How to Deal With Post-Withdrawal Depression
Although I would classify acute-withdrawal as the worst part of opiate detox, the post-withdrawal depression is a close second…it’s HORRIBLE! I remember every time my main “kick” was over, and as soon as I thought I was in the clear, I would get slammed with the worst depression ever. It was bad enough to make me want to go back to the drugs.
In my previous post I write about PAWS and the symptoms associated with it, one of which being depression. I wanted to dedicate an entire post to just this subject, because it’s been the reason for many a relapse episodes for me. It’s so hard to struggle with 7-14 days of hardcore withdrawal only to feel like an empty, unhappy soul once all the physical stuff is over. It’s like you’ve just went through the battle of your life, and right when you’re starting to feel regular again, you’re thrown right back in, but in a completely different way. It can be very discouraging.
Throughout the years I learned a few things that helped me get through the depression which was at times suicidal. But a word of caution before I continue; Suicidal-depression is no joke. It’s a darkness that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone, and to this day I’m amazed at how I made it through some of the bouts that I did. I urge you get help immediately if you or a loved one is seriously contemplating suicide. For some it’s just a fleeting thought, but for others it’s the real deal. Don’t risk it.
Levels of depression can vary from person to person, but I’ve noticed that I’ve been able to fight off any level with just a few simple things.
#1: Get Yourself Around Some People.
I can’t stress this enough. Don’t EVER stay by yourself when dealing with depression. That is why 12-step programs work for some folks, it’s because you have somewhere to go when you’re feeling down. It’s amazing how other people’s positive energy can rub off on you in a miraculous way. I’ve had many a times when I’ve been ready to either call it quits (in life), or jump ship and go back to popping pills, but before I start whaling in my sorrows, I call a few of my most outrageous buddies and we go do something loud, fun and crazy (without drugs). Before I know it, I’m wondering what the hell I was all down for. This single act alone can be enough to pull you out of the madness, but the hardest part is actually doing it. When we’re depressed, all we want to do is lock ourselves in a dark room so we can feel sorry for ourselves. It’s masochistic in a way, yet the best prescription for being in the shitter, is the one thing we do not want to do. Force yourself! Your life may depend on it.
#2: Exercise.
I know I talk about this quite a bit, but only because it works. Exercise releases endorphins that are very similar to the drugs we’re trying to get clean from, so when you get a nice run or weight routine going, you’ll feel much better. There have been times when I’ve worked out three times in one day just to power through some God awful depression. Mix that with a good night out with some friends, and I guarantee you’ll be a different person by the time your head hits that pillow.
#3: Pray or Meditate.
This can be one of the most powerful tools in battling depression, but I’ve found that for me it’s also the most difficult. It is so hard for me to kneel and pray when I feel like crap. I’ve tried to make myself do it, but I’ve noticed that I’ll give up rather quickly. It’s much easier for me to force myself into calling a few friends to hang out, then to pray all by myself. But the funny thing is that when I do go out with my buddies, and then I come back home, I find myself very grateful and thanking God for the rest of the night. If you’re religious/spiritual, you can always call your friends and pray or meditate together.
#4: Get Professional Help.
I’ve personally never been to a therapist for my depression. My close friends and relatives are all the therapy I need to get out of my slump, but I understand that those kinds of relationships might be scarce for some of you. So, I don’t see anything wrong with having a therapist to talk to when you’re down. Although I do recommend you find the right one. It might take you a few tries, but there will always be a professional out there that matches your personality.
A Note about Antidepressants.
I’m very reluctant to suggest that you obtain any antidepressant drugs to deal with your depression. I think that most antidepressants can do much more harm than good. I’ve heard many stories about individuals who commit suicide because they were on some sort of antidepressants, and because of their substance abusing past, they end up mixing their prescription with alcohol or some other drug. That’s just a recipe for disaster. However, I am a big advocate of doing what works best for you. So, please do your own research if you or your Doctor decide that you should get on some pills. BE CAREFUL.
I hope this post helps any of you dealing with post-withdrawal depression right now. I’d also love to hear your ways of dealing with it as well.
