Want to quit Vicodin, could use help

[b_mann]

I could really use some support and advice. I'm a 20 year old male college student. My vicodin intake tends to fluctuate alot, somedays it is 40mg others it is 70mg. I am ready to quit. I dont want my life to be controlled anymore =( I have tried numerous times in the past...but always run back to it. The furthest ive gone with it is 2 days. It was the restless legs, lack of sleep, and headaches that got me.

I got put on vicodin a year ago. 2 years ago i was involved in a jeep rollover going 50mph, didnt have a seatbelt on, and needless to say I'm lucky to be alive. But i didn't walk away uninjured, I have pretty outstanding back and neck pain. I am prescribed to four 7.5mg a day.

I can admit I don't take the vicodin for pain alone. Throughout my life I've had terrible anxiety problems. Wanna see me give a speech?? You would feel bad for me no doubt, I can barely get words out. Anyways... the vicodin helps my anxiety and sure i enjoy the feeling.

I just want it all to be over now. Im currently in the process of weening down. Tomorrow i will only take 25mg max.
I'm dreading the withdrawls and hope i can do it this time, i really want to be normal again.

[IwillDoThis]

good for you!  You are going to find each week improves over the previous one.   Sending you support and just reinforcing everything littlebit said above - couldn't have said it better!  She's been a huge influence and support!  Keep it up!

[b_mann]

It's my 10th day off of vicodin !!

I feel so good it brings me so much joy to see the beauty of life again

I have so much energy and motivation
Can't thank you all enough!  glad to be on your wagon finally.

Im ready to face my problems and demons.. not run from them :)

[littlebit667]

Glad you came back for the support and help.  My intake was 8-10  10/325 hydros a day for quite awhile.  You  are a lot younger than me, but if I can do it at 60..I bet you can too!  Here is my two cents worth!  

I kept telling myself...YOU HAVE the FLU!  It will be over and I will feel so much better.  My brain seemed to get that and settled down a little.  It is hard, but doable!  The Thomas Recipe (bottom of the page) under Health Pages will help.  I did not to the tranquilizers and had to cut back on the Ltryosine, but the rest really helped.  Imodium, Imodium, Imodium (liquid or pills if the liquid can't be found or you can't swallow it) will help.  I took double the dosage for a few days (personal choice) and it helped so much..even with the withdrawals in general and the opiate trots which sucked.  

Hydrate and eat! ((gatorade is good) Even if it is just a little every hour or so.(boost or ensure might work for both food and drink)  You have to eat something to keep your energy up as much as possible.  

If you have Restless legs..it is hit or miss what works.  Walking seemed to help me some.  Hot bath with epsom salts..a little.  I finally had to get my doctor to refill my restless legs meds (non addictive) to get some sleep.  If nothing works,your doctor might help.  Benedryl helps some with sleep issues and you will have them.

One hour at a time is all anyone can ask.  After 2 weeks it gets a little better and I started to say, One day at a time!  Your brain will do all sorts of things to get you to take a pill.  I found if I was hungry..the cravings got worse.  I would try to eat a banana, a few grapes or a few crackers to get that under control.

The hardest part comes after the detox.  Your brain will be all over the place and will try to get you back on the pills...It is having to work and not depend on the pills to help.  

Good for you.  I hope all goes well.  You have made a good start coming here....this site has helped me so much!!!  Keep posting!!!!!

[342andcounting]

Hey b_mann

I suffered from RLS BEFORE the pills so it was one of worst symptoms during WD. I was lucky enought to have a hottub at my house. Otherwise if you don't hot showers and EXCERCISE. I know you are probably thinking yuck but it really helps (just try walking).
Basically try to sweat out as much of the toxins in your system as you can.
The narcotic actually stores itself in your fat cells throughout the body so it takes time to purge it all. Drink A LOT of water (some with Quanine) will help the RLS.
Good Luck man you can do it!!! I know because I've been clean for 11 months and was doing between 55 and 65MG a day. You CAN break the cycle. The physical part was easy compared to the mental.

[b_mann]

Hey guys, thanks for the help. I posted that question a couple of weeks ago tried and failed...

But im trying again. It's my first day drug free This time i have alot more going for me mentally because my girlfriend left me and i know deep down it has alot to do with me not being myself.

it's comforting to hear you say that it's the best decision you've ever made. That brings a tear to my eye. I want that.

I feel pretty bad.. im getting the cold chills, headaches and those freakin restless legs. it's cold turkey by the way

Thanks for the support

[steve1220]

well put gnarly......ct is the best way get it over with

[gnarly_1]

Hwy dude congrats on wanting to get your life back it will be worth the pain you go threw for a few days not to be chained to the pills anymore first off scroll down to the lower right of this page and loook up the thomas recipe pic up the stuff suggested also get a case of gatoraid you want to force the fluids wile you do this cutting your use in 1/2 in one day your going to feel it but it is doable probably better off just to quit altogether then trying a fast taper all that taper is going to do is keep you in withdrawals 2 or 3 more days if you just stop you could be done in 4 days I tell everyone starting out .....''you just got to be ok without being ok for a wile'' this to shall pass .....the no 1 thing you can bring to the table will be a positive attitude this is a battle one or lost in ones own mind a hot soak will get rid of most of the withdrawal symptoms stick with us and tell us what your feeling we have a few things that will help you along do keep posting good luck and God bless.......Gnarly

[LostNoMore]

Hi.  i was taking a bit more than you, usually between 60 and 80 mgs a day.
I quit cold turkey about 3 months ago. Best decision I ever made. The most important thing I can tell you is that you CAN do it. You will feel crappy for a few days, and it will be a battle mentally, but there are lots of us on this forum who have done it and continue to stay clean, one day at a time. Read some posts, find out how other people are coping with early withdrawal, and grit your teeth and get through it. Start thinking about some sort of aftercare.
I use NA and AA and this forum and it works for me. If you want it, you can get free of the drugs. Take care and keep posting.