Is is best to taper off vicodin or just STOP?

[dgh670]

I need and want to stop taking vicodin.  I am scared and so very sad.  I am not sure the best way to do it considering it would be more "FUN" to taper off.  I am overwhelmed with anxiety for what is to come with this.  I take 4-5 a day.  Embarrassed and confused for sure!
Anybody have some thoughts...I feel so very alone  

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

Sorry - posted wrong answer.....fill in the blanks - the answer may be for youy also!!!

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

I have seen this game played out all over the world. My use started during the Vietnam years with cheap China White. Later became a huge problem trying to address chronic pain from car wrecks, boat crashes, and a negative parachute event. The only constant here is that the user never wins ....... You are using the hydro as many of us did...it isnt meant for emotional pain or to give you a lift at the end of the day. It wont be too long until you can relate to the posts that talk about taking 20-40 pills per day and they dont do anything for you. "Your moment" will arrive sometime - take control and truly make it your moment......before you no longer have a chance ...........

[dgh670]

I know that is all true and I really appreciate that emphatic response.  I am grateful that you are out there.  I do have ativan and usually take one in the evening.  I guess after dinner I will take 1.5.  I am an evening user.....that means my moment has not hit yet.  Really sweating now!

[avisg]

dg,
Stay strong ,It will take a little time but you will  learn to adjust back to before you used them .We are here for support :)

[hopsing94]

You better stop right now. Cold turkey. If you are uncomfortable try some xanax to help with restlessness and anxiety. DO NOT use the xanax for more than a week.  4-5 a day is not hard at all to stop from but if you don't now you will go through living HELL later. It gets worse the longer you use and the more you use. There is a real good chance that these pills will consume your life and lead to other things. Please stop now, if you are even thinking about stopping do it NOW.  Tapering is hard to do and from the sound of your post you would not succeed tapering. Please stop now and don't think you can use socially at times because you can't.

[dgh670]

Thanks for the answers .... so far..I am just at that time of day that I would love to take some.  It feels like the major responsibilities have been handled and now it is MY time.  I love to relax and play on the computer and my son and husband are home which makes me feel that sense of security.  Now....I feel that pang .. but no major physical discomfort.  Emotional thoughts and feelings seem to be worse.  Tonight is the real tough time because that is when the struggle will kick in.

[avisg]

4 or 5 a day it would be pretty easy to ct off of that . You will have some WD but it should not be overly severe it might be a better choice.

[macksabratt]

Do not feel alone,I am in the same spot as you are.I have been trying to taper but do not do so well,it is very hard.I am not giving up and will be clean soon,I hope.I have gone cold turkey before and that was not fun,but either one you pick will not be easy.You really have to want it bad enough.If you do taper it is best to have someone hold on to your pills and give them to you only when it is time to have one.I wish I had someone to do that for me,if I did I would have been clean by now.Either way there is no free ride out.If you want it bad enough it can be done.Just keep trying and never give up.