42 comments
Thank you so much, your information was very helpful. I am the Mother of a son who is trying to get off vicodin addiction. I do not know what I am supposed to look for, nor what to do to help him. He is smoking pot to get off the vicodin. Does that help?? I can use any suggestion you have and thank you for this site!
Jerri,
Anything that can ease the pain of withdrawal helps, so the marijuana is probably helping him, but it’s definitely not the solution. When we’re going through detox, we only care about feeling better, so we self-medicate. Sometimes we get so desperate that we’ll try anything to get some relief, so it’s a tight rope that we walk when trying to self-detox. If he can stick with the marijuana, then he should be fine in a few days.
How long has he been using? Has he gone back to the drug after getting clean more often than not? These are questions that you should be asking yourself, because that way you can figure out what to do once he’s gotten that stuff out of his system. You might not know the answers yourself, so try asking him as well. It’s really difficult to tell when someone is popping painkillers. It’s not as noticeable as some other drugs.
If you think that he has a serious problem, then I would try and setup some sort of intervention as soon as possible. Addiction is a very tricky thing. He won’t stop using until he makes that decision for himself. But, you might be able to help him along. Either with regular or a little tough love.
Hello I just had a question about PAWS. I’ve been taking painkillers for about 9 months mostly oxy. I would never go over an 80 a day my girlfriend and I would actally split every painkiller we got. My question is will we be hit with PAWS hard? Or does it not matter how much you do or how long. We have been clean four days tho!!!!!
Alex,
Your story sounds very similar to the Jeff post. I’m assuming it’s you again just using a different alias. PM if I’m wrong.
Getting in a hot tub is the best thing for PAW. Everyday, three or four times if you can. Sweating in a sauna is a good way to rebalance your body as well.
I have been wanting to stop taking pain pills for awhile now and always tell myself that i will when… and make up some excuse why I can’t right now. My husband knows that I take pain pills but not to the extent. He knows about my chronic back pain and can not see me in pain so doesn’t say anything to me. He recently stopped smoking cold turkey for us to have a healthier future and I am so proud of him and know that I can quit also. I decided to first try and lower the amount I take each day (dramatically not just minimally) and then set a date to stop completely. Has this worked for you or was it better for you to just stop? I have been taking them for 2 years now and don’t know the best way. I also how long did it take for you to get your energy back? I booked marked your page because after days of searching the web your blog is the only one that gave me hope. I really think I can do it. Thank you for your blog and your time. K.
Adam,
Although I can appreciate your hesitiation to suggest anti-depressants to people on this site, I am moved to counter that so that people don’t get the idea that they are “bad” or that a person is somehow “weak” for needing them. There are some of us who suffer from hardcore clinical depression, the kind that is hereditary and dangerous. I have been on a medium dose of SSRI’s for almost 12 years. They saved my life. People who suffer from suicidal tendencies are far better off working with their doctor to find a suitable antidepressant than in white knuckling the lowest of the lows and then perhaps attempting self-destruction. If you have never personally taken them, you should be careful with your comments. For every “horror story” you may have heard regarding antidepressants, there are just as many success stories and lives that have been saved. In addition, therapy comes in many forms. This site is a form of therapy as are 12 step programs. While you are correct in advising that a person be patient and find the right match in a therapist (as there certainly are some losers out there), once a solid match is made, an addict can get more information and delve into the core of what makes the addict tick in the first place. Taking the drugs (or over drinking, or abusing anything) is a symptom of much deeper, unresolved issues. All addicts have them. Getting therapy (individual/group) on an out or in-patient basis can make the difference between quitting over and over or for good. Therapy/education, anti-depressants, and self exploration with the help of a professional saved my life and changed my thinking for the better (although emotionally painful at many times). I would highly recommend it for individuals with repetitive abuse cycles, self -esteem issues, and chronic depression. “Fake it ’til you make it” doesn’t work if one never stops faking it. A blog like this is nice (some great, caring advise), but combined with professional help and/or 12 step programs and for those who need it, anti-depressants, breaking the cycle of addiction can be even more successful and a new life can shine true. Hang in there, people. You can do this and asking for help is NOT shameful!!
I am a substance abuse, chronic depression, chronic pain, trauma survivor!
