Surviving Your First Detox; What to Expect
I still remember the first time I detoxed from opiates. Back then it was heroin that I was kicking, and I had no idea what I was in for. Though the symptoms are very similar, I must say that withdrawing from vicodin (hydrocodone) is far far worse than the heroin. I’m not sure, but I believe it has something to do with the way vicodin is synthesized that makes it much more painful when it comes time to detox. Vicodin is a semi-synthetic derivative of opium. It is essentially codeine with a hydrogen atom attached to it. Scientists believed that by hydrogenizing the codeine molecule, they could make it easier on the stomach. Well I guess they didn’t account for what happens when it begins to leave the body during withdrawal.
Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms
The stomach pains are the least of your worries. A full list of symptoms include:
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Inability to sleep
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Chills
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
The list goes on and on…
If you’re going through detox for the first time, all of these symptoms are going to be foreign to you, and one hell of a shock. But, you must understand that the pain of going through it will only last for a few days. They may feel like the longest days of your life, but preparation will help you to deal with what’s to come. I personally believe that every detox should be approached with a decent amount of planning and preparation. You can’t expect to just “kick” your habit anywhere and at anytime; especially if you’ve been using heavily. Knowing what to expect will definitely help in that planning phase.
The first thing you must know is that you cannot by any means just detox while your going through your daily routine in life. For me it has been next to impossible trying to coordinate my withdrawals and my life at the same time. You’re just not going to be able to do it…period. Even if you have a mild detox, you’re still not going to want to conversate with anyone, and you sure as hell won’t be able to concentrate on getting anything done. So make sure you set a few days or even a full week aside to “clean out.”
Withdrawing from opiates is a very taxing process, so make sure that your are 100% positive that you want to go through with it. Put everything in place to make it your first and last time that you ever have to do something like this, because trust me, you only want to face down this demon once in your life…that’s it!
If you believe that you have an addiction to the drug, and it’s going to be hard for you to stay away, then seek help in the form of a support group or whatever you feel will assist you in staying sober. If you don’t feel like you’re addicted, you still want to make sure that you have some sort of support system around. You’re body and mind have become accustomed to the drug, and they will play every trick in the book to get you to use again. It’s much like fasting, but you have to stay strong. After a few days the cravings will subside and you can move on with your life.
The physical symptoms will vary from mild to intense depending on the size of your habit. Unlike alcohol and benzodiazepines, opiate withdrawal is pretty safe, as in you don’t run the risk of dying just by going through it. There is much speculation, but from what I have read there have been no conclusive reports of deaths related directly to vicodin or other opiate withdrawal. Even so, if you’re a very heavy user, you should either try and taper your dose down to something a bit more bearable, or check yourself into a supervised detox program.
In my next post, I’ll offer methods that I’ve used in the past to ease the pain of withdrawal symptoms making the process as easy as possible.
130 comments
Thanks for this information. I am currently on day 3 of opiate withdrawal (Oxycodone 15mg (15 – 80 mg / day for approx. 1 year). I was pretty prepared and am seemingly doing well through this cold turkey process, thanks to information like this. However, the insomnia is killing me due to restless legs and arms. Last night was a bit better than the night before. My question is, in your opinion how long might this insomnia and RLS last, I can’t imagine going another week with no sleep. I have no prescription sleep meds or benzos assisting me. It’s all natural and otc meds. Thanks.
Hi Kevin,
Usually by day 7 the RLS is tame enough to let you catch some sleep. But, if you’re that deprived, you’re body will probably just catch like 5 minutes here or there. I remember that after about 3 days of no sleep, I would just pass out for like 15, then wake up to the RLS again. It’s terrible.
I know it sucks, but unless you take some other medication, there’s really no other way around the RLS. Tell you the truth, I still suffer from RLS, but I honestly think that I had that problem before I ever even did any opiates. The withdrawal just aggravates it big time.
Oh, and if this is your first detox, you’re probably going to recover sooner. As you go through them over and over, it takes much longer to get back to normal.
I pray that this will be your first and last.
hi kevin- really helps reading your information. my question is on chest pains or tightening of the chest. would this be common or should i look into check this checked out? just going cold turkey. thanks
Hi Grace,
I apologize for the late response, it looks like Kevin might not have subscribed to this thread, so he probably didn’t get your question.
If you haven’t already gotten it checked out, please do go to the doctor for your chest pains. I personally have never gotten chest pains while detoxing, so it might be a sign of something serious. You don’ want to play around when it comes to symptoms of that nature.
Definitely get it checked out.
Best of luck to you, let us know how it went.
Thanks
I am on my 5th day w/o any opiates..then wd pain has subsided, but the mental anguish is killing me. I started taking these pills for a reason,I have a bad back,hip and i belive sciatica…so needles to say I am in pain everyday of my life…i have been through countless injections in my spine,SI joint, had radio frequency( where they literlay burn my nerve endings) so i can live a pain free life…they all seem to do nothing..the injections last for days if im lucky…The only thing that truly helped was the pills…I used to take em when i was hurt,,then i had elbow surgery, then when ever turned into everday…40vicoprofens turned to 60..60 turned to 120 whiched turned to 150 then to 180 a month….this all happened in a course of a yr a half..so now i graduated to percoset 10/325..180 of them..same thing happens i need more each day..I seem to go crazy for the 1st week after my new script, then i realize ” hey, I better slow down”..plus my mom also gave me some not realizing i had a problem…any way….THis is acxtually the 3rd time i have been through this hell and the longest i have made it w/o calling the Dr. or beging my mom for some to “ease” me through all this…I am gonna have to deal with tis somehow…I am not trying to enable myself, but i have legitamate pain, runs in my fdamily…so i have an appt next week with my DR….I am at a crossroads b/c i know ill need to forever be on some form of treatment but o what extent???It took me like 10ys b4 i had the courage to go to the Dr and ask for help…I know this is my fault for abusing the drug to which i was prerscribed..But again ,I am prescribed this medicatin for a reason..i NEVER bought it online( afraid to ) or in the streets…I know everyone here will tell me to stick it out…but im just afraid that all the pain i had which led me to this drug will come back at me witha vengence, and now my body is like 2 1/2 older and more brittle??
