Withdrawal Ease for hydro addiction

[mshvanslyke]

I have been doing hydrocodone and oxies for about 3 years now. It all started with an infection in my jaw that caused intense pain. Well, we all know the rest of the story.. and addiction was born. Im taking approx. 40-50mg/day.  I DESPERATELY want to get off these and get my life back. I feel like im in a 'fog'. I have alot of memory loss, mood swings, and just lathargic alot of the time. Im normally a high energy, happy go lucky, active, healthy woman. I want her back so bad. I tried detoxing a year ago and only lasted 3 days. The depression and RLS which led to insomnia were the WORSE for me. The RLS was so bad I took trazodone to help sleep but it didnt work- I was taking almost 500mg!!! and still didnt sleep. I was chugging J&B out of the bottle- even smoking pot. Tried ANYTHING.

I dont have a support system, and no one knows about this shameful position Ive got myself into. How long will the withdrawal last?? I just started a new job and CAN NOT take any time off, and I also started working out and trying to get healthier that way. If possible- Id like to not 'disrupt' my day-to-day activities, or at least not have anyone know whats going on. Id LOVE to hear from anyone who has actually beaten this monkey and is sober- how do you feel now? How long did it take?? I need some encouragement. I already know what to expect the first week- HELL. I need to make it 'tolerable' and I need to make sure I get SLEEP so I can work.

HELP!!

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome!

First, please don't be ashamed. I am sure you are a good person. You just have a bad disease. Remember that.

So I understand, are you still taking the pills? Let's go from there...

[Inguz74]

I completely understand what you are going through and the feelings that you are having.  The fact that you are exercising will go a long way in helping to recover from this addiction.  A lot of the pain and discomfort associated with withdrawals are the result of a vitamin deficiency, so taking a multivitamin is important as well.  When my fiance and I detoxed from methadone, we did plenty of research and the vitamins were recommended across the board.  Drinking plenty of water is also an important component.
The depression is a difficult one and I know this is easier to say than to do, but positive thinking and believing in yourself is imperative.  
I also want to add that some people would advocate suboxone or methadone but PLEASE do not ever take that route, it simply replaces your addiction for another that is even worse.  I understand it helps many people but your use is considered somewhat short-term - you can do this with determination and support from the members here.  

[mshvanslyke]

I tried suboxone before- and didnt like it- also had BAD w/d's so I went back to hydros. I want to be FREE of all drugs. I dont want to rely on anything anymore.

Thanks for the support.

And yes, Im still taking them.

[mshvanslyke]

I was reading about L-tyrosine to help with w/d's. What is it? Have u heard of it,

FYI- Im also quitting smoking at this time...my anxiety is thru the roof!! Would you recommend I get a hold of some valium or xanax?

[gnarly_1]

HI and welcome to the forum.....well you have found yourself where many of us have
I wish I new a way to do this that wouldn't disrupt your life but I dont.....I do know people that have had to work threw it.....its no fun but it can be done....if you could just plan a long weekend it would make this a whole lot ezer on you....it sounds like you have done this b/4
as for adding benzo's to help out we dont recommend it  way to ez to get cross addicted
you need to loose the J/B and the weed to again cross addiction is possible if you got the will power to taper off you can soften the blow but it takes a lot of discipline and usually someone to hold the pills so you stick to the taper...this might be a better plan for you so you dont have to miss work...if not C/T is how most get off it and its going to take around 4 days for the physical part to where off by day 5 most come around...its the mental battle thats the hard part to deal with remember this is 1/3 physical 2/3 mental and I truly believe it is a battle one or lost in ones own mind...go into this with a positive attitude
when its all said and done you wont be chained to a pill bottle any more...get comfortable with the saying...''you just got to be ok without being ok for a wile '' ....the symptoms are only temporary...look up the thomas recipe on the right hand side of the screen and get the stuff it recommends it will help ease your withdrawals a bit if you can get a fri off
it would make this a lot ezer you would quit thru morning be off fri sat sun and should be feeling a bit better by mon....if not many people here have had to go to work and make it threw...as for the sleep theres not much you can do about it...there are natural remades things like trasadone but I dident notice anything helping...your just going to have to get by on little or no sleep for the first few days...highlands makes a product call highlands reastful legs it will help you with the RLS about all you can do is try a hot soak in the tub it works wounders for a lot of the symptoms ...let us know when your ready to start we will be here to support you just know in the end it is so so worth it...good luck and God bless....Gnarly          

