infomation.Good luck my brother

[jt808]

hey bro i kno how u feel im 26 yrs old been doing pain pills for 8/9 yrs first started on norcos,viks,percs,lortabs an ate about 60 a day for a long time than switched to oxy/roxie sniffing and smokn em so i kno ur pain but trust me i was like u and thought i couldnt tell my parenst but belive me when i finally did it was like a huge weight lifted off me and sure they were dissapoiunted and upset but worried and helpful and it was just alot easier than having to keep hiding and holding all of this into myself ya kno, so if i were u i wouild DEF thnk long and hard about telling em belive me i kno itll be super hard but good for u and them in the long run. and as far as dying im not a dr. but people go thur w/ds everyday and from alot more than u r currently taking so yes it may feel like hell but u should be fine just stay strong an try reading the health pages on the ,main page it has vitamins and certain stuff tht helps wth the pain of wd keep hydrated and bannas and hot showers baths immoudium and alota movies mayb a heating paad or heating blanket for restless legs mine r really bad an i take ovc pills for it whn they get bad its called hylands restless legs. im sure im not sayn all there is but others will be on a l;il later cuz its kinda late so theyll help u during the day and if u have any Qs or just wana talk ill be around i come an go to check in so good luck stay strong and beat this once an for all cuz u sau u only been 5/6 months so trust me the longer this goes on for the harder it gets to quite .good luck