Withdrawal help

[Mexitalian]

This is not a question but I couldnt really find where to just post a statement.

I have been battling addiction to Hydrocodone (Lortab, Norco, Vicodin, Hydro's, whatever else it's known as) for about 5 years now.  I stop and start and continue the cycle.  The last time I asked my Doc for something that would help the withdrawals.  He prescribed Clonidine.  It is a heart medication that reduces the heart rate.  It helps the jittery, heart beating out of your chest feeling but it also helps everything else.  I dont have diarrhea, no body aches, upset stomach, not even anxiety or grumpiness.  I just feel a little groggy and sluggish, nothing thats not manageable.

This is the first time I have actually joined and posted something, before I just searched and read the posts about the information I was looking for.  Today, I was curious about how long does it take to detox and didnt see any comments about Clonidine.  If anyone can get your hands on it, it is a life-saver during the withdrawal period.  Last time I only took it a few days. a week tops.  I would pop one every now and then if I felt jittery.  It is not a controlled substance and there is NO risk for addicton to this medication (Clonidine).  I am suprised it is not more widely discussed or known about.

[SabrinaVT]

Clonidine is extremely addictive. Ive taken it since I was 13 so for over 5 years and when I went with out it I ended up in the er. The doctors told me the withdrawals can be worse than heroin. Ive gotten different answers from doctors as to whether it is a controlled substance, some say it is some say it isnt so I think its a at least partially controlled substance.

[brandiroars386]

Welcome!!  I am 52 days clean and have taken clonidine. Its a lifesaver. It definitly helped with jitters and anxiety for me. Im glad u were able to get it. Since it is prescribed off label for this some docs wont do it. I wish u the best. Post ur progress and ask any questions u have. There are so many people here with very useful advice!  Let the journey begin!!!

[VICourageous]

A little over a Year ago, I finally broke down and got the Clonindine.I only used it for a month and at night only. They have been prescribing this and Buspar a non-addictive med for Anxiety and for years now for opiate detox.
The best thing you can be doing right now is vit/min. Get some protein powder and electrolyte powder. Magnesium is the best for detox. It will help draw out poisons and also help relax you..You can take Magnz, Ds, Cal and Potassium & Melatonin at night to help with Sleep & RLS..Make sure you get all the Amino Acids too..Diet and Exercise plays a big role in how fast we can bounce back..Some bounce back quicker then others due to many factors..Age and Health being one..Do you plan on going to any meetings or getting some outside Support??..The detox is the easy part (hard) but it is fighting to stay clean, that is where the work begins. I wish you the best and just keep us updated..We can help you with what we did with our own experiences.
Bless

[Mexitalian]

Different environment, less stressfull.  I left my emotionally abusive husband 6 months ago.  I have a much better support system now than I had in the past due to him basically keeping me from everyone.  I am more confident in myself than I used to be.

[Kbusymom]

Congratulations and welcome!!  I think Weaver's post is so true; he has great insight and wisdom into our disease.
Keep posting; everyone here is so supportive and caring.  This site has become my life line.  I'm on day 26 off any type of Hydro too and I wouldn't have made it without this group.  
Good luck on your journey to a better life; I know it is so worth the pain we are struggling through now.  

[weaver71]

The other thing is, it doesn't help everyone, but I'm glad it's helping you. I always say that it is important to realize that quitting drugs is not enough. The mental habit of an instant fix for emotions, pain, or other problems doesn't go away with the quitting of drugs. I hope you plan to find help with gaining coping skills and understanding why it has been so hard for you to quit. Church, counseling, NA are the common ones, but anything that inspires you to be the best you possible is critical in staying clean after the physical part is over. Most peoples mind try to trick them into one more, One is too many and a thousand is never enough. I'm glad you are here and wish you a life of success. Keep us posted on your progress.

[CRSeaside]

AND not all Drs prescribe off label use of drugs.
Good decision to be opioid free. Congrats. Pamela

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome,

Clonidine is discussed quite frequently here. You probably just missed those posts. Glad it is helping you and glad you have stopped using.

What do you think you will do different this time to avoid a relapse.