What is the best way to detox from narcotic pain killers?

[bigmistake]

I began taking pain killers recreationally two years ago.  Last spring, I had a wicked back injury and was prescribed oxys and then time released Morphine.  Completely disregarding my liver and the fact that I could become addicted, I was also buying anything I could get off the street, Vicodin ES, Vicodin HP, Endocet, Percoset, anything generic, and when it was't possible to get my hands on these, I would buy Oxycotin 40s or 80s.  Now I'm screwed.  I can't even get out of bed without eating a pain killer off of my night table.  If I don't take them, I feel like I am being electrocuted.  I CAN NOT FUNCTION without them --  I get cold sweats, chills, hot flashes and nausea.  When I try to not take them, nothing gets done -- I am useless.  The only thing I can do when I don't take them is squirm around in my bed and cry because i am so uncomfortable like a friggin junky.   Since I've been on painkillers, I have become a stick figure, dropping down to 91 pounds.  I don't even get "high" anymore, taking them just makes me feel normal again.  I am afraid and sick now.  I can't go to rehab because my family would disown me.  I hate myself for this and will someone PLEASE tell me how to get this out of my life before I die because I sure feel like I'm dying.  How do I detox from painkillers?

[suzieneedshelp]

Excellent post man!
Suzie

[rainman]

I am finishing day #12 of cold turkey from MS Contin (morphine). The first few days are rough but you can do it. I kept thinking "how will I feel a week from now" and it helped get me through. I am feeling better each day thanks to the people like "lisabet" and other wonderful people on this forum. Lean on this forum as hard as you can-these people will hold up and get you through! Follow the "Thomas recipe" if you can-it will help. And never, ever let thoughts of suicide enter your head! Try thinking about those things in your life that bring you pleasure (family, etc.) and think how wonderful it will be to enjoy them without wondering when to take your next pill. YOU WILL MAKE IT! There are living angels on this forum-let them help you. They speak from experience. I know you can make it and pray for you and all who are struggling. Life feels so much better today than it did 12 days ago and I never thought I would make it. But I did and so will you. God Bless and stay strong!

[lisabet]

Hey Rex - sorry to hear you're going through such a rough time. Depression can just knock the air out of a person, no matter how strong they are.  Hippee posted about an amino L5-HTP; it's a natural antidepressant (sort of a natural prozac); if you go into the google search engine, you can order a 30-day supply for about $25.00. I can't remember if you are already taking an anti-depressant or not, but Michael said it helped him. I was considering ordering it, cause I had a lot of depression and anxiety, but I talked to my internist and he put me back on prozac (which I had used for years, but had been off of for about a year) - this has been a couple of weeks ago, and the fog seems to be lifting.  This might also be an option for you; talk to your doctor.  I guess we've just screwed up our natural endorphines taking all the vics (brillant people that we are!)...smile.  I hate to see you so down....I need my cheerleader back!.... :) Remember, we are all here to help - just the way you've always helped us.  I am praying for you, Rex. Things are gonna get better, honey, I really believe that. Check out all the options, including spiritual intervention (prayer) to medical intervention (maybe an anti-depressant?) to love and compassion (us and your family). I know you're feeling down, but please try to post everyday; let us know how you're feeling - everyone here loves you!!!  Take care, Lisabet

[lisabet]

Congrats on day 12 - you just keep doing it every day! I am so-so proud of you, plus you seem to have a wonderful attitude, which has to help. People on this forum is great, and a wonderful inspiration, but when it all comes down to it - YOU are the one who's doing it! Expect bumpy times down the road (see Rex's posts above).  It's not unusual to hit periods of depression, as your natural endorphines are struggling to "work" on their own again. If you expect it, maybe it'll be easier for you to deal with. But again, you may just breeze right through it. I think it all depends on each one's body chemistry.  You're doing, great, baby - keep on fighting the good fight - You inspire ME!!!!  Love/Peace, Lisabet

[Rex1]

Hi all.

Man what a spell I just came through. Feeling a little better.

Work stress, plus home stress, plus traffic stress, plus being sick for more than two weeks, plus some mild back pain, and I guess it all came down at once.

You - everyone here - have lifted me up. I had a chance to talk with finished! today right before he went into surgery, and we should all pray for him. He took a spill on his motorcycle and will have ankle surgery today. That oon top of the stomach problems and who am I too complain.

I think that long term opiate use has trashed my nrevous system, because I just feel a lot of anxiety lately. I use the Benzos when it's bad, but don't want another adiction on my hands.

Finished's post is so true - God has a plan and we need to have faith that He knows better than we do.

On the worrying, I would pay a million dollars to learn how to stop worrying and obsessing and I now know that that is what the Vicodin really helped with - cutting down the anxiety.

So now, I need to learn to do that naturally as many of us do, and as non druggies (aka normal people) do.

Thanks for your prayers today gang. I know you guys have problems of your own, so I guess that is why we are all here and this forum is so awesome.

Love and God's Grace to all - please pray for our Pal Finished! as well as all others here including the lurkers, who will soon be coming out of the shadows, looking for help traveling that road which we are so much further down than they are. They need us, our experience, and our coaching, so I will do my best to be here to help. As you help others, you help yourself - a staple of AA/NA.

Rex

[hippy]

good to see you are feeling better.
one thing i can atest to and rembering everyone is not the same
but when ever i have taken benzos for sleep since i have been
clean of the vikes, i noticed i get depressed the next day or so after. this is after just taking 1 for sleep.
so i try to steer clear of them, our systems are very senitive.

peace!!!!!!!!hippy/ michael