Need help detoxing perc addiction 1.5 years use

[beforeitstoolate]

I have been taking perc 30 mg for 15 months and I need to stop now! I can't deal with these little pills running my life! I have tried to stop a couple times but can't handle it after the 2nd or 3rd day. I have 1 8mg subutex I'm hoping will help me this time but I'm not sure how to start. I have been tapering down on the percs so I'm not getting buzzed off them at all but I still need at least 4 / 120 mg a day. I've seen posts saying to ask my Dr for drugs for rls which is one of my worst wd that I can't stand and other drugs for some of the other wd but can I just go to my pcp for this? What happens if my ins gets involved? I looked into a clinic but they recommend methadone for a minimum of 90 days and I don't want that! I want to stop now mot get addicted to something else! Please help any advice is appreciated. Thank you!

[bgee934]

A related discussion, help for perscription addiction to perocet was started.

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

It is difficult to quit on your own, but with commitment and dedication it is possible. I have dealt with hundreds of addicts who have all told me horror stories of doing it by themselves.  I would only guess that if are successful in doing it at home you don't end up in my clinic.
Just in case you are curious, it takes us three to four days to detox a patient and get him/her back home drug free and feeling well on Naltrexone therapy (no opiates).
Tapering down slowly is the best way, but you may still experience withdrawals. Tapering means gradually increasing time periods between doses and also decreasing the dose itself in a consistent manner.
See if your doctor can write you a prescription for some Requip for restlessness, Neurontin for anxiety and malaise, some Flexeril or Soma for a few weeks for muscle spasms and maybe some Seroquel low dose, for sleep, and Clonidine for the creepy-crawly feeling and control of blood pressure variations. It will make your withdrawals easier.  Valerian and Magnesium is sometimes helpful remedies over the counter.
The residual symptoms of insomnia and depression can last another few months. Thus, it is not easy, but it gets better and better over time and you can look forward to a drug free healthy energetic you in the future. When you take opiates for a long time like you have, your body's physiology has been altered. Your central nervous system has created a multitude of opioid receptors that all are screaming for endorphins (opiates) to fill them, but your body has now forgotten how to make them by itself.  It will take time - two to four weeks at least, for your receptors to down-regulate (for the brain begin to heal) and to start making its own endorphins. Brain heals pretty slowly, so it may take you as long as a couple of months to get rid of feelings of sluggishness, restlessness and depression. The best thing you can do is take good care of yourself, eat healthy food, stay hydrated, keep active and busy. Stay away from sugar, soda, and simple carbs. Do not consume caffeine at least 6 hours prior to bedtime.
Take a look at my blogs about options for detox and recovery. You may also take a look at my clinic website where I also have my blogs and a lot of other info about drug addiction and recovery. Look especially into the blog and the info on Naltrexone therapy after getting clean. It really improves your chances of staying clean for good by cutting down your physical cravings. Look into my clinic website as well. All this can be done by clicking on my name in blue. Good luck and feel good.