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for the comment. I hope my post doesn’t come off as blacklisting anti-depressants across the board. To be honest, I don’t feel that it does, but if that’s what you got out of it, then maybe I should reword.
I personally suffer from serious depression, especially during the winter months, I have also taken SSRI’s before. I was on Zoloft for a few months, and although it did help with the low’s, it had some negative side effects as well. Side-effects that I wasn’t willing to deal with. That’s why I hope my readers will do what both you and I mention…their research.
Everyone is different, and yes clinical depression does exist. I also agree that, as the patient, it’s our responsibility to make sure we’re doing what’s best for us, and not what’s best for the pharmaceutical companies. As long as that criteria is met, then SSRI’s are fine by me.
I also hope that I didn’t make it seem like it’s either “shameful” or “weak” to be someone that uses anti-depressants. I do, however, believe that some level of effort should be put into trying to find alternative means besides drugs to treat our depression.
Adam,
Thanks for you thoughtful response. I think you and I are on the same page. I too, think that Docs write SSRI scrips like mad (and very, very often when not needed), but just wanted to clarify that sometimes they are life savers. In addition, not all SSRIs are created equal; I had to try 3 different until I found the one that I could live with. (Which you have addressed.)
This is a GREAT site. You do offer more assistance and hope to people who are withdrawing than any doctor does. Thanks so much for that!
BTW: I haven’t seen the drug Trazadone addressed by anyone on this site. They can be a great temporary sleep aid for a few weeks until a person begins to adjust.
Thanks again for your time, caring, and research!
been on vicodin for a little less than a year. stopped and its been a week and i feel not right still. wondering when i will feel normal and not inclined to get some more pills which work great for the bone spur pain but seem to take over…..how much longer..
Hi Ric, just out of curiosity how many pills/mg’s were you taking a day? I’ve been taking about 3-10mg’s a day for about two years. I haven’t stopped yet but I’m wondering what I’m in for when I do. I really never thought it was that serious, and a lot of people on this board were taking WAY more than what I’m taking, but I’ve still experienced w/d symptoms for a day or two before I restocked, and I have no idea what it will be like when I do stop. Maybe if you’re taking a comparable amount it will give me a clue.
i was taking 2 at a time 500mg vic 3 times a day for about 10 months. i was never in pain i can tell u that but there was never enough pills and i was getting looks from the doc and the pharm people and was always waitng for 6 hours to get the max effect of intox. felt lower than low for about two weeks but im starting to feel good again big time but now that i no i can do it the temp is there to get a refill cuz i no i can do it so thats my only prob now just sayin no and livin with the pain wich is constant but not deserving such powerfull meds.
Hi All,
My 30 year old daughter has just been released on bond for faking prescriptions for Vic.
She has a 2 year old son and a clueless boyfriend that has given her money to support her habit because he “loves” her.
This is her second offense. Her court date is next week.
She says that she wants to stop and is willing to get therapy for her addiction.
Can anyone relate? I was wondering about an intervention and/or rehab.
Any feedback would be most welcome.
Nancy,
I was arrested myself back in 99′ for altering a prescription. Drug diversion programs are available. I would highly recommend that you have her take that deal instead of the jail time. The fact that she’s been arrested might be intervention enough, I’m not sure, but at least the diversion program will give her the time she needs to reflect about what she’s doing to herself. It definitely helped me. I do admit that I didn’t agree with some of the treatment that went on, but at least it gave me enough clean time to really think about my situation. When a person is that deep into a drug, when it’s that chronic, it’s difficult to think rationally. She needs some clean time, and the threat of jail can help with that. Unless she’s not afraid of going to jail, then you’ll have to consider other options, like intervention.
I have been taking 1-2 vicodin about 5 days a week for 2 years. I have multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. That is not very much at all I realize. I don’t feel addicted, I can stop at any time which I have approx two weeks ago. I am not even wanting to take any. The problem is, I am so depressed and fatigued that it is debilitating. I do have illnesses that can cause this but could it be the vicodin withdrawl even though it was not taking more than 1-2 a day? I never thought I was addicted, I still don’t because I havn’t taken more and more like the “typical” addicts. But, can I be suffering withdrawl?
