Vicodin addiction problems

[HawaiianGoddess]

I realized I had a problem with Vicodin addiction when my child's welfare was in jeopardy.  I had a cesaeran and the Dr perscribed them to me, I saved some then I started taking them for any pain I had, then I was simply just abusing it.  I was forced into treatment but it's hard because everyone in the center are addicts to crack cocaccine and marajuana and they do not understand my addiction.  I am going into detox tomarrow and the the last time I took one was this morning about 8 am.  My question is even though I have cut down a lot...I went from 10- 15 pills a day to about 5, What are the things I can expect to happen during this detox, How long will they have me there and what are they going to do to me?  How painful is this event going to be?  Please help me out if you have any previous experiences in this. Thanks in advance.

[SNAFUED]

When I lived in Hawaii and caught encephalitis, I lost everything, house, biz, wife, everything and I had a nervous breakdown. My doctor wanted me in regular hospital. Queens on Oahu is top notch. But of course, my insurance would only allow me into the psyche ward. I went with the option I could change my mind. I ended up living with 90% people who were detoxing. My roommate had a 5 gram a day heroin addiction and I did not even drink. I cant remember the name but it was in the center of Oahu. I lived in Kona. I found although I did not get th rest or the counseling I needed, I did get a sort of break. I also found the people to be people just like us. My roomate drove my insane the first three nights. They made him go cold turkey and it was heart wrenching to watch. But, when he got better, we became friends. I played guitar for many pf the people there. Some were just having other mental issues. Again, they were all just people with problems once you got past the illness of drug addiction. At the time I thought it was a hell hole. Then I visited a friend here at the Psyche ward which is like prison for people with problems. No help, cold cement walls. No reading material. It was hell. So if you do get forced into a ward. Find the center in the middle of the island of Oahu. get absolute assurance you go to the non violent side. The other side is hell. I refused to go until they called my doctor and he explained to them my situation and they put me on the proper side of the center. Its not great, but if you have no the options, its the best choice in Hawaii. I am sorry I do not remember the name. Most docs should know the place. The staff is nice. Its safe on the right side.
The food is good, and they have lots of things to keep you busy. Do not allow yourself to be put on the wrong side for drug withdrawal. Sit in the lobby till they reach your doctor. I met artists, musicians, and generally nice people. Good luck and i wish I had thought of this earlier. Peace! T

[SNAFUED]

Hi,
It can cause your appetite to be suppressed or general nausea as well as constipation. The nausea or general lack of appetite can of course lead to weight loss. But if your loosing allot of weight fast, and its not water weight. You should tell your doc.
For most, this stuff will subside. I don't think its a great medicine, but everyone is different and I don't judge because I know what extreme pain can do. There are different versions. Extra Strength Vicodin has too much Tylenol in it and even 3-4 pills puts you right at the max your system should be able to handle. So they came out with others, NARCO which is even stronger but less Tylenol. and generics of both in a few strengths but all with 325 mgs of tylenol or 500 along with the narcotic. If yours only has 325 mgs of Tylenol. You might want to try taking one and 500 mgs more of straight Tylenol. I say this as often the relief of pain is more from the anti inflammatory properties of the Tylenol than the narcotic in Vicodin. Its just a thought. It can also cause you to become a bit edgy or cranky. So if you find yourself arguing more often, just realize it may be the meds. That too can subside.  I hope this is a temp pain, and that you have  pain free days ahead of you. If its chronic pain I highly recommend trying some other meds, a pain clinic or a pain specialist.  Its a short in short out type medicine for most people, or breakaway for others. Meaning they use it when the other stuff doesn't and your having a flare up.

Hope this helps a little.

Peace
Tim

[SNAFUED]

Good luck and I agree I hope its a medical facility. The biggest problem with that amount of Vicodin, is the amount of Tylenol your body was absorbing is far past the amount that can damage your liver. Have it checked.  I am a chronic severe pain patient, but I did not use my medicine to get high, and now take no narcotics. I did for ten years. I was able to get off MUCH stronger meds with the proper medicine to keep the physical withdrawal at bay. The worst part will last three to five days. The Psychological part is another issue you need to address continually for some time. You can do it! Your admitting to the problem is the most important step.  Good luck! Think about your kids and you will do it. Peace be with you.
T
I wish you the best.

[auraea]

I have been taking vicodin for 3-4 months daily.  I am taking 3-4 pills each evening.  My question is do these pills cause weight loss or appetite suppression or both?

[mimi3535]

Good Luck with your detox?  You are not alone with the addiction problem.  You start off in real pain, and then next thing you know yoiu are hooked. Where are you going to detox? Are you in Hawaii?  I'm from Oahu, but for the past 2 years we have been in Vegas. Vicodin withdrawal are like heroin withdrawals. If you go cold turkey off the vicodin then you will most likely feel increase in your pain.  This is not pain from anything that is wrong with you other than withdrawal pains.    You might feel very edgy, restless, difficulty sleeping, and diarrhea. BUT I MUST STRESS TO YOU.....YOU WILL NOT DIE!  You may feel like your dying but you won't.  Once your off the stuff don't use again because you'll be hooked all over again.  I have chronic pain and have been battling with the Vicodin/percodan addiction thing for years.  I am finally off the stuff and I feel so much better. I still have pain, but nothing like it was while I was taking the stuff.  THe problem with the narcotics is that if your body becomes addicted then when its time to take another pill you start to have increased pain.  BUT THE PAIN IN WITHDRAWAL PAIN.  If you are planning to detox in Hawaii I'd be intersted in where you are going.  I never knew there was a detox cneter in Hawaii.

[mamacath]

I hope you are going to a detox center that is a medical facility.  They will be able to wean you off the vicodin while adding another, less toxic drug to abate the withdrawal symptoms.  This is a major change in lifestle, and the detox/rehab period can be days to weeks to months, depending on how you and your body handle it.  I wish you blessings, and hope you will let us know how you are doing.