PLEASE HELP ME!

[dhodge2000]

OK. I have been addicted to Norco 10/325 for 2-3 years now. I have several medical conditions that warrant me being on them. My Dr. even prefers to keep me on them, but I would rather deal with the pain and try to get help thru other means. The problem is, my job is very demanding and I cannot be out of commission for 2-3 weeks over withdrawals. I'm scared! I just quit smoking a week ago and I think I got that demon killed, now this one is next. I don't drink, so if I can do this, I think I would be OK and on my way to good health.

I need help preparing for the quit. Trust me, I am a strong person and I will never go back to this once I am done. The problem is the physical withdrawal for me, and not the cravings. My Dr. doesn't want me to stop the Norco, but said if I do, to taper. The problem is, I don't really know how to do it. I'd also like help with a plan. Like do this, do that, and I feel like if someone could kind of take me under their wing, I could do this, same way I did with smoking. I was thinking of buying withdrawal ease, or getting clondine (im already on BP meds iovan will that make a difference??).

I need someone who has good planning skills to say, Day 1, do this take this many, Day 2 day 3, etc. If I have it laid out like this, I will follow it and be done. I just have no planning skills and cant do it on my own. Can you help me please???

[dhodge2000]

I just don't know how to reduce my amounts or what supplements or stuff to buy to get prepared for my quit date. I was thinking of buying th 80.00 withdrawal-ease thats supposed to help and Ive got some valium too.

If I take 12 on the first day at 8 12 4 8 11pm does how much should I lower or reduce each day/week? I'm sure somebody has a taper schedule thats worked for them that's around my dosing schedule.

If anyone can help, please post. Thanks!  

[IBKleen]

I am glad you have someone to help you. As far as the actual plan goes, it is a violation of our guidelines to give out that information since there are no doctors here (read the two messages at the top of this page).

That being said, we can help you with supplements, etc. along the way. When will you begin the process? And just so you know, in the overall scheme of things 10-12 is not that many and you were not on them that long. That is not to say that you will not have any withdrawal but you are lucky in that it was a low amount. Because of that and because you have a great plan for aftercare, you will have an easier time then a lot of people.

Members here come in and out as most work and others have children to care for. You will rarely find the same person on all day or all night but it does keep busy and there are lots of members with experience and great advise so hang around and listen to what everyone has to say. I am sure you will find this forum very helpful.

[dhodge2000]

Sorry, I missed your last question. My support for when I quit will be NA meetings. I have already located the one I will go to once I stop to help with the mental part. I cannot miss work, that's the reason I can't do CT. Taper is best because I can avoid most of the crap and I have someone to dispense for me

[dhodge2000]

Well, I asked my Dr. Remember I said he wants me to stay on them. He's not been very helpful about getting me off them. Why should he, it would be a reason for me to not have to come back and give him cash.

I take about 10-12 a day.

I just need a solid plan on what to buy to prepare, and the taper plan. I've looked online but thought I would turn to t he experts here for help.

I was thinking about going to a outpatient clinic, but they are expensive and I dont want to lose my job.

[StillLost21]

If you don't mind me asking, why don't you ask your doctor to give you the taper plan? He will be most educated on how you should do this since he knows you well and he's been seeing you for a while, and he's a licensed medical professional. Your other option is to quit cold turkey instead of tapering. You could get it all over at once, and would probably just need to take a few days off work, and say you're sick. Just a few days would be missed from work. If this is not an option for you, than you can go the tapering route but I think it would be best to do it with your doctor rather than someone on here. That way he knows what is going on with you, can prescribe you something if you need, and he will be most knowledgable. Is there a reason you don' want to ask your doctor?

Also, congrats on making the decision to stop. That is great. You said, you just need to get through the physical withdrawals, and you'll be good as you're strong minded. Have you ever been sober off the pills for any length of time? I  think for any addict it is incredibly important that upon stopping you seek some sort of support and help to stay sober on the long run. Even though you are strong minded, I don't think will power is strong enough for something like this. You could think about NA or AA or if you wanted something more private, an addiction therapist. It is so important to have people to talk to, lean on, get advice from when it is something like this that you're fighting. How do you feel about that?

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome!

How much are you taking a day? I only ask because that will effect how the withdrawal process is going to go for you.

It sounds like you are planning to taper from them? It is a good idea and will probably help ease the withdrawal but to be honest, it is real hard to do. Whenever someone does it, or whenever I talk with someone about it,I always suggest that they have another person help them (in real life). Do you have someone close to you whom you trust that can hold them for you and dose them according to a schedule?

[dhodge2000]

Also, I have been taking anywhere from 10-12 per day. If that helps with suggesting a taper schedule.