[bmdad]

Congrats on seeking help for your addiction. This forum is full of wonderful addicts that will not judge and help you put your addiction into remission. The great things about this forum is that there are people at all levels right now. There are some still thinking about quitting, some one hour clean and some that have years clean. Welcome to the big happy family of medhelp! No matter where you are at in trying to get clean be sure to stick around. You will make some great friends that will bend over backwards to help you succeed.
You mentioned L-Tyrosine and wondered if it can help. There's what is called the amino acid protocol. It lists a bunch of different vitamins and supplements that can help during withdrawals. You can find it in the health pages which is located in the upper right hand corner of the screen. There's a lot of other helpful information there too. I would get the aminos and start them asap as they really do help.
Are you gonna go cold turkey or do you plan on tapering? Many just go cold turkey because tapering takes so much willpower. If we could control our intake we probably wouldn't be an addict!
Stay positive and know that you can beat this. It's so much happier on the other side! We will help you every step of the way!

Brian

[SCtranspose]

I would like to recommend Super Snooze by sundown naturals. Of course you should always talk to your dr before taking anything. Like you, I was having trouble with rls / insomnia, and melatonin, benadryl and other sleep remedies did NOTHING for me! The first night I tried this super snooze, I super snoozed! I was getting 0 hours of sleep before and now getting at least 6-8 hours. It has not only helped with insomnia but also my rls! Everyone is different, but this worked wonders for me. I think you can also find it under puritains pride brand and I bought mine at K-Mart. Good luck & keep positive thoughts!

[SCtranspose]

This post http://www.medhelp.org/forums/show/77 will give you the breakdown of what is in super snooze if you are interested.

[tryingtochange]

i am on day three and this *****.  I feel like my skin is on fire but yet i have chills.  My cheeks and arms feel like there sunburned or something and I have had all the other symtoms too.  I took 4 10/500mg lortab a day for 3 years! How much longer do I have?  Does anyone know?  I am misserable and have been taking immodium, and drinking ensure (ensure has lots of vitamins) and tons of gatorade and water.  I dont want any other prescription meds ever again!!!  I just want this to be over! I barely can get out of bed most of the time!

[wantitdone]

The physical w/d iam thinking you maybe 1/2 or so thru it, Iam on day 9 and feeling much better than day 3, alot better...now the mental pressures , you can get thru the next couple of days, I read somewhere on hear that 1tsp of honey in water helps. Thinking that is where I found some energy on day 6, also MASS vitamins, ie:calc/mag/zinc B's C's. Please look around there is so much info here & people are so SO kind....Wishing you nothing but the best...green tea lots of water,,,,try & force yourself to eat (eating a healthy diet made a huge difference for me...Good Luck...Keep reading...keep posting...Currently, looking to confess my sinful demon to my family, friends...Aftercare is a must...Everytime (3) that I have tried this I have failed, thinking I need to get this out & seek aftercare...

[mshvanslyke]

I have made a decision to detox this weekend..even tho I have a good supply of OC/Hydros...I just feel inside me that its TIME. I have Monday off and plan to start friday. I have my 'kit'...all the vitamins, 5-HTP, and valerian root to help sleep...I am a little nervous, but I think with some online support and encouragement (which I get by reading everyones posts) I can come out strong! I cant wait for the day I can wake up refreshed and clear-minded, energized, happy, and healthy, and go to bed naturally without ANY meds...that will be my main motivation. I also have a motto that 'PAIN IS TEMPORARY, PRIDE IS FOREVER".

[mshvanslyke]

I have started taking the vits already..my question is: can you take 'too many'..I want to make sure they are all in my system by fri!! any advice would help! I also bout some epsom salt to saok in for the aches and RLS..I read somewhere that it helped someone imensely!! (sp)

[LeaAnn807]

Hey!  Try to stay positive and don't lose that motivation when time starts seeming to stand still for you!  It takes some patience, but it's so worth it in the end to not need a pill for anything!  You will be over the worst physical stuff in a few days.  I'm glad you have Monday off.  Try not to take anything after like Thursday morning.  That way....you should be able to work pretty easily by Tuesday!!!

