best method for tapering off oxy's

[fiveyearoxymoron]

I have never posted anything before now. I have nosed around sights like this for awhile now, but never acting. I am a 49 year old husband , and father that has been through 3 back surgeries, and a rotator cuff surgery. I started using pain meds for these. I continue to have chronic back pain but the meds no longer work. I have to admit that I have abused oxy now for several years exceeding my recommended dosage by 3 and sometimes 4 times the amount prescribed to me for my pain. I have taken as much as 600 mg daily. No that is not a typo. I am ashamed and have become consumed by this drug. My sex drive is gone, and I no longer even feel like the person I once was. I have felt like I am slowly dying for quite some time. I just recently told my wife that I want off this drug.  She is not aware that I have misused my meds to the extent I have mentioned. It has been 5 years since I started using oxy and have taken tons of other prescribed meds including fentanyl oxycontin morphine diladid and methadone. I have said numerous times that I would quit and never have. I have come to hate oxy as I feel it has consumed me. I have made it down to 240 mg (120 twice daily) but it seems I go thru major withdrawals at night. I REALLY want to get off this and get at least some of my life back. I have a 5 year old daughter who depends on me as well as a wife who wants her husband back. I have never made it more than 26 hours without oxy for more than 4 years. I am way too scared to go cold turkey. How can I taper more effectively?

[Ladykonnie]

Welcome to the forum! Be honest with yourself and talk to your doctor. There is no other way around it. He/she will give you the best tapering advise. Much love sent your way

[mamaof4410]

Have to agree with OxyTired.  The only person that can put in the work is you. Talk to your dr and be honest. A lot of people become dependent on these medications and before the know it they have addictive tendencies. It happens. Nothing to be ashamed of. My pain med use led to heroin use. I never thought id be that person. Im not ashamed. But people assume im a bad person because i used. Were normal people with normal problems and most of us have a jacked up past. After care is crucial. I see a drug counselor 3 times a week. I tried NA but the guys made me uncomfortable. This works for me. I tried I dont know how many times to get clean on my own and failed. Started using again within 2 days. This is the longest I have ever been clean 70 days. And without the support of my husband and my family id still be using.
I never tried tapering but id say get the help of a dr. Best of luck to you and your recovery. This forum does wonders!

[mamaof4410]

Have to agree with OxyTired.  The only person that can put in the work is you. Talk to your dr and be honest. A lot of people become dependent on these medications and before the know it they have addictive tendencies. It happens. Nothing to be ashamed of. My pain med use led to heroin use. I never thought id be that person. Im not ashamed. But people assume im a bad person because i used. Were normal people with normal problems and most of us have a jacked up past. After care is crucial. I see a drug counselor 3 times a week. I tried NA but the guys made me uncomfortable. This works for me. I tried I dont know how many times to get clean on my own and failed. Started using again within 2 days. This is the longest I have ever been clean 70 days. And without the support of my husband and my family id still be using.
I never tried tapering but id say get the help of a dr. Best of luck to you and your recovery. This forum does wonders!

[OxyTired]

These meds will put you in a tough spot. With your body used the high dosages over a long period, ideally a knowledgeable doctor might be a good option.
Letting your spouse know exactly what is going on can really help. My wife was very understanding and became a very supportive ally.  If your doctor chooses to do a taper, she or some other very trusted person holding the pills helps saying true to the taper, and not taking, "just one more, just this one time."
Sadly, there is no escaping the physical and mental battle, but it is doable. I became a major reader of this forum.
Consider all options-addiction counseling, AA or NA. People here will tell you that aftercare is a must.
Wanting to be willing to go to any lengths is what you need to be willing to do, every minute, hour, day, week...
For me, I am still taking each day, "One day at a time." And I know I am not "Cured" but I was clean today, and at 10 months free of Oxycodone, every day is a blessing, and I learn something new each day that makes my program just a little stronger.
As they say, keep coming back.