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Taper

Ok, its been a few days since my surgery, the first 2 days I took about 12 vics a day, then sat. I took 7 , then yesterday 5 and now today I plan on taking 4, I think I can get myself back to where I was because I WANT TO DO IT, this wasn't a relapse, I never wanted to get back into this situation and now that I am, all I want is OUT, therefor I will do this and I will not let myself fail.  Lately I have been thinking about getting married and being able to support a family. I know I'm only 22, but there is no doubt in my mind that by the time I'm 25 I will be married or engaged to be married. I love my girlfriend to death and I want to be able to support her.  I'm actually starting a ROTH IRA for a long term investment and have also opened a savings account so that I have money to play with. I know this doesn't seem related to drug addiction, but I'm telling all of you. YOU ARE ALL SMART PEOPLE, SOME OF YOU HAVE INCREDIBLE CAREERS, don't flush it down the toilet because of some DUMB ******* PILL!! its not worth it. I hope all of you have a better day, and please post, I need all of you today.

GWH
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Avatar universal
I AM SO SORRY i spilled water on the keys and it went wacked    i am so sorry
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Avatar universal
im afraid your losing me here-like groovey(hi groovey:)  )i dont understand what you mean what you say about responable methadone using.I thought that you take methadone for 1 of 2 reasons-pain or treatment of addiction.If you have true pain who the hell cares what number of milligrams you need for good control,its kinka like saying i wear a size 6 shoe and jamming your foot into a shoe withthe number six written on it-maybe its marked wrong or maybe they run small ,what does it matter,why be in pain  or 2- foe addiction.I am begining to relize that they are right an addict is an addict forever.I too have no trouble except with my oxycotin,i have tons of sleeping pills,vicoden andeven percocet dont call me the same way( ill take the percocet but dont fixate on them the same way)so it must be in my head and to treat my head i would think the first step is just to get rid of the oxycotin
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Avatar universal
im afraid your losing me here-like groovey(hi groovey:)  )i dont understand what you mean what you say about responable methadone using.I thought that you take methadone for 1 of 2 reasons-pain or treatment of addiction.If you have true pain who the hell cares what number of milligrams you need for good control,its kinka like saying i wear a size 6 shoe and jamming your foot into a shoe withthe number six written on it-maybe its marked wrong or maybe they run small ,what does it matter,why be in pain  or 2- foe addiction.I am begining to relize that they are right an addict is an addict forever.I too have no trouble except with my oxycotin,i have tons of sleeping pills,vicoden andeven percocet dont call me the same way( ill take the percocet but dont fixate on them the same way)so it must be in my head and to treat my head i would think the first step is just to get rid of the oxycotin
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Avatar universal
im afraid your losing me here-like groovey(hi groovey:)  )i dont understand what you mean what you say about responable methadone using.I thought that you take methadone for 1 of 2 reasons-pain or treatment of addiction.If you have true pain who the hell cares what number of milligrams you need for good control,its kinka like saying i wear a size 6 shoe and jamming your foot into a shoe withthe number six written on it-maybe its marked wrong or maybe they run small ,what does it matter,why be in pain  or 2- foe addiction.I am begining to relize that they are right an addict is an addict forever.I too have no trouble except with my oxycotin,i have tons of sleeping pills,vicoden andeven percocet dont call me the same way( ill take the percocet but dont fixate on them the same way)so it must be in my head and to treat my head i would think the first step is just to get rid of the oxycotin
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
im afraid your losing me here-like groovey(hi groovey:)  )i dont understand what you mean what you say about responable methadone using.I thought that you take methadone for 1 of 2 reasons-pain or treatment of addiction.If you have true pain who the hell cares what number of milligrams you need for good control,its kinka like saying i wear a size 6 shoe and jamming your foot into a shoe withthe number six written on it-maybe its marked wrong or maybe they run small ,what does it matter,why be in pain  or 2- foe addiction.I am begining to relize that they are right an addict is an addict forever.I too have no trouble except with my oxycotin,i have tons of sleeping pills,vicoden andeven percocet dont call me the same way( ill take the percocet but dont fixate on them the same way)so it must be in my head and to treat my head i would think the first step is just to get rid of the oxycotin
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
