accupuncture to treat pain killer addiciton?

[red6369]

Can someone please give a suggestion of the best way to break free of a vicodin addiction,  without going to rehab?  I have now been taking Vicodin for 3 years now and I am soo tired.  I am now taking 15 to 20 10 mg vicodins per day.  I've tried to taper off but that hasn't worked.  I've tried cold turkey, but that doesn't work.  Has anyone ever heard of accupuncture to treat addiction?

[lostmarbles]

Gosh NO - the patient will have to pay for that for themselves !! I don't think it's safe either. When the patient wakes up they need to be helped to walk and sit etc.... if you can imagine it, all your muscles have stopped 'working' and so they seize up... it's a bit like being in a coma!! marbles xoxoxox

[Firefaery1023]

I didn't realize you lived in England.  Wow I didn't know they kept you out for a week, that doesn't sound safe to me at all.  I doubt that health insurance helps pay for it either.  

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

I've done tai chi and cho gong for back pains and the Bowen Method....have been told by easterners that accupuncture isnt an effective method of dealing with opium problems. There are probably other opinions. You need someone to hold the pills and release a taper dose for you to take - you can do it. And cold turkey does work! It isnt fun and it isnt easy...you may pray to die at some point - but it wont kill you. What are 4-7 days in the grand scheme of things? Last resort would most likely be buprenorphine (sub) for awhile - dont even think of methadone.....its some bad stuff - worse w/d's than hydro's; good luck to you. There are people here on this forum to help and advise and listen, use it. Also look uo the Thomas Recipe on forum and take it to heart

[lostmarbles]

I know about that too... it takes a week and it costs in the region of 7,000 pounds here in England - $14,000. Basically the patient is 'out' for a whole week and they pump you full of vits and everything else your body needs.. there's an IV drip to give you fluids, protein etc...they also fit you with a cathetar to pee in and a colostomy bag for the other... it's all a bit weird to me !!! I'd much rather feel the w/d's frankly - a reminder of doing meds is totally shite !!! xoxoxox marbles

[Firefaery1023]

I have to agree with lost, there is no easy way to come off of the drugs.  You are going to have to just grin it and bare it, I am sorry to have to say that.  I wish there was an easy way but there isn't.  Actually I have read a little bit about that detoxing while under anesthesia and that sounds like it would be easy.  I am sure that it is really expensive though and I have heard some bad things about it though.  I wish you luck.

[lostmarbles]

my DOC was different to yours but addiction is addiction. There is no miracle, easy, pain free way to get through it. You have to taper/c/t/w/d.... you go through a few days of **** and then you start living again, feeling again, breathing again, med free.... whatever you have to go through to get there, I and so many other people will tell you that it's alot better than taking the meds. I wish you well and lots of luck and hope you can get through the bad to get to the good xoxoxox.