Flu feelings

[ffly530]

I keep seeing people say that you can act like your going through a bout of the flu while your going cold turkey. Do any of the cold/flu meds help?

[ffly530]

I was on and off for the past 5 years. I never had any w/d's untill this time. I was on them for the past 5 months. At first only 3 or 4 a day. At the end I was taking between 5-10 50mg a day. Not as much as some I've seen on here, but it's really a big deal for me. I've never been addicted to anything before. I really didn't realize I was untill I didn't have them anymore. Dr. is supposed to give me another refill - needless to say - I DON'T WANT IT!!!! Just the thought of taking one right now makes me sick! Is that "normal"? I just want to be done with it. I'll find some other way to deal with my pain.

[SOCAL742]

I completly agree! I have that same reaction. I know everyone has said it before but I cant tell you how much hot showers and bath helps. One time I was going cold turkey, funny now not then, I took this big blow up shark my kids use in the pool that has handles on the side and put it on the bottom of the shower because i couldnt even stand up and strattled it on bottom of shower while the hot hot hot water came down. My husband came in bathroom and was like WTF are you doing? He knew what I was going through since he was too but just quite a sight to see Im sure. I only felt normal when i was in shower or jacuzzi or bath. The only thing was getting out was painful with the cold air hitting you and goose bumps. yuck hate that

[NautyOne]

Withdrawal is like having the flu, but the flu doesn't have the mental part. When we are sick with the flu it really is an entirely different process.  I tried the old trick my mind ...didn't work for me.......its worse than the flu in that, the flu doesn't last 5-7 days full of no sleep and depression and all the other monkeys that come with it.  As, much as I tried .....convincing myself it was the flu did not work, and I think a lot of times the flu meds make people worse if you are one to get the opposite affects from them....you know, agitation ....flu meds do that to me.......I bounce off walls and thats the last thing you need is more anxiety during the process.  Nothing takes the place of opiates.....I even think the benzo's make it worse.  I wish there was an easy way.  But there just isn't.  

How much are you trying to come off of?

Nauty................

[cathy5841]

i used flu meds that helped with the aches and sneezing and the other flu symptoms.  and the w/ds lasted about 7 days.  addiction does last forever, but the symptoms dont.

[FriaryGrad]

It's totally self-limiting, especially if you can remind yourself that these are "growing pains" that won't last -- addiction is for ever, flu symptoms will abate. Rather than flu medicine I'd recommend long, warm baths, using soothing bath salts in a fragrance you love.  Don't think about what you're missing or having to put up with by not using; replace those thoughts with positive thoughts about what you are gaining.  And check back often with site and/or sober friends who will encourage you and admire you for taking charge. I know I admire you, and I don't even know you.  Way to go....you'll be fine (but I'll pray for you just the same).

[Coolio Hernendez]

Once you really tell yourself..      'it's just the flu" then it will all be over soon....

Good luck.....and good job...

[flmagi]

I have heard a few people used Flu Meds during withdrawels and said they helped.  What works for one person may not work for another, guess you could try it.

[wannabefree330]

No, flu meds don't help.  Well, Anti-diarrheal meds will help and ibuprofen or tylenol can help some-but not much.  Basically, you are treating all the different symptoms of withdrawl.  Fever, chills, aches, pains, diarrhea, nausea, restless legs, anxiety, as well as others.