im afraid your losing me here-like groovey(hi groovey:)  )i dont understand what you mean what you say about responable methadone using.I thought that you take methadone for 1 of 2 reasons-pain or treatment of addiction.If you have true pain who the hell cares what number of milligrams you need for good control,its kinka like saying i wear a size 6 shoe and jamming your foot into a shoe withthe number six written on it-maybe its marked wrong or maybe they run small ,what does it matter,why be in pain  or 2- foe addiction.I am begining to relize that they are right an addict is an addict forever.I too have no trouble except with my oxycotin,i have tons of sleeping pills,vicoden andeven percocet dont call me the same way( ill take the percocet but dont fixate on them the same way)so it must be in my head and to treat my head i would think the first step is just to get rid of the oxycotin
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
im afraid your losing me here-like groovey(hi groovey:)  )i dont understand what you mean what you say about responable methadone using.I thought that you take methadone for 1 of 2 reasons-pain or treatment of addiction.If you have true pain who the hell cares what number of milligrams you need for good control,its kinka like saying i wear a size 6 shoe and jamming your foot into a shoe withthe number six written on it-maybe its marked wrong or maybe they run small ,what does it matter,why be in pain  or 2- foe addiction.I am begining to relize that they are right an addict is an addict forever.I too have no trouble except with my oxycotin,i have tons of sleeping pills,vicoden andeven percocet dont call me the same way( ill take the percocet but dont fixate on them the same way)so it must be in my head and to treat my head i would think the first step is just to get rid of the oxycotin
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Avatar universal
if you get to a large dose and wind up detoxing one day, you will understand what i mean about being responsible for your dosage.  there is a lot of info on the net about methadone.  read,read, and read.  i did.  it helped me so much.  Good luck with whatever you chose.
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Avatar universal
im afraid your losing me here-like groovey(hi groovey:)  )i dont understand what you mean what you say about responable methadone using.I thought that you take methadone for 1 of 2 reasons-pain or treatment of addiction.If you have true pain who the hell cares what number of milligrams you need for good control,its kinka like saying i wear a size 6 shoe and jamming your foot into a shoe withthe number six written on it-maybe its marked wrong or maybe they run small ,what does it matter,why be in pain  or 2- foe addiction.I am begining to relize that they are right an addict is an addict forever.I too have no trouble except with my oxycotin,i have tons of sleeping pills,vicoden andeven percocet dont call me the same way( ill take the percocet but dont fixate on them the same way)so it must be in my head and to treat my head i would think the first step is just to get rid of the oxycotin
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
im afraid your losing me here-like groovey(hi groovey:)  )i dont understand what you mean what you say about responable methadone using.I thought that you take methadone for 1 of 2 reasons-pain or treatment of addiction.If you have true pain who the hell cares what number of milligrams you need for good control,its kinka like saying i wear a size 6 shoe and jamming your foot into a shoe withthe number six written on it-maybe its marked wrong or maybe they run small ,what does it matter,why be in pain  or 2- foe addiction.I am begining to relize that they are right an addict is an addict forever.I too have no trouble except with my oxycotin,i have tons of sleeping pills,vicoden andeven percocet dont call me the same way( ill take the percocet but dont fixate on them the same way)so it must be in my head and to treat my head i would think the first step is just to get rid of the oxycotin
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Most addicts I know and people I see at the methadone clinic dose at the highest dose the doc will allow them.  I do not believe that is responsible dosing.  When you compare buprenex or oxycodone to methadone, methadone is much stronger.  A lot of addicts cannot stop when the cravings stop.  They want to keep getting a buzz.  If you keep raising the dosage often, you will keep a buzz for a good while.
If an addict knows what she or he is getting into, or if the addict is totally out of control, I think methadone will help them.  It has a worse rap than I have experienced.  The withdrawl is longer than with  dilaudid or most other opiate due to a long half life.  But anyone can do it without going crazy.
You do not have to switch meds detoxing.  The methadone will take you down.  I did not do it alone, because I had a super NA group to help me.
If an addict wants off their extreme habit, if the addict has done illegal things to get their dope, methadone is safer.  People who jump off at 100mg or so  are crazy to begin with, so the normal withdrawl is not something you cannot do.  I just want addicts to know what they are getting into before they start on methadone.  A good clinic is better than the 10mg tablets. I''ve had both.  Good Luck.  If you choose methadone,
I think you will be okay.  You have a good mind.   Ava
   On the adderall post is a new person who could use some help.  I thought maybe you could offer more than I could.
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Avatar universal
i didn't check out the adderall topic...should i have??  do you think i have add or adhd or whatever it is?

