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Timeline question
In 2007, I quit smoking cold turkey. I woke up one morning and said "that's it." I know I'm one of the rare cases that just did it, so I'm hoping quitting pills will be a similar experience. One of the things that helped me was the timeline of how my body was recovering from quitting smoking. Does anyone know of a similar timeline for quitting opiates, specifically hydrocodone? I know it depends on age, dose, and how long using, but a generalized timeline would be great. Again, I'm not talking about the wd symptoms, but how the body recovers. Thanks!
Hmm...Interesting question.
First 7-10 days is just flushing a large amount of opioids from your body. Two big parts; the colon and getting your Brian chemicals going that have been dependent on the pills for so long.
Day 11 - 20 - Sleep becomes an issue for some. It did me. This is again related to your mind resetting. You may also experience old symptoms coming back that you thought were gone for good. This is basically the 'flushing' still. Anxiety will be another challenge. Its your mind and body's 'fight or flight' response to no longer having the med. However you made it this far so keep going - don't make it all for nothing.
Day 20 on; depression and addict impulses. That little addict gremlin that lives in your head may be coming out. This is a last ditch effort for your brain to get the med it desires. Ignore it, attend a meeting, whatever. Just do NOT give in or you will start all over again; don't go through hell twice if you don't have to.
Day 30 on; just fighting the good fight. Depression and anxiety may still factor in.
---Like Merri said; everyone is different and this is just a timeline I've put together. The amount you've taken and the total time of your addiction factors in. IMO a taper is better for less w/d symptoms however I realize that is not ideal for everyone. It can also require you to have someone else doll them out to you. Either way, it can be done.
Best Wishes,
Chels
First 7-10 days is just flushing a large amount of opioids from your body. Two big parts; the colon and getting your Brian chemicals going that have been dependent on the pills for so long.
Day 11 - 20 - Sleep becomes an issue for some. It did me. This is again related to your mind resetting. You may also experience old symptoms coming back that you thought were gone for good. This is basically the 'flushing' still. Anxiety will be another challenge. Its your mind and body's 'fight or flight' response to no longer having the med. However you made it this far so keep going - don't make it all for nothing.
Day 20 on; depression and addict impulses. That little addict gremlin that lives in your head may be coming out. This is a last ditch effort for your brain to get the med it desires. Ignore it, attend a meeting, whatever. Just do NOT give in or you will start all over again; don't go through hell twice if you don't have to.
Day 30 on; just fighting the good fight. Depression and anxiety may still factor in.
---Like Merri said; everyone is different and this is just a timeline I've put together. The amount you've taken and the total time of your addiction factors in. IMO a taper is better for less w/d symptoms however I realize that is not ideal for everyone. It can also require you to have someone else doll them out to you. Either way, it can be done.
Best Wishes,
Chels
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