the best way to stop using

[jelissa]

is the best way to stop using is to go cold turkey?

[Back2Me]

In my opinion (and I unfortunately have a TON of experience with this now) is NO. I used to think it was and have done it several times but I can tell you for me it's just too brutal. I just recently went from a month binge and got up to around 50-60 mg OC and throw in 6 or so vicodins or percs with that and that was where I was at last week. I took this weekend and cut off the OC completely and took only the vicodins I had left once per day. Now it still SUKS, and it was by no means a fun weeken but by using the vicodins once per day I got through the worse of it this weekend and have been working all week at around 15mg of Vicodin per day and not really feeling too awful like i did fri sat and sun. I did not miss work and I am on such a low dose now that jumping will be no problem when I run out. . I may have a little rebound wd but nothing like what CT would have done to me. To me CT just really is too much of a shock to the system. Like I said i used to only do CT but not anymore. It's just way too hard on my system. I am down for over a week and usually I don't feel good up to about a month that way. This way it is still terrible but tolerable. And the whole bouncing back thing takes WAY less time for me this way. My last WD the day after my last taper dose I was in the gym working out (and I'm 40). Cold turkey no WAY would I have bounded back that quickly. So I personally from experience would say no to CT.

[IwillDoThis]

It totally depends on what you were on, how much and your own issues.  I tapered down my meds then stopped over a two weeks time, many others just stopped cold turkey but some meds can be dangerous to stop that way.  Also many say because they were abusing they just didn't have the mental fortitude to taper - if they had pills they were eating pills.  It would be helpful if you give a little intro about what you are taking, how long and then members can come on and give you a better idea.

Stopping by here is a great first step and just know whatever your situation there is a way out, you CAN stop.  I did, I'm 58 days clean today!

[SuperRickHenry]

No.. Depends on how much and what you were on? I got help for withdrawal.  I wasn't doin good and it wasn't safe for me... Fluids Alot, Exceersize and talk to people.  Don' t seclude.  Stay busy but I think some Ativan will help unless you are a benzo addict.... Much Care your way......