what makes it so

[freefallingsj]

As I've posted i'm tappering off vicodine 1/2 pill a week and I am having cravings that drive me nuts.  But for 5 years (gradual increase of meds 1 per year)  I took my first dose between 4-5 am and last at 2pm never later.  In all those years I never craved the meds from 2pm to 5pm. and still don't but during the day it's different, why?

[freefallingsj]

Sorry my mistype I meant to say that I am tappering down from 5, 1/2 pill at a time.  I never have cravings from 2pm to 5 am (not pm as posted).  I know I'm sleeping most of that time but even when I wake during the night I have no "need" for the med.

Thanks

[J T Junig, MD PhD]

I don't know if I am missing something, but you say that you take vicodin at 4-5 AM and at 2 PM... since it lasts about 3-4 hours, I would expect the cravings to be at their least between 5-8 AM and between 2-5 PM, which is about what you are describing, no?

Beyond that, there are many things that go into cravings-- chemical things like the daily cortisol cycle, and behavioral things, particularly boredom.  People in relapse prevention programs are familiar with the mnemonic 'HALT' in regard to triggers for cravings:  hungry, angry, lonely, and tired.  I always add 'bored' into the mix, but have yet to figure out a word with that letter included!  HATLAB?

[NautyOne]

That's how it was for me.  I only took them at night.  2 in the early evening for about 3 years, and that was it.  I am a night person and they seem to make the night more interesting.  You are probably a morning person?.......so, you get that umph!  that gets you thru the morning like that first cup of coffee to others.  

Get out now before it gets worse.  If you are "craving" then run like he!!.....seriously get out now because it will get worse......I say this with certainty. ...

Nauty...........