Please help Me!!!!

[Lakers66]

Hello

I have been addicted to Vicodin for 3 years...I take one every 3 hours in order to function. Total of 6 a day.

I have ADHD and today the doctor put me on Ritalin. This afternoon I took the Ritalin for the first time and I was feeling really good like I didn't need anything else...then a couple of hours later I got a really nasty headache and I felt withdrawel symptoms coming on ... so I popped a Vicodin and felt better in minutes.

I HATE THEM (Vicodins) and I HATE the Addiction. I am so hoping that the Ritalin will help me not need these anymore. I have been self medicating all along with Vicodin when all I needed was ADD medication.

I now have the right meds but have this nasty addiction to overcome.

Will the Ritalin help me with withdrawel symptoms? I want to go cold turkey tomorrow....but I don't think I can.

Please help. I hate me right now. I can't believe I allowed myself to get this way.

[tarnabee]

My addiction is to Vicadin, my first choice.  If I have none and cannot get anything else, I turn to my Adderal, which I think is similar to ritalin. For me, the vicodin made me feel calm and in control, and easy to fall asleep to.  The Adderal, prescribed for depression, helps me focus and get tasks done when I'm coming off the Vs.  I'm currently on day 3 of no opiates.  The Adderal, a stimulant, helps me with the flu like symptoms I get for withdrawal.  I normally get extremely tired, lethargic, achey, depressed and fixated on the fact I do not have any.  Then the pain in my back comes back full charge and makes things 10 times worse.  The Adderal helps me get through these.  I can concentrate at work just enough to try to forget the pain.  I do get a type of buzz with these pills.  And I'm used to having a buzz.  Down points to the Adderal is no appetite for several days, no sleep for several days, and if I take to much at one time, my hands shake a bit and I feel kind of unglued.  It's hard to describe.  Subconsiously it helps me, perhaps ritalin will do that for you.  I suggest not taking too much at a time.  We both are used to taking a handful of pills a couple of times a day, but if you do that with these pills, you'll feel your heart racing, my chest gets tight, my hands shake and then I know I screwed up.  Just be careful.

[Ronnie152]

Hi, I am on my 6th day off vicodin,I didnt take 6 a day, i took 6 at a time 2xs a day for years. I also dont know about the ritalin. But I am sure someone should. The first 3 to 4 days are rough. But it is diffrent for everyone. I my self kept busy in the day time, nights were the worst for me. But you can do it. Make tomorrow the day you start to get your life back! Everyone on here are great. Post anytime 24/7. Good luck!

[dominosarah]

Hi......I dont know very much about the Ritalin so cant help you with that but i do know about the Vicodin.  Dont be so hard on yourself.  None of us wanted to get addicted.  You are smart for wanting to get off them now while you are at 6 a day.  The wd's are not fun but you CAN do this.  Try and think positive as it really helps.  Tell yourself you can and will get off the vicodin come he!! or high water.  Keep posting on here and we will help you thru this.        sara