Norco withdrawals

[ashamed0913]

Hi I have been using norco 10/325 for over two years now, I have used narcotic pain killers for at least 6 years pretty much continually.My script was for up to 8 a day and I escalated to 9 to 13 a day, running out early and then buying more off the street to get me through to my next refill, I am extremely ashamed and embarrassed of my actions.  I have had last pill on Wednesday April 18 2012 and am actually doing ok this time around, On sunday I did not take anything then mon tues and wed took only about half of what I used to.  I did pray to God to help me be strong and get through this, aside from stomach issues, sleeping the worst thing I feel is this overwhelming sadness!  I want that to go away.  I actually called dr's office to get more pills on Thursday, but then called back today and said to disregard the message that I was backing off the meds for now.  With the economy so bad and spending money on street nartcotics this is taking away from our son, he is only ten and deserves more than his mom being an addict and not being able to afford things because when I run out of a script I buy off the street.  

The sadness is what is making it so hard, I think I have just been so 'numb' for so long I am scared of reality, but I know I will be better off and so will my family.  I really think God is helping me through this right now because in the past withdrawals have been horrific It has been a couple days and I am not to bad, thankfully I have the weekend before I go back to work.This is such a hard addiction to break I just hope I remain strong enough not get my next refill, I cannot go through this anymore.  I have severe lower back pain/sciatica with disc issues etc as well as a brain lesion that effects my walking.  I am doing my best to grin and bear it.  I wish I never found out how much I liked those darn pain killers.

[VeronicaL9]

Hi All, since I am a few years late on this post, this message is for all future and current users trying to quit the horrendous cycle of opiate addiction.  I am currently on Day 22 of being off Norco, and I hope to all who stumble upon this post, to be motivated to continue your fight against opiates.  Like most of us, I was injured in a car accident in 2012 and had been prescribed Norco for the past 16 months. 1 a day, turned into 2 a day, turned into 3 a day, turned into 4 a day, turned into waking up and popping 2 pills to be able to function, and turned into taking 9-10 pills a day.  There is NO such thing as being in control of your opiate use when you are on them for a prolonged amount of time.  Please do not convince yourself that you are able to "cut down" or "use recreationally for medical purposes".  When you are truly committed to stopping your opiate use and you make that final choice, is the only time you can get your life back.  I decided to claim my life back and quit cold turkey.  I saw no other way.  Detoxing as rapidly as possible was my intention, (please consult with your MD's prior to making that choice).  The first week was absolute hell.  The exhaustion, the anxiety, the restless legs, the diarrhea, the body aches, and more importantly, the depression, all took a huge toll on me.  What I can say is....IT GETS BETTER!  Please do not give up during detox.  My highs & lows were so horrible, I felt like I was going crazy.  My exhaustion was so awful, but forcing yourself to walk 1 block, or 2 blocks is all it takes for your brain to start producing seratonin/endorphins on its own.  Taking vitamin B12 also helps a ton.  Staying hydrated, & journaling is something I took on to be able to write down (and refer back to) my journey of detoxing as a reminder of why i NEVER want to go back to those pills.  I am not 22 days clean and I never would have imagined I made it this far.  I hope and pray that this comes as helpful and supportive to you all fighting your own battles with opiate addiction.  Please trust your struggle and know that it gets better even though during detox it doesn't seem possible.  I am living proof. Good luck to you all!

[ashamed0913]

thanks to all for the support to get through this, I am on Day 3 and having a real tough time..I just want to feel better I am trying very hard not to mess up..

[wransomejr]

You CAN do it...Best of luck. Pray. Exercise. Play with your kid or pets. Watch funny shows and feel good movies when you can't sleep. Hylands restless legs available at walmart helps some people. Not sure it helped me. As Gnarly says, be okay with not being okay...just accepting your time in detox will help. Always remember that the worst is over in 4-5 days and then you may have some mixed days, but it gets better and better. Don't be afraid of seeking help here and perhaps at NA later. I relapsed because I thought just quitting the pills would be enough. I had a big void when the drugs were gone and I started to feel better physically.