Mary,
I still believe that you are in fact experiencing withdrawal. There was a period in my life when I was only using the same amount 1-2 5mg hydrocodone for about a year, and when I stopped, I still felt pretty crummy. However, it was nothing compared to the other detoxes that I’ve been through. Both dose and duration matter. Even though you’ve only used a small amount, you’ve still been consistently substituting your own natural opiates with external ones, so your internal opioid system has probably suffered a bit. No biggie, you can get back on track quick. Can you exercise? Do it everyday. How about acupuncture? Try that. Since your dose was pretty low, it won’t take much to get back to normal.
I’m two weeks off vicodin and still feel like — well, you know. Was taking between 3-5/day for 6-7 years. I stopped only because I read about losing your natural pain endorphins, which I now see has been the case. All this time I convinced myself I needed them for pain. The worst pain lasted a few days. Now it’s intermittent. I have terrible cold type symptoms, fatigue, pain, and of course the emptiness and obsession that now makes me want to eat and take up smoking again. I’m wondering if the long duration of my use will play a part in how long it will take to recover and if there will be permanent effects.
Amy – I can’t really answer your question, but this is good info for me.
I am in the process of quitting now. Had 0 on Friday and Sat, then broke down and had one Sunday. The depression and anxiety are just crushing, and I am on an SSRI and buspar and still I’m finding it tough. So, yeah, I working with a psychiatrist, but still I just don’t know if I can do it. Right now it seems impossible, and I think the people on this board are incredible and so much tuffer than I am for going through their detox.
I hope you all don’t mind me joining the discussion…it’s hard to find “current” online support. I’m going thru my first (and hopefully only) detox. 14 months of use. i started with about 20mgs a day and ended at over 200mgs. (oxycodone) Yup that sencond number is two hundred. i’m young, married and have kids. my last use was 4s days ago. i didn’t think i’d make it thru the initial pain. for the first 20 days i thought i’d be in less pain if someone set me on fire! the physical pain is still horrible but i now i’m finding the mental pain is just as bad. SHMOE discribed it really good….crushing. i cant explain the pain of the depression associated w/withdrawal.
Stopping is not the same for everyone. some take longer than others. the severity of the pain is different. i’ve met ALOT of people going thru this. that has truely the best support i’ve found. Isolation is your biggest enemy. everyday i question my choice to stop using. i know i made the right decission but it’s very difficult to stay committed to that decision. i feel like i’m drowning; like there’s no air to breathe. i’m not sure what else to say. i’m afraid my story will scare someone out of quiting, but i also know there must be someone else out there with a similar story. i don’t know that it will get any better…but it can’t get any worse.
I have been taking vicodin for 5 months now, due to a shoulder injury and I am slowly reducing my mg. I am terrified of the detox. How long does it take? I read different things. SOme say 3-4 days and other say weeks. I guess I want to know, when will I feel good enough to get out of bed? I am already on meds for depression and have been for 8 yrs. DO you think that will help the depression?
Layla – I really think it’s an individual thing, But it does seem like most poeple are mostly recovered in a week after quitting. I have depressions/anxiety issues, which is why I started with vic in the first place. Now my doc has switched my meds again, trying to find a good working combo – and I am very hopeful that this will work. Currently I’m taking Cymbalta and buspar, still waiting for Cymbalta’s full effect but this is teh best I’ve felt in years. I am down to 2 vics a day and feel fine mentally.
The whole point is that maybe you just need to find the right meds to control your depression and then you will have the strength to quit the opiates. This is what I’m hoping for me anyways!
Hey everyone I stumbled upon this page while searching for withdrawal stories. I am 32 and a mom of 2. I have played around with taking a 1/4 of a 30mg roxi here and there for a little over a year. Never was big into them cause anymore then a 1/4 would make me sick. I got down in Oct and started taking 2 pieces a day then got up to a half every now and then. I decided to have surgery in Feb and when I was recovering ran out of 50 mg demerol to go to buying 30mg roxis from a friend. I was taking 3-4 full pills a day for a week then started to cut back. I was so afraid when I saw how much money this new habit was costing and how I had started getting out of control in every sense. I was maxing out all my credit cards shopping to fulfill some pain or anger I had and wasting 100’s of dollars buying these pills. I finally decided to try suboxene, hated em. I took a small crumb of one here and there for 6 days till I thought I was going to end up in the mental hospital. I quit them cold turkey 5 days ago. Been so sick. Nasuea, on the toilet all day, crying and have zero motivation or energy. I force myself to do everything. I am scared to death cause I have two kids I have to raise and care for here. I have no help really and am beyond discouraged. I feel like this will never end I need any and all support I can get now.
