Time for the truth

[Laura20]

I have been abusing hydrocodone cough syrup for approx 16 yrs. I have also started abusing norco 10-13 day since Jan. Both started for valid reasons. I was functioning farly well until last year. When I ran out I would sedate myself w sleeping pills & sleep for 2-3 dys until withdrawal passed. Had some suicide attempts due to depression. I was abused physically & emotionally as a child by my parents. This has created me hating myself & feeling I can't do anything right. I have already talked to my Dr about tapering so now I am commmited to it. The problem is I am sick frequently & sometimes this is the only thing that makes me feel better. I find it hard to sleep, eat or function without hydrocodone. Any word of encouragement would be appeciated. No one in my family has any idea just that I am not doing well. Feels good just to get it out. Pray for me. Laura

[worried878]

For me, at the end of my time using..I was very depressed...like u sound now...those pills may be beating u down....after u quit it may take a couple of months for ur "happy" endorphins to kick in....Just want u to know it is worth it....my name is Laura as well...lost of support here....the thomas recipe in the health pages is a good place to start...some aminos there that can feed ur brain while u detox and make u feel better...keep posting

[CadillacJack]

Hydrocodone, 15 yrs., 8 to 10 10mg tabs per day. I was in the same shape that you are in. I also had legit reasons. We get addicted, just the same. You can quit. I did a real fast taper, like cutting my dosage in half every day, the c/t. It's no fun, but you will live through the physical withdrawals. It took about 2 weeks for me to start back up. Then you get better each day. I have about 70 clean days now, and I seldom even think about them any more. You just have to be committed to quit, and don't keep any around, you'll  make it just fine.

cj

[GoingToMakeIt]

Laura, first of all if you are depressed you need to do some things to counter this. The is the natural route, try looking at the amino acid posts in our Health Pages ( right of page near bottom) Exercise will also help. SamE is a good one to start with. It helps mood and helps with pain control too.

[bandnmom]

I abused pills for years so i know what you are going threw. The first week is the worst but i promise you it does get better. Just try to keep yourself busy..read a book, watch a funny movie and get outside. The fresh air does wonders. I know you are thinking easier said then done but i've been where you are..it is possible. Keep talking to a counsiler. That will help you so much with all the underlying issues. You need to not only make you body healthy you also need to make your mind healthy. Good Luck to you!

[gizzy32]

there r many that here that can help u. pills were not my DOC, but most here have abused pills. as far as suicide attempts, that is never the answer. have u ever talked to a counsellor or someone about these feeling of negativity towards yourself. you said u started using for valid reasons, but im assuming u want to quit completely? stick around here, you will get some great advice. best of luck to you.