[Bkitty]

Sending love,,hugs and support your way. You can do this. You have already started,,admitting that you are an addict and recognizing it. Cancelling the script. You took some very very huge steps today. They may not seem like it now,,but you did! I know the shame all too well. I dont think you will find an addict here that isnt ashamed for the things we have done. Its a very humiliating disease. You have to learn to forgive yourself. Accept it. Then start moving ahead. Proud of you for the steps you took! ((hugs))~Bkitty

[ashamed0913]

so glad I found this group too, I know I cannot do it alone, and I really want to get through this and get back to who I used to be.  I feel I have been so numb and so kind of mean and crabby for way too long.  I have my dr appt coming up in just over a week , I am afraid I will not be strong enough not try and get the pills..I need to get through this for my sake and my families..I am just trying to figure it out .I am finally admitting I am an addict, the very first thing I did in the morning is pop a pill or two  to start my day ..

Thanks for all your support..

[minn66]

Hi, just wanted to welcome you. Littlebit pretty much covered everything. Try to keep your mind occupied and as soon as you can get out and about, even if it is just a walk around the block. Try not to sleep during the day. That will help you sleep better at night. Herbal teas are soothing. I like Sleepytime tea in the evening with lemon, honey, and a peppermint stick. One thing that helped me tremendously is watching funny shows and comedians. It is true that laughter is a great medicine.

I am glad you found us. I hope you stay around and keep posting!

[ashamed0913]

Thanks littlebit667 I am going try some of those things you suggested to get through this.  I just plain want my life back ..not that pill that does rule my brain right now...

[ashamed0913]

Thank you so much for your support, I really want to do this I think I am finally realizing how different I have become, and now I am trying to find myself again.  This addiction has affected all aspects of my life.  I will keep posting..this is a first reality check for me.

[littlebit667]

Yep, been there done that!  Many have said that after awhile, the brain sorta takes over and the pain we feel is really the brain making sure you keep taking the devil pills.  Many stop to see where their pain levels really are and then can make a decision about the best way to deal with it.  

I kept telling myself...YOU HAVE the FLU!  It will be over and I will feel so much better.  My brain seemed to get that and settled down a little.  It is hard, but doable!  The Thomas Recipe (bottom of the page) under Health Pages will help.  I did not to the tranquilizers and had to cut back on the Ltryosine, but the rest really helped.  Imodium, Imodium, Imodium (liquid or pills if the liquid can't be found or you can't swallow it) will help.  I took double the dosage for a few days (personal choice) and it helped so much..even with the withdrawals in general and the opiate trots which sucked.  

Hydrate and eat! ((gatorade is good) Even if it is just a little every hour or so.(boost or ensure might work for both food and drink)  You have to eat something to keep your energy up as much as possible.  

If you have Restless legs..it is hit or miss what works.  Walking seemed to help me some.  Hot bath with epsom salts..a little.  I finally had to get my doctor to refill my restless legs meds (non addictive) to get some sleep.  If nothing works,your doctor might help.  Benedryl helps some with sleep issues and you will have them.

One hour at a time is all anyone can ask.  After 2 weeks it gets a little better and I started to say, One day at a time!  Your brain will do all sorts of things to get you to take a pill.  I found if I was hungry..the cravings got worse.  I would try to eat a banana, a few grapes or a few crackers to get that under control.

The hardest part comes after the detox.  Your brain will be all over the place and will try to get you back on the pills...It is having to work and not depend on the pills to help.  

Good for you.  I hope all goes well.  You have made a good start coming here....this site has helped me so much!!!  Keep posting!!!!!

[IwillDoThis]

Ashamed - welcome, stop beating yourself up.  You can't change the past but you can change the future and you've made a brave decision.  I'd like to suggest getting educated about all the alternate ways to manage your particular pain as having an alternate plan outside of opiates will be really key in you staying off opiates.  Having other options to relieve or distract you from the pain is helpful.

Stay strong and keep posting.  Just wanted to say and give you some support!