You’ve come to the right place, Melanne. There are lots of folks here who have gone through or are currently going through exactly what you are at this time. Bookmark this page, and keep checking back. You’ve found the support system you need right here.
I am sending prayers your way, Melanne. Hang tight, and do your research here~~get out and get the ingredients of the Thomas Recipe. It works. Read through some of the other posts too, so that you KNOW that you are not alone.
Stick with it, Melanne. You are a smart girl, and YOU can do this. It gets better. Sending loads of serious prayers your way, starting right now!!!
I understand I have kids to and it makes it even harder. I have made it to day 10 you can do it !! It is hard at first but gets waay better hang in there and I’m praying for you.
I have been on Hydrocodone on/off for about 7 years. Within that time, I’ve had two surgeries on my leg (thus the need for the painkillers). I put off my total hip replacement so I could keep working, so for three years, I was a junkie. I am not even 50. A total hip replacement is no joke – the anesthesia will induce clinical depression. For the first time in my life, I formulated suicide plans. I started taking Cymbalta soon after, but the side effects of it scared the shit out out of me (should never be given to the elderly!). I’m on Prozac now because I just kicked (again) last week, and the depression is crushing me. I don’t have much support. I have stopped crapping myself, but I have no energy. I hope and pray for the best. I think the Prozac may be making me feel worse. I started Taekwondo to deal with these issues, but compensatory pain in my left hip ligament sent me right back to guess what – more pills. I have major issues. I need a knee replacement. However, at this time, my major concern is staying clean and living with the pain (I’m in physical therapy for my leg). Very depressing. Send prayers, please. And with the strength of our Creator I wish you all Good Health and Happiness.
Depressed in Atlanta
Getting this thread back on the “highlights” of latest posts….Praying for all of us!!!
Hey, Jules…Prozac might not be the right med for you!!! I took it for ONE WEEK, and I was formulating suicide plans too. Some meds just don’t work!!! That one sends up big red flags for me! But YOU hang in there, and DO NOT follow through with your plan! We need you here. YOU are going to beat this, and live to tell others what you went through and YOU will make a difference to someONE!!!! YOU WILL!!!!! I am sending prayers your way!!!! PRONTO. Come back to us and post tomorrow, and every day thereafter, PLEASE. We NEED you. You have a great deal to offer all of us who are in the SAME BOAT as you are. You are NOT alone, we are in this crap together, and TOGETHER, we will pull through!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sending prayers and love your way, my friend….
for Melanne,
can you write me? Having very similar problems, have two children also, it is so hard.
dovie
I just found this website from a Google search for ‘opiate withdrawal depression’. I quit my heavy use 50mg/day vicodins three weeks ago, and tapered it down to 30, then 20, then zero in a two week time period. I’ve been clean for over a week now and I just want to bite everybody’s head off, including my own.
I knew that there would be a withdrawal from these ( I was taking them for pain and recover from shoulder surgery), but I though I was tough enough to deal with it. I was wrong. I can not believe how horrible I feel. Depressed, guilty, negative, critical, almost suicidal but not quite, self hatred, etc.
I’m 51 (male) in good shape and I have only seen a head shrinker one time before in my life. I went to see a psychologist yesterday who told me that I am not going crazy, but that I am withdrawing from the drugs and it will take 6 to 8 weeks to feel closer to normal. Today I have felt better than I have in a couple of weeks, so I guess there is hope.
He also told me to read Wayne Dyer’s book “The Power of Intention”, and I also bought Dyer’s “Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life” book by my own choice. Anyway, I don’t know any of you, but I just wanted to share and say you are not alone. Let’s all strap in, hang on, and get through this without going back to the place that brought us here.
