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3807710 tn?1348191825

Want off fentanyl patches-rehab question

I am conidering going to a rehab facility to get off the fentanyl patches.  I am on 125 and want to get off them entirely.  I have a failed back surgery and still have some pain even on the patches.  I also take vicodin 10-500, ativan, flexeril daily and promethizine occasionally for nausea.  Ideally I want to go somewhere that I can stay to detox and they can teach me alternative ways to try to control my pain.  I want my life back!  I've been on these drugs for so many years I feel my life is passing me by in a haze.  I'm 55 by the way.  Has anyone gone the rehab facility route?  Can you give me some pros and cons?  Thanks much
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Avatar universal
I am currently on 75 mcg fentanyl patches as well and i am ashamed to admit that i do not wear them anymore, i now cheek them.  I have tried to ct withdrawal and it was horrible.  Bare in mind that i have been battling opiate addiction a long time and have ct detoxed myself once from 55 mg of methadone and then relapsed and then my parents paid for rapid detox off of 150 mg methadone (not rapid by the way).  I have relapsed again and for some reason my doc is so fine with giving me fentanyl as opposed to oxycontin.  I have read in so many forums that it is a horrifying kick and am so scared but i can't live like this and for the first time i WANT to be clean.  I don't know how to approach this as i am going overseas in a couple days for about a month and basically won't have access to any type of treatment. should i taper, i have actually been tapering the past few days and have done ok but then i want to reward myself for a good day of doing less by doing more and it gets all messed up- i dont know if anyone gets what i mean, like i am so proud i only used a little one day so the next i feel like i should get a reward and use more- so stupid i know. anyways any support or help will be appreciated.
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Avatar universal
I admire the folks who kicked the Fent. on their own. I took week off and tried, it was Hell. I will never forget, scariest thing I ever felt, and I am only talking the Mental part. I live alone, have no family nearby, maybe this was part of it but, I just couldn't do it. :(
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Avatar universal
I didn't go to rehab when i came off that fing patch.  probably should have tho.  i was on 75mg but it had gotten to the point of me chewing to get relief.  if u can be supervised i would.  the first week was soooo rough and getting out of bed was just not going to happen unless it was to lay on the bathroom floor.  at least make sure u have someone to be home with u so u have help.  taking care of kids or anything like that is just not what u want to add to the mix.  in rehab they may also give u short term helper meds- i sure wish i would have had something like that for the first week.  it can be done but just make sure u have your ducks in a row.  


your in my thoughts!  
overeasy
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3955352 tn?1349096897
I went through the same thing with that effing patch. I won't lie it was he'll mentally coming off but it passed I wish I would have tapered before I went to detox they said it would have been easier o me mentally...but I definitely recommend going to a rehab and make sure you find one that will help you deal with your pain alternatively... and  stay as long as you can it helps to be where you know you are safe .the mental withdrawals from fentanyl are rough... I amnot trying to scare you if I have I'm sorry I just want you to prepare your self for what you will be up against ..keep posting I am here for you as is everyone else on here... the support on here is incredible...hang in there you can do this...
Helpful - 0
3131950 tn?1351774643
Rehabs general do nothing for detoxing,I always would got mhu and then rehab from there,worked so much better,but i still wasn't ready.
   That took some more time,you are on a lot of meds tho and really need a detox taper program in my mind.The mental is hardest for most.eventualy it gets you,but by the time you get detoxed and into rehab you will have support for that there.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Voni, I struggled with C/T, 75mgs cheeking every 2 days for 2 years. I took a week off work and tried C/T, it lasted about ten hours, and failed. I am 52 yrs old and thought I would have Heart Failure during early stage, had to stop C/T and go the Clinic Route. Actually, the physical was tolerable but, the mental during my attempt scared the crap out of me. It was a very dark, scary place, I never want to visit again!

I scheduled a Detox and paid cash, I would suggest this because of the risks. Fentanyl is like Meth or Heroin to quit. I would suggest taper, taper, taper before your detox. This helped me, and Doctors agreed. Between meetings and medical care during detox, I got through it! It was worth the $$$$.

Maybe I am just not strong enough for C/T, some can do it, some cannot. I could not.

Good Luck! You can do it!

Cheeky
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3807710 tn?1348191825
Thanks for the reply.  I know that there are so many people out there in my position.  I appreciate your comment and hope to talk to you as I start on my journey.  
Helpful - 0
1331115 tn?1536362140
voni hello and welcome to the forum, I don't have any experience going to a rehab as I got off oxys by going C/T. I do understand about not wanting to live a life in a drug haze though. I had several back surgeries and still have pain and I know it is no picnic. Someone will come along and give you advice as to a detox center that may also treat back pain so be patient. I wish you great luck in your quest for sobriety. God Belss---Rick
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