percocet/oxy abuser

[sick247]

I am 25. My doctor put me on percocet and oxycodone a year ago for a back disease I have.  He currently gives me 100 percocets 10mgs a month as well as 60 oxycodone's 40 mgs.  I get the percocet for two weeks (which I finish within 14 days) then the oxyocodone for two weeks and replay every month.  I take anywhere from 12-15 percocet a day or 120 mgs of the oxycodone.  I want to stop completely asap!  I have been reading up on how to go about stopping while trying to avoid withdrawal symptoms as much as possible.  I have a 2 year old at home as well as a full time job that I can not afford to miss.  Some people are saying it is best to cut down day by day until your done and deal with the symptoms.  Others are saying to go straight to suboxen (sp) but only for 1-2 weeks no longer because you can get addicted to them as well as that withdrawal is even worse!  Most people are saying my best bet is to cut down day by day then go to suboxen for a week, no longer, than deal with the worst of the symptoms.  Like I said I don't have the choice to lay around and be sick.  The show must go on with me feeling sick or not.  Can anyone give me some advice on what to do?  I really, really want to stop and I know if I put it off I will never get to the end!

[DeeDee694]

Hi,
I've been on Percocet for years - osteoarthritis and had total knee (both) knee replacement in August 2007. I developed MRSA post op and have had 5 knee surgeries within 3 years to get rid of the infection.  About 6 months ago I started on Dilaudid 8mg every 6 hours because the percs were no longer sufficient.  Now I want to go through withdrawal after I've had which I hope will be my last knee surgery next week. I'm also taking MS CONTIN  30 mg every 12 hours for breakthru pain.  Do I sound like someone who definitely needs to go to a rehab center or do you think I can do this by myself?  My MD thinks I can do it and is willing to help me. But, my sister who is an attorney thinks rehab is the best route and she doesn't trust my doctor.  Any suggestions?

[sick247]

no I have decided to try the suboxen for 4-5 days then stop completely no later than next Friday that way I give myself Saturday and Sunday of next weekend to try and face the worst of the WD symptoms (hopefully!!)   I would need to get my script refilled and I don't want to have that around my house although I know my boyfriend will hide them probably even outside of the house so I couldn't find them but I don't want to do that to him or myself!  Thanks for your advice and I will definetly be sticking around for some motivation over the next few months =)

I am just hoping I am not going to be really, really sick for a long time!

[IBKleen]

When I said that you could taper I specifically stated that you would need someone to hide them from you and dose you. I KNOW you can't do that alone. I don't know anyone who could.

So if you have someone you trust to help you and you have enough of the scripts left, would you be considering that route? If so, there are members here who can help you with a plan.

I wish you luck and hope you get to the other side. Stick around. There are good folks here to help you every step of the way.

[sick247]

no i know i am an addict thats not the question. maybe i should restate that and say at that time i didn't have an addictive personality times have changed i guess.

[GA Guy]

You say in your title that you're a percocet/oxy abuser. You also say when you were 21 you had a problem with Oxycodone. Then, you stated that "I do not have an addictive personality at all but I am sure after all this time and all the mg's I will experience the rath of withdrawal!" Just wondering...do you think you're an addict?

[sick247]

I do have enought to taper off and I would not trust myself with the prescription in my hands ever!  As much as I would like to sit here and say I could trust myself I know I can't.  I want this more than I have ever wanted anything in my life!  When I was 21 I used to have a problem with oxycodone.  Did them for months and when I stopped nothing happened at all.  I do not have an addictive personality at all but I am sure after all this time and all the mg's I will experience the rath of withdrawal!  I never claimed I couldn't go cold turkey but I do have a child and full time job that I must attend to every day.  Calling in "sick" is not an option for me.  My job is very demanding and I have a valuable role here which unfortunately entitles me to be here Monday through Friday no questions asked!  Just trying to see what people will recommend before I make my decision.  Thanks for your input.. very helpful!

[leeisgettingclean]

you have a really good way  with words, just thought i would say : )

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome,

There is no way to avoid the withdrawal process completely at the level you were at. It is a matter of "Do you want to pull the band aid off slow or fast"?

You can do a taper but know that it is difficult at best. Maybe 1% of the addicts I have met in my life have tapered successfully. You will need to have someone hide the meds from you and dose them out. You WILL feel the withdrawal as you lower your dose. So unless you plan a six month taper, let's say, you are going to go through withdrawal.

I used Suboxone to detox my last time due to other health problems and stayed on it for 16 days. I was successful with it. That being said, I do not necessarily recommend it. It is tricky and it is a **** shoot to get on and get off. I count myself lucky and trust me, it was just that.

So, since you claim you can't go ct, I guess tapering would be the way to go. Do you have enough of your prescription(s) that you could begin a taper?