vicodin withdraw help

[elleohelle86]

Alright here it goes. My husband deployed around 8 months ago, shortly after he left I started vicodin and percocet, 5-8 a day on average. Not really sure why other than the high numbed the lonley feeling I constantly had. Anyway, he just got home. I never felt like the drugs were an addiction and assumed I could stop whenever. Today I flushed my stash mostly because I tried to stop taking them a few days ago and got really really irritable,then realizing I was dependant, decided I don't to live like that. Also because I'm ashamed and embarrassed. My husband is so great, a freaking war hero (been to afghan 3 times) and here I am a pill head, I feel disgusted in myself that I let this happen without realizing it. Today is my first full day without any narcotics, (approx 24 hours was my last perc) I'm experiencing mild withdraw symptoms, achy legs being the worst right now and feverish feeling in my head but freezing cold everywhere else, headaches, and tremendous irritation. Question is, will this get worse and what else can I expect? I'm not looking back, stash is gone, I WILL NOT GO BACK TO THE PILLS I refuse, I've made up my mind and in this for the long haul, just really want to know what's in store for me and how long this will go on for. I don't want to be all pissy with my hubby, he doesn't deserve that, and doesn't understand why I'm so snappy, when I should be extremely happy and loving like I was during previous deployment homecomings.

[lulu747]

Hi Elie...
Just so you know everything you are experiencing is 'normal' for detox...GOOD FOR YOU for telling your husband...Honesty goes a long way towards recovery.  I forgot to mention-take a double dose of Immodium if you have to...Keep pushing fluids and hang on.  Hot baths with epsom salts for all the other aches and restlessness.  I would strongly caution you to ONLY take the Unisom at night when you are at the end of what you can deal with awake.  Your body will give in and sleep when it needs to.  The anger is coming up because the pills have numbed your feelings for the past eight months...
Trust me when I say...self-flagellation is futile right now and only takes energy that would be better used being kind to yourself and working towards recovery.  Be proud of yourself for your brave choice...Lord knows it is not easy.  Scream if you need to....Move your body as much as you can....

Have you cut off all access to pills?  This is very important.  You need to set yourself up for success.

Hydrate.  Take deep breaths....Post as much as you need to....Proud of you...Lu

[elleohelle86]

Thank you. I did end up telling my husband last night. He seemed a little angry but more shocked than anything. After a few hours he calmed down and is now being supportive. As far as the strength of the pills I really have no idea as stupid and ridiculous as that sounds. It was whatever I could get my hands on and if I didn't feel a good high I would just take more until I did. I'm a little appalled at myself for never thinking to look or ask, and it honestly never crossed my mind until I read the above post. My husband is going to go out and get me the vitamins and gatorade today as I can't seem to drag myself away from the bathroom for more than 15 minutes. No vomiting, but well u know. To compare it to the flu is almost spot on just more intense. My legs and neck muscles are aching so bad, hot and cold flashes, headache probably from dehydration, I'm so damn angry too. I know I have no reason to be but its like this crazy anger I can't control, I've been screaming into my pillow to release some of it. No anxiety yet unless you count the craving to just pop a couple pills. I will say tho last night I was sure I was dying my body hurt and I mean HURT, my stomach wouldn't settle I was sweating then freezing, shakey, my mind was going crazy. Tonight I'm taking a unisom. I'm half tempted to take them all day and night to sleep this week away but I know I can't. I feel like this experience is what's going to keep me from ever taking percs and vics again so I will tough it out. Thank you all so very much, I can't tell you how grateful I am to have support from those who know what it feels like.

[lulu747]

Hi and Welcome...

You are speaking loud and clear that you want these pills out of your life..and I commend you for that.  You are not weak and I know the disgusted with yourself feeling...but honestly?  It happens to the best of us...You are human.  You wanting to put down the pills and get your life back for your husband is strong incentive...But ultimately you need to do it for yourself.

First step-get through detox...And yes-I would strongly suggest telling your husband as you need support...and he will understand this...
Kyle gave you some good advice with the vitamins and supplements.  Look up the Thomas Recipe in the health pages...You can do it without the valium.  If you go into this with a positive attitude and see it as reclaiming your life-it will be much easier...Tell yourself you have a really bad flu and hang onto whatever you can...The physical w/d last about 4-7 days depending on amount/duration of use...A bad flu.  Immodium for the tummy, eat small amounts whenever you can (crackers, toast, soup, BANANAS)  You're body needs nutrition so take in what you can.  Gatorade, herbal teas, apple juice...HYDRATE.  I can't stress this enough...HYDRATE.  Hot baths with epsom salts for the restless legs and pain...

There are many kind and compassionate and knowledgeable people on this forum so use it as much as you need...Day or night.
Most importantly-know that you can do this and be kind to yourself...Take a deep breath....The only way out is through....Sending support....Lu

[rmrobbie11]

Hello. First congratulations for wanting to take your life back. I recently made the same decision and am now on day 11 clean. I was taking vicodin 7.5 about 3 times a day sometimes 4 times a day. I know this doesn't sound like a lot, but the first withdrawal I went through 2 months ago felt like I had a 15 pill a day habit. Obviously I relapsed partially because I didn't know what to expect as I had never experienced withdrawal before. I also assumed that I wouldn't have it because I wasn't abusing them and always took them the way they were prescribed. Unfortunately that went for 5 months and that's where I got addicted to them. Like I said I'm on day 11 and my physical withdrawal wasn't bad this time because I tapered down. My psychological symptoms have persisted. Anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia and mood swings. I can't say as to how long this will last because I am still going through it as we speak. But I can say you shouldn't  do it alone. You have to tell your husband. Just sit him down and tell him everything. You will most likely get upset with him again and he won't know why. He will understand. My husband is the best friend I've ever had. He has been with me through all of this an put up with so much. I don't know what I would do without him. I wouldn't be able to do this, that's for sure. You have to tell him because the withdrawal is gonna get worse before it gets better. It will get better. That's all you need to keep saying to yourself. It WILL get better.

[kyle505]

Welcome. So, you were taking a mixture - how strong, i.e., I'm in day eight of cold turkey withdrawal from Norco 10s, same as strong Vicodin. Usually the strength of the meds and the duration of abuse, plus I believe, the age of the abuser, all come in to play. Generally, the first four or five days are the ones that will test you, over and over. Day one is usually ok, but strap in. You may, I stress MAY, because we are all different, have cramping, diarrhea, shakes, restless legs, sweats, loss of appetite, mild depression and anxiety, etc. There are things that you can do to help, such as Gatorade, Vit B12, B6, OTC sleeping aids. Because I'm new here I don't feel comfortable giving you direction; the things I've listed worked well for me. What you need to do is READ these posts. Find someone with a similar addiction, see what they did / are doing. Soon the great people on this site will start responding. You've got an an interesting few days ahead of you. Keep posting...Let us know how you're doing.