I want my life back, and I don’t want to go through this again. The drugs were fun, and I wish that I could take them every day without consequences, but that just isn’t possible now is it? Life without drugs is more awesome. I know, I’ve been there, and I want to get back there.
i am currently going through the same paws symptoms, but came out of my opiate detox with a bit of a benzo addiction as well as i was taking @ 1-2 mgs of xanax 3 or more times a week for the last few months of my addiction ( detox from the vics started 3/14/10)..i mean..some days i feel like it’s over and i’m in the clear..wake up and feel the same way like today and then BAM..the depression comes like a wrecking ball..no suicidal and i am not going back to my $30-40 a day habit of 10-20 vics a day..that would be insanity..but what i am going to do is follow the advice i have seen here and on so many other forums about paws..(all while tapaering off the xanax..which is an added ingredient my body doesn’t need) exercise regularly, eat right (with vits and supps) and get out around people..doing that shortly here..though it is taking EVERY OUNCE of emotional and physical energy to do that..but i know it the right and natural way to begin living again. this time drug free.
god’s with us, people..we just can’t feel him as much as we used to and it will get better. we have to have faith and fake it til we make it if we have to.
pat
I am a 30 yr old mom of 2. Im married and literally lead a normal day to day life- ACCEPT I take an obsene amount of opiates. It started when I had my molars removed when I was 22yr. They gave me vic 5mg. I loved how they made me feel. Calm, relaxed, patient, happy…. Over the years I have consistantly abused whatever what around. Percs, vic, oxy’s…and literally– nobody knows. Its like I have this secret life…and to be honest with you I dont know if I know who I really am anymore. The few times that I have cowgirled up and tried to stop… my emotional and physical state is so bad, that my husband and kids wanna know “whats wrong mama?”.. and i am thrown right back into feeling like I NEED TO BE that calm, relaxed, happy, easy going mom…that everyone thinks I am. So for me, quiting would also mean letting everyone around me down and disappointed.. so which is worse– going through and dealing with withdrawls, or watching the faces of my kiddos and husband as they realize im just not that girl anymore.
I could not find this site again after I posted my first comment. I am the 32 year old mom of 2 who has been detoxing from roxicets! It has been 4weeks now and I am physically over wd but have hit the most awful depression. I wake up terrified! I can’t do much alone and when I do it is like I’m floating. Went to pick my oldest daughter up the other day and left purse in car was gone 2 min and when I got back it was gone! Smashed in the window and stole it:(. Worse thing I had no emotion @ all. Numb! I tried cymbalta for 5 days and was having horrible side effects, signed up for 3 day outpatient counseling left half way through first day cause I couldn’t relate to any of the people. I am afraid:(. I have a super supportive spouse but he has to work and that leaves me here alone all day I have become so isolated:(. I go online a google how long till this ends and ways to cope! Nothing helps.
Dovie please share ur story with me and maybe we can help each other this has been a nightmare for me! I get so scared alone here at my house:(. 4 weeks I’m on and still feels like there is no end in sight for depression!
I am so glad I found your post. I just had hip replacement surgery and for months before hand I took Vicodin intermittently, but after surgery I took it faithfully every 4 hrs for about 10 days. I finally decided to to taper off to see how I was feeling, and I was better. When I finally stopped taking it, about 3 days later I had really bad depression and crying jags. I already take antidepressants, so it floored me that I was like that. My hip was feeling much better and I thought I should be feeling better, too. It took me a couple of days to figure out that it might be from the drugs, and I am so glad to hear that this is probably the reason — I am not alone. I can do this — I will do this — I’ll walk thru it. Thanks so much for your article and everyone’s comments.
PS — I don’t want my comment to seem like I am dismissing any of you who have had addiction and severe withdrawal. I salute you if you even TRY to get off the drugs. I am also an addict, just not a drug addict. So I can relate and feel great compassion for all of you. My little adventure with Vicodin is nothing compared to what some of you are experiencing. Not to dismiss my own experience either, we are all together in this.
This has been the biggest problem for me not the physical w/d its depression and bad anxiety it makes me feel like i’m going crazy its horrible.