just so you know, there are a lot of people out there and some here who are contemplating methadone.  it "saved" you, so i still do not understand why you keep saying it is not for most addicts.  there are so many people who continuously fail to stay on the wagon...most of the people who are interested in methadone research it to some extent and know what they are getting in to. i just really wonder why you keep saying that it would not also "save" some other addict in need out there.
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Avatar universal
I'm glad to hear that about the sleeping pills.  I am still learning all of you.  I think I belong to this forum.  I also have had major problems in the past controlling my opiate usage.
The thought of no dilaudid was not a choice for me during my using days.  I hocked what I had to and forged a few checks to get my dope.  Luckly, the people I forged their checks, did not want me in jail.  An angel has been on my shoulder for a long, long time.  I believe in guardian angels anyway.  Thanks for posting.  I wonder if you checked out the adderall topic today.
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Avatar universal
you don't know me very well....hahah - i haven't been responsible about most medications i have taken...up until recently anyhow.  actually the only meds that hold an interest for me are opiates.  i really have to force myself to take the sleeping pills - i don't even take them every night anymore.  when i first started detoxing from everything, i took one every night for about two weeks.  it helped me so much...now it's only occassional.
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Avatar universal
row, i shot dilaudid before work, and if i had to work a double, i would shoot again at work in the bathroom.   my final relapse i kept it down to half of a 4mg tablet at a time.  i shot 3 to 4 times a day, but i did not let it get way out there like my second relapse when i spent 1200 and 1300 dollars, $2500 on dilaudids.  since my second relapse that let to 2 more rehabs and my surrendering my nursing license, i've kept a better hold on my using and recovery.

groovygirl,  watch those restorils.  they can be habit forming, but if you have insomnia, i understand why you take them.  i think you will take them responsibly.  you seem to keep it together.  i enjoy your posts.  keep on keeping on.  ava
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Avatar universal
maybe you can get your dr. to prescribe a few restorils....they really have helped me get back into a habit of getting rem sleep every night...i'm dreaming again, which i hadn't been doing for i don't even know how long.  my doc said that opiates really get in the way of getting into the rem cycle...the deep, deep dreaming sleep cycle that we all need.  i also now drink camomile (sp?) tea at night...believe it or not, it really helps relax me - good luck to you.
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Avatar universal
row
Thank you so much for your comment. I now have a date set in which I go into detox for 3-5 days(May 22nd) then come home and finish it through. I really want to quit Angst. I already lowered the dose of the percs today and will continue slowly.

That must of sucked waiting tables, did you just take enough to get through the night or all day? You are right, about what you said, but I hate feeling like ****(going on about 2 weeks 4th day no oxy) thats why I want to get clean, plus I dont want to further damage my body.

The Percs really dont do much, why is that? and why do I feel like I just did speed when I take 4 or so, is it because my body wants the oxy and is still withdrawing from that and the high dose?????? You would think the percs would at least help me sleep!!!!!!!!! I have to take 3-4 unisom and I will then sleep for only 3-4 hours.The anxiety, the shakiness, the lack of consentration I HATE THIS!

