Vicodin 10/325 Withdrawals

[bigeasy1124]

I have been taking Vicodin 10/325 for about a year an average of 10 to 12 a day. I was getting them prescribed to me and also buying them. I feel like I have to have them to function, but now I am to a point I don't want to spend all of my money on this habit. I had 14 left this morning and took 3 and going to try to make it the rest of the day without another. Is it a good idea just to lower my dosage to get off of them or should I do it cold turkey? I have had back pain ever since I was injured in the military but I don't want to rely on these things anymore. Any help or comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

[bigeasy1124]

Day 2 and I have only taken one today. I am feeling tired and my body is hurting, but I have turned to the higher power for help. I confessed to my girlfriend last night that I had a problem and she was shocked that I had a problem but was very happy that I was honest with her and she said that she would do anything she could to help me. Big relief off my shoulders. She is very religious and we did a lot of praying last night and even though I am having so w/d today, I feel like there is such a better life for me. Thank you all for the responses and I will keep posting. I also went today and bought all of the stuff on the Thomas Recipe. Hoping that will help a little.

[Vecci4u]

Big I have or had the same dose addiction ... I successfully just tapered one week down from 12 to 7 while lost a bit of pep ... Feeling ok....

In order not to run out down to 3 and 1 for rest of week... So far I am good so tapering to me works,... But I used a futile bottle of 60 to do this

[waterLilly7]

why can i say ******* but I can't say *****, LOL, in any case, see, y sense of humor is back, and so too will yours be!
hugs, Lily

[waterLilly7]

yes, like Kyle said, you can do it! It *****, no doubt, but you can do it. On day 24 here and I have my life back. It is not all overwith in a week, the physical stuff is, then another three weeks of on and off again anxiety etc, but nohting we can't do to get our lives back.
When it got dark I hunkered down and watched movies and just hung in there, thinking of better days, and they came true, and they will for you too my friend, it will be ok, and soon, just do it, and hang in there.

hugs,
Lily

[kyle505]

I too used 10s.  About 8 - 10 a day for almost three years. I have to be honest with you - the ct detox was hell - BUT - not nearly as bad as I had feared and imagined it would be. In the middle of it I had a moment of clarity and wondered why I hadn't quit earlier.  Hundreds and hundreds of people, from all walks of life, all ages, etc., have stopped using meds. There's no reason in the world why you can't. Being yourself, socializing, being with your family, well that will be difficult the first few days of detox. Tell them you have the flu; and since you have legit pain issues you really need to let your doc know what you're planning.

[selfinduced]

Mary said it all. The fear of w/d and warding off sickness keeps us prisoners. It is hard to start the process mentally, but once you do and your really determined, you will beat this. Will a Doc help you wean and do you have support at home to handle your meds? If not, C/T is probably your best bet. Can someone help with your child for a few days? You CAN do this and many do each day. Keep posting for support and let us know what you decide. We will be throwing all kinds of tools at you. Way to go for wanting to reclaim your life before the use and consequences get worse.

[mary577]

You are taking about twice what I was taking, and I quit CT and symptoms lasted about 5 or 6 days.   I didn't think they were that bad...certainly not pleasant, but I was able to get through it okay.   Bumping this to the top, so someone can give you a better answer, but I think we all feel like we had to have them to function.   I know that I felt that way.   I found out that I don't need them and I am much better off without them.   Good luck to you!

[bigeasy1124]

Thank you for your encouragement. I am terrified of the withdrawals. I have a little girl that needs me and I can't just stop my life because of the withdrawal systems. I have never stopped them previously so I am not even sure what to expect. I just hope this isn't something that is going to last very long.

[barelybreathing]

I'm also coming off of a habit similar to yours. I had intended to taper, but it's looking like I may be going CT as of today. Yay. I also currently have a herniated disc, which is complicating things. My doctor prescribed Lidoderm patches and a muscle relaxant, neither of which are narcotic. They do help some.

When it comes to tapering or going CT, I believe the most important aspect is which you see more likely as your path to success. If the WDs freak you out enough that two days in you find yourself using just to feel "normal", then tapering is probably a better choice. If you can't control the numbers or don't have a pill holder, biting the bullet, going CT and possibly having more intense but shorter WDs might be the way to go.

Do you have a doctor you can speak to about alternative methods for managing your back pain? If you have a plan for that, you can do what you need to for your back, separating it from your drive to take pills and allowing you to focus on moving forward, healing your body and mind.

Whatever you decide to do, please know that there are many of us who have been where you are, or are there right now with you. I think it's so wonderful that you want to shake this demon off, and will be in the wings, rooting for you. :)