Over it completely!!

[hawk1776]

My wife has been getting major support from this site and thought I'd ask for some help.   I am on day 6 w/o Hydro/ Tramadol.  I tapered off down to completely from Tramadol 2 weeks ago and used Hydro as a filler till I ran out.  I have back disc issues that has gotten me into this mess about 10 years ago and its caused nothing but negative results in my life.  I started this journey with being prescribed 180 oxycontin per day plus all sort of other stuff.  On Monday, I'm scheduled to start an outpatient treatment for 5 weeks but not really sure its the best avenue .  I have a history of addiction issues including alcohol and was in an out treatment for that about 20+ years ago so I know what its all about.  The more I type, the more I realize that I need help to stop this behavior and would like some insight on what people think about outpatient treatment in general.  Are addictionologists helpful?  I realize I will need to dive into meetings regardless of what direction I choose.  Thx for any input.  

[clean_in_ks]

Welcome to the forum!!  And a HUGE congrats on Day 6 off trams/hydro.

I, too, went many years ago to treatment way before my health issues brought hydros into my life.  Now that I am learning and seeking answers once again, I find that a WHOLE heck of a lot has changed in the last 20 yrs. I'm lovin learnin all that has been studied about addiction since then.

You said, whether you go to outpatient or not....you were going to start meetings.  That's great.....the one advantage of participating in a 5 wk outpatient program is that you will have a "structured" workbook and assignments that you are req'd to complete.  This will help you with the process of re-visiting a lot within that has led back to addiction.  I think the foundation it will lay will be invaluable to you....and in my outpatient group, they encouraged us to hit meetings in addition to our 5 wk session.

Just in case you are interested....there is a fabulous web site called hbo.com/addiction with some amazing information about myths of addiction, relapses, understanding addiction, etc.  Also, if you can you tube Dr. Kevin McCauley "Pleasures Unwoven"....you can see 8 short individual clips of his study of the neuroscience of our brains and he uses the landscape of Utah to describe the minds of addicts.  He is a recovering addict himself.  Both those web sites taught me all that has transpired in the last 20 yrs and blessed me BIG time.  

I deal with back chronic pain, too.....but using opiates is NOT an option for this gal.
Blessings to you.....hope you hang around and let us know how you're doing!

[butch798]

to my friend waterlily7thanks for you help with my 10 day drug free an other book that helped me with  back pain is back rx by vijay vad md.it is simple yoga book go at your own pace but you must keep moving.hawk  you have come to the right place i truly believe i couldnt have got this far without people who dont know me taking time out of there day to help.it changed the way i look at everything in life thats what you must do to get drug free

[OpenMind24hours]

Hello Hawk,
Congratulations on your decision to stop! You mentioned meetings are in your future, great!! But if you have the opportunity to do outpatient jump on it. You're blessed to be able to go to something like that; and then start up on meetings. It's nothing but a win win situation. Yes addiction specialist are wonderful to talk to. An NA / AA friend got his PHD in phyc a while back and that's what he does for a living.  I see him at 2 of my meetings a week. He brings over 20 years recovery experience along with his education to his patients. Good people who really understand us addicts. We need to be understood and allowed to become.

I wish you the best of luck!

[LeaAnn807]

Hi!  I've done outpatient more than once!  I'd say that success has to do with your frame of mind and how determined you are to stop forever.  Honestly, and this is just me, I think that detox followed by a long term recovery program is the most essential thing.  Unless you intend to do something like 12 step or counseling long term, nothing will work as far as a month long outpatient program.  That will end and then you will still have to find something else!  Does that make sense?  Might as well go ahead and find something that you can stick with for a LONG time rather than a month or so.  I'm not "against" outpatient treatment.  I'm not saying that at all.  But that, alone, won't be enough to sustain you from now on.  As you said, you've been dealing with this for years and years.  You'll have to put in years and years to get out of it too!  I've been clean over three years, and I haven't even scratched the surface of what I'll have to do for the rest of my life! :)

[waterLilly7]

Hey Friend,
I don't know about outpatient, someone will come in and comment on that I am sure. I can lend some advise about the disc issues, I have them too. Get  a book called haling back pain by Dr. John Sarno, it changed my life. I am pain free now.

However you decide to handle the WD, we are here for you.
Youc an do it.

hugs,
Lily

[toothfairie]

welcome to the forum!!  I'm seeing an addiction counselor and make meetings when i can...it really does help.  Just wanted to lend my support....i have never done outpatient treatment....i just detoxed at home from hydros.  Best of luck to you and we are here to help and support you when you need it!!  

Lisa