Anyway I will keep on this forum, it is great to talk with others about this. Never thought I was an addict, but I  woke up one day I really woke up one day and it scared me to death to look in that mirror, I dont want to go back.

Thanks!
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Avatar universal
I continued on the needle until a Tuesday, then went to the methadone clinic on a Wednesday.  I had to work also, waiting tables at a really nice restaurant.  So I had to look good and have my faculties with me.  I was almost always a functional addict except for a couple of times when I lost it over spending  tremendous amounts of money on dilaudid.  People on the post will give you different advice.
I say if you have to take the oxycodone in percs or low dose oxycontin to keep your job, then go ahead until May.  Just realize that no addict can use successfully.  You are taking a chance by doing it that way.  You could get busted.  You might forget about getting clean.  
I believe some of the people on this forum got clean while they were working with something for the symptoms of withdrawl, not the drugs themselves.  That is the safest and surest way.
Good Luck.
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Avatar universal
row
HI everyone,

It is a real ***** to taper, I did not realize. I take about 4 pecocet and 7 percodan a day and still feel like ****, tired, shaking, and irratible. Iam doing the recipe too. Is it because my body wants the oxycotin that it was used to (was taking it for several months and heavy the last 2 weeks) and the percodan and percocet are a milder version and not time released??????

I have been tapering for 1 1/2 weeks and it kinda sucks when should I stop cold, when I get down to 3-4 a day or 1-2 a day of the other ****?

Iam confused and I would like to stop today but
I REALLY HAVE TO FUNTION so that is the only reason I keep using in small amounts. I have about 2 weeks off coming on May 20th.

I think I should wait till then when I finally go cold so that way, I dont have to work and can lock myself in. I do plan to tapper till then. What does anyone think, I am really confused because its 1 1/2 weeks of feeling less than 40% not to metion beating up on myself and the panic attacks I get 20X a day.

I cant wait till the 20th but it actually puts a smile on my face.

Any suggestions?

Thank you soooooo much and LOTS OF COURAGE TO EVERYONE

BE BOLD AND MIGHTY FORCES WILL COME TO YOUR AID!
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Avatar universal
J.B.
You wrote, "I know it mustn't be easy for any of you to remember those of us who've given the ultimate price for our way of life. The lucky ones died in battle.(did I really say that?)"

A lot easier on us to remember than you I'm sure.  In case no one has ever told you - Thank you for what you did for us, thank you for what you gave of yourself for us, and thank you for what you lost for us.
Yes, I do remember.


Skipper
Man, what a lot of pain, inside and out.  Bet you look cute in those sandals, though!
Okay, I'll bite, take your mind of the lousy stuff and tell us about the Junkies in the Bushes.
Sending hope and strength to you and your lady.

gwh
I know I'm about a week late for you.  I so hope everything has started to go more smoothly for you.  You're really buffing up those "clean and sober" muscles.  You *know* exercise is the only way to get strong.  I think you're doing it.

Meagain
Stop, now.  My daughter spent the first six years of her life watching me fall in love with narcotics.  She rode in her little car seat from pharmacy to pharmacy.  She watched my erratic emotions.  She watched me quit and when she found herself "hooked", she told me, "I thought, Mama could make this stop.  Mama taught me everything she knows.  *I* can make this stop, too."  She's 21 years old, clean and sober and she *is* alla that and a bag of chips!
So stop.  Beating yourself up is giving you an excuse to use because, "What's the point, anyway?"
You aren't a farce, you aren't a loser, you're one of us and there is only no hope if you *insist* there's no hope.

Thank you *all* for still being here when I was able to get back to the board.

