Preparing to jump off Norco

[hockeyguy83]

I've been taking Norco 10's for about 3 years now, and I am now at the highest I have been ever, taking 6 to 8 a day. I don't even know if the original back injury I started taking them for even exists, they have just become a way of life for me. My doctor said he didn't want to continue writing them for me and urged me to go to a pain management doctor to get something either stronger or longer lasting. I want to quit, I dont want to be controlled by them. I have a great new career that will be starting in 2 months, and I am taking some time off in between to relax and travel a little. I figured now is a great time to make the jump, but I am scared as hell. Any advice? How do I prepare for the withdrawls and mental anxiety? I have come off before, but never for longer than a couple of days, and when I was only taking 2 to 3 a day. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[gnarly_1]

Hey Dude well today is your day to jump  hows it going???  post to keep us up to date.................Gnarly

[hockeyguy83]

Using the last few I have to try and taper a little bit, regardless I'll be out after tomorrow. Even with cutting my intake in half, I am really just having anxiety. I'm not as scared as I was, mostly because I finished my last day of work today, so I have plenty of time to rest/sleep/feel miserable etc. I'm happy that I have cut off all my sources, so there really is no turning back at this point. Thanks for checking in, I am sure as we start to get further into this you will be hearing from me a lot more.

Thanks Gnarly.

[Life360_Dave]

If your taking 6-8 #10s a day i would suggest a taper because i feel if you just quit and start to loose it on the second day you might go back to taking them with more desire to avoid the 2 day night mare. Tapering is a long slow process but can be successful with some determination. We cant suggest taper amounts but find the time of day that you really dont need it then find another time a week later. It can work.

[gnarly_1]

Hi...well honesty is the best policy....and yes family does freak out some time   give her  time to process what you layed on her  for some it takes time  my family new for quit some time there was something not quit right and after the initial shock they came around for support  they need to see you do something proactive about your problem google N/A meetings in your area and start going your going to need the support  I been clean a wile now but still go to 3 to 4 a week  it is still less time and energy then using 24/7  if it works for a old dope fiend like me it will work for anyone  keep posting for support
............................................Gnarly.................................................

[hockeyguy83]

How did you guys tell your loved ones? I tried to tell my girlfriend last night, we've been living together for 2 years and I want to ask her to marry me in the next couple of months. She is a huge part of my decision to clean up, she knows I take meds but not to what extent. She knows nothing about addicts, and when I tried to tell her about my struggles she freaked out. I know she just doesn't understand, and I don't know how to tell her. Now she doesn't want to talk, and is sleeping on the couch. Its not going to keep me from stopping, but without having her support I don't feel as confident.

[refills]

Hey hockeyguy. I hope you can gather the courage to go through with your plan. Having a plan is the biggest part to see you through some tough times, so you are in great shape. I have to tell you though. Once you've started on the journey you may begin to feel a swell of good sweeping through your heart as you will know that you are truly freeing yourself of a life we all don't want to live. Prepare yourself but please do not fear it. All the folks here that have offered advice really know what they are talking about. I remember the day I walked into detox. I was totally excited and haven't looked back since. Keep your mind focused on the good. You Can Do This! Gather yourself and be prepare to feel good. A feeling you've probably haven't felt in a while. Great Wishes..........ike

[hockeyguy83]

The 31st is my last day at work, I just can't be sick right now as I am working around the clock to get everything wrapped up, thats why I chose December 1. Is going from my dose to nothing a big jump? Is there going to be much of a difference if I taper for the next week or so? I've told my family so I have support, and am looking for a NA group. Stocking up on all the over the counter meds, like the thomas recipe and lots of gatorade. Thanks for all the advice, I am ready to be free of these chains!

[jifmoc]

Why did you push back the date???!!!

You are torturing yourself w/ fear of the future. I was on Norco 10mg between 10 to 12 per day. Detox was horrid but now it's just a blip of time in my history that was the kick off to my recovery. STAYING clean is the work. But, I was willing to go through anything to be free of that life. I was so tired of the ridiculous chasing and the pill obsession. And ignoring everything in my life but finding pills. It's not a life.

I would say flush what you have (peeps on here have done it, it's a flushing party!) Do you realize that if you start now than by december 1st you will be through the acute wds and feeling better.  It can be OVER if you just start. I think, building it up and dreading and planning is worse.

Don't disappear! Stay close and let us know your progress.

[hockeyguy83]

I'm still here. I've been reading up and have decided that my jump off date will be December 1st. Trying to figure out how to prepare for it, and to be honest I'm scared to death. I've cut off my connections and will be out by then, so I guess there is no turning back now. Is there anything I can do now to help get ready for what is to come?

[gnarly_1]

Hey Dude  where did you go??? you still with us??  please go threw with this is will be the best decision of your life...........Gnarly

[evil379]

I second everything that gnarly said. I'm 15 days out and my personal experience is that the anxiety of going off of them was worse than the anxiety I've felt since I've been off. For me knowledge was everything. I read a lot here about everything everyone else went thru, so I knew what to expect and that it would end. When I felt something, and knew why I was feeling it, it seemed to take the anxiety of it away. Everyone's experiences are different, but if you take everyone's advice you'll be covered. For me the biggest thing was keeping myself hydrated, and forcing myself to take walks. The first couple of days I was exhausted, but I could feel a huge difference when I would make myself get up and take a walk outside.

[amanda419]

Hello. I have been on vics and perks for 3+ years. The last 3 years I had cancer and needed them. But I knew I was taking to much then I should because they weren't helping so much. I looked on here and all over the internet what will help my w/d a little better . There is a Thomas Recipe online . Also there is a couple medicines that have vitamins in them out there that help. I found something called Elimidrol . It has helped me be clean for 11 days . They have some kind of financial assistance also which helped out a lot. Just keep your time occupied because if you get bored you think a lot of stuff.

[gnarly_1]

Hi and welcome to the forum..congrats on the first step   deciding to take your life back....we do in home detoxes every day here so there will be plenty of support  b/4 your sick get out and stock up on ez to prepare meals  get a case of gatoraid your going to need to force the fluids  rent a bunch of movies  most people dont sleep  pick up some epsom salt for the bath a hot soak goes a long way in reliving the symptoms  this is 1/3 phyical and 2/3 mental to be ready to fight it out on both fronts ... the biggest thing you can bring to the table is a positive attitude it makes the difference between being uncomfortable and suffering suffering is a choice...I have said this a million times''but you just got to be ok without being ok for a wile''  keep posting for support most of us have been where your at ... try not to let fear into the equation  it is always worst in our minds then it turns out to be  also get ride of all the pills in the house  when your in the jaws of it the temptation will overcome you  we all look forward to helping you  may God be with you..........Gnarly