Quitting Cold Turkey-Addiction to Hydrocodone

[lackof]

Hello, after reading all the questions and answers from everyone on this site, I finally decided to join and hope that I can get help, advice in regards to my addiction to hydrocodone and quitting CT.

I have been on medical leave for the past 3 weeks now and am planning on returning to work on Mon. I will be put on probation when I return, not because of my work performance, but due to my attendance).

I was 1st introduced to hydro after my surgery in 2008. I have been on and off this pain med for 3yrs now. The past year I've been using it when needed ( I have stage 4 endometriosis). The past few months I've been taking up to 4-5 pills a day. I am down to 5 pills now and want to stop CT tomorrow. What can I expect, as far as WD and how long does it normally take for it to be out of your system?

[worried878]

Everyone is different, but i was at more than twice your dose for 5 years, and my physical wd was like a mild flu for 3-4 days, and back to work day 5
I also think attitude has lots to do with this...if u expect it to be horrid, most likely it will be.  Preparing urself by educating urself on what to expect, making a plan and making a back up plan too, picking a quit day and sticking to it helps alot.  Also, seeking aftercare can make all the difference in the world

keep posting

[Devonlee]

I take Lortab off and on for endo also. Usually 2 or 3 a day when bad....up to four right before my time of month. I get off of it every so often for a month or so so I dont have to increase my dose....and after a month the pills work great again. I dont have much w/d but since you take about what I do it might be similiar. I had hot and cold flashes for about 2 days. Upset stomach for a couple days (immodium did help took 2 a day) and was a little anxious and down for a few days but other than that I was fine. Thankfully I have never taken more than I should nor have I been on it long term so I didnt suffer as much as the rest of the folks on here. Hopefully you wont either!

[lackof]

Thank you Offthehook and Sudie. Today is my 1st day and so far so good. I have errands to run in the am, but I'm sure I'll feel the WD symptoms later this evening/night.I found the Thomas recipe and am planning on going to RiteAid for the suggested vitamins, etc. I also have Ambien 5mg on hand which I plan to use tonight to help me sleep (hope it helps).

[sudie58]

hi and welcome, its good you want to get free of addiction, it is hard but doable, a positive mind is half the battle,. there are things to help you through cold turkey, you will need to drink plenty of fluids , keep hydrated, also get some imodium in case of any stomache problems, there is hylands restless legs product you can get at walmart /walgreen, as this is usually a withdrawal symptom, hot baths with epsom salts is good, make sure you eat ,something light, valerian root is good for relaxation, it usually can last up to 7/9 days, and you will suffer sleeplessness, unfortunately, there is the thomas recipe ,top right hand corner of page, in health pages, lots of things to help you there, be determined and positive, i really wish you well , keep posting, god bless,   sudie

[OffTheHook]

Hi. Um thats a pretty low dose I think so it shouldn't be to ruff but what to expect is restless nights and I do mean restless. Restless leg syndrome which us aweful and pain EVERYWHERE oh and cold sweats diarrhea and nausea. But there is good news the worst of it is usually over in 4 days. Drink as much as u can eat as much as u can and get a good vitamin. Youre not gonna feel like moving alot but the more you move the better and stay in touch here. The people are great and we have all been thru it. It really helps to talk. The best of luck to u doll.