Wren
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Avatar universal
tlk
If the stomach problems get too bad, maybe your doctor can prescribe something. That helped me, not having to deal with the runs on top of everything else. If they'll let you detox with phenobarb that helps, clonidine too. My doctor calls it the "cocktail": phenobarb, clonidine, robinul or bentyl (for stomach), remoron (sp) or doxepin to sleep. The stomach stuff totally helped me. I was on it all for almost a week, although the first time only for 4 days and then no clonidine (I have very low blood pressure).
I hate the idea of taking all these drugs to get off something else, but it is very short term; he only gave me a 3-4 days' worth at a time and I was so scared of the w/ds that I never took more. Also took a very, very small amount of the opiate along with it. Good luck. tk
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Avatar universal
Hi ( i just spelled hi "high" ) I've detoxed off methadone before.  They have a strong half life.  I'd take two a day for 2 days, 1 a day for 2 days , then break them in half for the rest.  Save the oxy's or percs or whatever you have, you many not need them.  If you feel miserable, that is what you are supposed to feel.  If we forget the w/d's , we'd all be relapsing.  I hope the rest of your oxycodone does not get you started again.  It might help with sleep though.  Coming off you will not want to eat and cannot sleep except for a couple of hours here and there.  The BRAT diet is good for the stomach (runs), and you will need immodiumAD.  I only took the immodium when I had to go out, because I felt the runs helps rid my system of the methadone.  I kept hydrated with gatorade.  I need the potasium and sodium.  If your electrolytes get off balance, you will act funny, then you could have cardiac problems.  Stay hydrated, eat what you can, and do not try to do too much.
Good Luck
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Avatar universal
I have a question and hope someone can help.  I was coming up on 7 years and blew it on OxyContin.  Went to my Doc he apologized as he has no knowledge on the what to do.  Referred me to some agencies which at this point I cannot go to.  Long story.  Anyway,  Was taking 2 to 3 OxyContins (80mg) a day.  Either IV or chewed.  Today was my last day of any Oxy's.  1/2 tab this am and then I took a percocet at 5 then 1 1/2 methadone.  I have 13 methadone left.  Any suggestions as to the best way to taper off with the methadone.  I know there are may different ways to do this but this is the best that I have available.  My doc gave me Norco and said he doubted that they would even touch any withdrawal symptoms.  He was leary of giving me any more oxys and I told him that I did not want any, let alone try to taper off with those things.  I have no control when it comes to those>  Anyway open for suggestions of how many to take and when.  A friend told me to do 2 in the am then one in the evening for a couple days then 1 and 1 then 1/2 and 1/2 etc.  What do ya think?
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Avatar universal
row
Hi everyone, I stumbled upon this forum while looking up detox etc...I am trying the heck to detox on my own. I just went out and purchased the recipe. I went from using vicodin off and on for a year to oxy the past 6 months off and on, mostly on, and then the past two weeks I was using 4-6 80 mg tabs a day for 2 weeks.

This past week has been hell. I tapered way down to 1 then a half but It seems that the pill only worked for about 2-3 or so hours then once I get home its withdraw city until the morning when I take some to get into work.

Today no oxy but I needed 4 vicodin to get myself to work, I own my own business so I have to be there. The 4 worked till about 2:00, then the symptoms set in again mostly fatigue, irritability and sadness. I got home and took 2 percocet and 2 percodan so I could finish off the day. Those obviously are not as powerful as oxy but did I go backward again?

I hope now to take nothing until the morning except unisom. Then I will take either 2 percs or 4 vics and continue to taper down from there. Now that I have the recipe I hope I can go a little longer each day.Tappering is good but you still have symptoms but I guess not as bad as cold turkey. When I get down to 1 vic or 1 perc then a half then I finally stop is it going to hit me bad???????

Or will it be mild???? since I tappered? I planning on tappering down till the holiday at the end of the month then stop, Iam closed for about 5-6 days then and I can stay in if needed.

So far so good, I just dont want to go backward. Everyone has been great on this site!!!! It has helped me sooooo much. I will be here for the long haul, and I am aquiring that angel on my shoulder!

Peace
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