Good luck!

[Dav125]

I would think you would want to stick with the recommended intake on the vitamins. Make sure you have some immodium or other otc anti-diarrhea med on hand though. If your going to start friday, by that evening or the next morning the stomach problems normally start. Upon the first hint of that coming on, you then want to start taking those. Believe me, it will save you some grief in the first 4 days..2nd time around for me it helped alot. I knew nothing the first time and it was horrible...If you start a fast taper from here to Friday that may help some. Not alot, but some..Those first 4 days might be rough. Prepare your mind for it..Wishing you the best with this.

[mshvanslyke]

Hi and ty!! I am going to take my last 'dose' thurs evening. I still have to work friday, so I dont want to be too bad into w/d fri. The last time I detoxed, the first day wasnt so bad, however the first NIGHT was pure torture!! How long did it take you to feel 'normal'?? How long have u been clean?

[Dav125]

I was three weeks back in August on much stronger meds,,feeling pretty good but had to backtrack due to surgery complications that have yet to be resolved..Next week you will still be having issues but not as bad as these next few days. After 10--12 days things really get noticible turning around :)

[mshvanslyke]

I looked at the 'amino acid protocol'..I have a question about the DLPA & 5-HTP-it says not to take if you take a SSRI or Tricyclic antidepress.. I am taking wellbutrin for the smoking...will this interefere?

[jstntime]

Hi and welcome,

Really happy to hear you have a plan.  My only advice is to lose the rest of your pills.  If you are determined to stop you need to make sure your access is cut off completely.  After your last dose, flush the rest.  Those who keep pills as a bail-out plan will without exception, get a bail-out.

You're going to have to be OK without sleeping normally for a while.  Take it when you can get it and understand it is part of the process.  

Your dose isn't very high and that will work in your favor.  You CAN do this and we will be pulling for you!!!!

bob

[mshvanslyke]

Thanks Bob!! I am giving them back to my 'supplier' as I owe them money for the last round I bought... thats another I wont miss- the more than $200/wk on DRUGS!! FFS

[shiningstar500]

I did the taper method off of Hydrocodones and I did have withdrawls but I was able to work. I didnt have any energy but still looked like I was working!!! Sounds like you are going to go cold turkey which is excellent! I wasn't able to do that so you have a lot of strength and determination!! Good luck to you and I wish you the best!!

[mshvanslyke]

Bob-

I actually think the tapering takes more strengh and determination. I know for ME, I tried that, but realized I was kidding myself to believe I could only take a few each day. Knowing I had them, but couldnt take them made my anxiety worse and I ended up taking more because of it- and I didnt have the option to give them to someone to dispense. So..KUDOS to you my friend!! Ill be posting all weekend! Ill be home alone for the most part, so Ill need some form of human contact to help me out. LOL... =)

[mshvanslyke]

The last comment was actually meant for shingingstar500..oops!!

[LeaAnn807]

You are really right about how much discipline that tapering takes.  I could NEVER have done it.  My "next" bottle of pills was always going to be the one I tapered with! HAHAHAHAHAHA!  RIGHT!

You'll be ok.  You'll get a bunch of help from the members here!

[jstntime]

Hi again,

I agree with your assertion that tapering is tougher to do than cold turkey.  It is soooooo obsessive.  I couldn't taper to save my life.  Cold turkey is the only way if you feel you don't have anyone to help you.

You just keep to your plan and get rid of your access.  If you are determined to stop and you don't have access then you can do this.  

Yes it $ucks but it's a right of passage of sorts.  Understand the symptoms are normal and it's the only way to get better.  We often build it up to be far worse than the ACTUAL suffering turns out to be.  Don't panic!!!

Go in with a good attitude, you're making a life-saving positive step in your life, you needn't do it as a broken spirit.  We look forward to having you join the club!!!!!

So tomorrow is day 1???
Go get it, it's waiting for you,

bob