I don't know what to fix first

Question

Well, here it goes. 
I am 33, have a wife and two boys ages 6 and 3 and a good job. Following a bad car accident in '99 I have been taking and abusing lortab 10's to the tune of about 6 per day for the last 4 or 5 years. I also have been taking 10-20 mg of adderall everyday which isn't all that much. In fact I haven't taken the adderall in about 9 days and other then being a little tired, it hasn't bothered me. At night I take 1 ambien and have every night for the past year or so. I don't know where to begin with quietly cleaning this mess up. With family and job, treatment is not an option. I need to plan out a long slow taper off on the tabs. Where can I find realistic suggestions? I cannot keep living like this, its not fair to my family.

vicki595 · Answer

If you can stick with that Lortab taper,that's great. It gets hard as you go lower so watch for that!

I agree with eveerything "addict3" said. The adderall is over. The ambien should be tapered and you can work on that last. Get rif of the lortab as soon as you can. You'll have some withdrawal after your last dose and we'll be here to get you through that. 

It's so important to stay positive. The best tool is wanting to stop. You've got that!

Good luck and keep posting...

3acldave · Answer

Today is another without the adderall. I feel pretty good saying I am over those. I am trying to find all the positives I can. Lortab taper day 1 went well too, took 1 in the morning and a second about 5pm. Same plan for today and through monday, then cut that in half for the next week.

3acldave · Answer

No I don't stay at all in a fog all day or anything like that. I the definition of a function addict. I know life can be more fulfilling.

3acldave · Answer

I can't get any support from my wife. She takes about 2 Lortab a day herself. A habit that is my fault. I can't expect her help right now, I don't want her to I have to show her it can be done. I have the added pressure of being an example. I've got my work cut out for me. I trust the Lord will show me the way and give me strength.

addict3 · Answer

For all intents and purposes you are off the adderall, 9 days correct? I would think you are done there.

Just stop taking the Loratabs and prep yourself for about 5 days or so of withdrawl that is not really fun, but something you should be able to manage easily enough.

I have no experiance with Ambien, but I understand it should be tapered. Utilize it to help you sleep through the withdrawl and taper off with direction from your Dr.

I strongly urge you to get the advice from your Doctor, but a long slow taper without someone holding your meds. is going to be hard...

Good luck, you can do this.

tiff2362 · Answer

well would you say your lortab addiction is affecting your family? Like are you just staying messed up all day???

IBKleen · Answer

Hi & Welcome,

I have to suggest that you go off of the meds 1 at a time. That is a lot of medication and it will be hard to do it all at once. 

You will need to see your doctor and get honest. They see this sort of thing everyday. Your doctor can set you up on a good taper schedule. 

Best of luck and let us know how you make out.

gmsmom29 · Answer

I am nowhere near the right person who can give you the right answer for this, but I wanted to tell you that for me, i never could taper.  Especially not without help.  How would your wife handle the news? Does she know that you are using?  Would she hold your pills for you so you could taper?  
I personally went cold turkey.  3 times.  It's bad and hard no matter which route you choose, but it can be done.  There are many more knowledgable people on here and hopefully you'll get some better answers.  I wish you lots of luck and you are in my thoughts.  It can be done and life without pills i hear is so, so , so much better.