When I am taking opiates, I am super person: super wife, super Mom, super nurse, super friend, super dependable church contributer, super neighbor, etc…I love everyone and I am sure they love me. When I have no excuse to be on opiates I am depressed, angry zombie woman, unable to get out of bed most days and completely dissatisfied with life. I am paranoid and sure that people are gossiping about me. I know that I was depressed before I discovered opiates and what they did for me emotionally but it was definately more mild in nature.
Day 6 clean from Norco 10/325mgs. Tapered from 60mgs a day down to 40mg for a month, then in the last three weeks, I’ve tapered down to none. The physical part has been a bit difficult- the aches and pains, the stomach issues etc. But my depression is soooooooooo high. I was using the Norco for chronic neck pain and headaches, but decided that it wasn’t doing it’s job anymore and hampering my life instead. This isn’t my first go-round either. 3 years ago I tapered off of Kadian and Norco, and it was HELL. This withdrawal hasn’t been as hard but I forgot about the mental anguish. I know I need to get back to walking ( did it during my taper but stopped when my med schedule was finished.) Just want support, I feel alone. I’m 32 and married. My husband is aware of my situation but has no clue how it feels. I’ve been having a pity party for one for a while. I have few friends to lean on, so it’s gotta come from within. I do go to therapy, but I feel the need for more… My 5th wedding anniversary is coming up in a month, and my husband and I are supposed to go to Mexico. Tix are booked. I am scared I’ll still be in the depths of despair and the trip will be ruined. HELP. I need to vent. Or maybe help someone else. I am not sure at this point. I just know what I am doing right now isn’t working.
hurt my back 3 years ago, I want to get off the vicodin, but it is really bad, I cry a lot, does that go away. Most people say once its all over (about 2 weeks) you feel so much better, is that true
to Candigirl, I have talked to so many people about this because I am going through it right now. None of them have had the mental issue that you are having, maybe it’s not related to the vicodin. I know how hard it is, but I have to go through it. I have tried to stop before “cold turkey” and the depression was so bad, this time I am weaning off, and going much better with the mental part, still the headache and pain is bad, but realistically, you cant live the rest of your life on vicodin, with in two years you will be up to so many pills a day that you wont be able to afford it, and then getting off will be even harder. I am on Wellbutran this time, seems to be working, but I’m not all the way off yet, so we will see. They should out law that stuff, you get hurt, the doctor puts you on it, and before you know it your body needs it and lets you know about it if you stop taking it, good people get hooked on this stuff, I never got a “high” off of it, just took away my pain, now I think the pain was just my body making pain so I would take it, bad stuff.
down from about 120 mgs a day to about 35 mgs a day, withdrawls have been not that bad, just headache and body ache. I think weaning off is the best way, stopping “cold turkey” did not work for me in the past. Almost one week since I started, I will slow down the weaning now. The doctor should warn you of this before he or she gives it to you. Had I known how quickly you could get dependant on this stuff, I would have done something else for my pain. I have never been a drug taker at all, dont even drink alcohol, dont smoke, nothing like that, I never would let myself do anything that would get me hooked on it, and I end up with this problem, I will BEAT it though, I will not let a pill run or ruin my life, I have a friend who got off it, went through the hell of getting off and one year after, she says it was soooo worth it, she feels much better than when she was on it. We all know how it goes, things are fine until that bottle starts getting low, then its panic time, and everytime you get a new supply, it goes faster than the last. What are you going to do, get up to 100 pills a day? there are people who are, and they do what ever it takes to get those pills, and they started off good normal people who got it prescibed by the doctor, now they are robbing, and all kinds of stuff, you read about it all the time, there was even a police officer who was on the force for 20 years who resorted to robbing a pharmacy of all the vicodin they had, if it can happen to him it can happen to any of us, yeah, I am weaning off and that is it for me.
Morning Folks,
You know I have been comming to this site since May 23, 2009 and I don’t think I ever posted outside of the About thread.
I took my last pill on May 22, 2009
This fact was only possible by listening, posting and walking through the shit.
Adam was a significant impact .
He ushered in the change in my life with this place.
A debt I never can repay.
So I’m just here to encourage everyone.
I was hopeless. Really Hopeless.
Today I am not.
Just facts.
Best of luck.
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