I am not a man of faith, so prayer doesnt help at all…I look to my children as insparation….I quit smoking 11 yrs ago..And boy , I thoguht that was hard….JUst wanted to share my story…im on day 5 hoping to make it to day 6……………..peace
What’s up Jimmie?
180 perc’s a month is no joke. At my worst, I was popping like 14 – 5mg vicodin’s a day, so I know how you feel.
You’re right about the fact that I’m going to tell you to stay strong. You’re at day 5 now, and in a few more days, everything will be much more manageable.
I know your main concern is about your injuries and the pain that you’ll have to deal with in the future. I haven’t personally had to deal with the amount of pain that you describe, so it’s hard for me to make any recommendations, but I can say that there have to be some alternatives for you besides the narcotics. If I was you, I would consult with my Doc. You don’t have to raise any red flags. Most Doctor’s freak out when you tell them that you think you might have a problem. Just tell him/her that you would like to try something different for a bit. See what he/she says.
At this point, you know that you can get the opiates whenever you want, so why not just put them aside for a bit, and see if you can find a better alternative. If you’re not too addicted to the stuff psychologically , then you won’t have any trouble doing that. You also won’t have any trouble tapering yourself in the future should you get back to your original levels of use.
Either way, you do need to stay strong man. I know you’re not one of faith, so focus on your kids. Stay strong for them.
Best of luck.
Hi all, Peace, Love and Strength to us all. I’m on Day 7 in my quest to get off of Dilaudid, Xanax AND Soma. I suffer from migraines, back pain an severe anxiety. I retired from a civilian job on a Navy base a year ago, and went back down the road to pill abuse. This is my 3rd detox from Xanax, my 2nd detox from Dilaudid, and my 1st from Soma. Ouch!
I thought for sure that by Day 7 I’d feel MUCH better. I still have the gambit of symptoms, and pretty much just want to flop around on the bed with my dogs. I can’t sleep, food jacks up my system, and I cry all the time. I have 2 awesome teens and a wonderful husband wo are all extremely supportive. Also friends and family now know what’s happening. But the monster that is withdrawl lives inside of me, and is invisible to everyone.
At Day 7, on my 3rd battle, any words of wisdom?
Again, peace to us all. I am a woman of faith, and I just pray that this is soon over.
Tracey Anne
I am at t third ay here vicodine and the only problem i am haveing a bad back aches I take valium bevause it is prescribed by my doc but i just want to know how long is this going to take i have only being vicodine for two monts any suggestions?///
Day 1 is official.. This has been so hard… I have 2 small children & a mother to take care of.. I am so angry … the mood swings are awful.. It would be so much eaiser to “kick” this without having to take care of so much…. The chills & sweating have set in..yes, the hot shower helped… thinking i should try the Thomas recipe.. any feedback if this works?
I have used the Thomas recipe before..(15 years on this stuff ..yea..Ive had a few detoxes) it does help..its not a miracle..so please dont get discouraged if you dont feel wonderful in a few days..you simply wont..
the mood swings are killer..but they dont last forever..keep that in mind..
also…if you have too..lock yourself in the bathroom…you need some you time right now..even if its for 10 min while the kids are watching tv or sleeping..been through that also)
good luck..
Have been taking vicodin and Percocet on and off for last 11 yrs. Have been daily for about 3 yrs. I am taking 20-30 mg daily or 4-6 500 mg tabs. Went off of them two days ago. Today should be day three but I broke down and took 1/2 of a vicodine. My symptoms were mind until last evening when I started getting restless, chills and could not sleep. I know I need to stop and I know the time is now. Any suggestions or support would be helpful.
has anyone ever had a weird lip, facial twitchy thing? my face and lips feel “wrong” when i detox and movement helps. when i move around quickly or turn my head i get the spins.
i realized i needed to detox when the 8, 10mg vicodins did nothing. i mean not a damned thing…….i took them and wound up taking a handful of tylenol after to kill some of the pain. goodbye liver!
i am sifting through the last dregs of the physical side after 6 days off, and will now be going through the mental stuff. yay!
i have facets disease, which is a degenerative spinal condition where the protective and shock absorbing carteledge between the vertebrae erode to nothing. it hurts me the most when i sleep. i have come to terms with the fact that i will have to do it without pain killers, and i am determined to make that work!
i give anyone who reads these pages my best wishes and love. you can do this……we all can!
greg
been taking 10\325 qty 10 at a time maybe once a day
Greg,
It’s funny that you speak of that. Yes I remember my eyelid would twitch a lot for like a month or so after detox. Back then I remember I was in rehab, so I asked the Doc about it, and they told me it was just a side effect of not having the opiates. Your central nervous system will be out of whack for a while, but it’ll all go back to normal.
scorpiogirl,
I urge you to try and cut back or find something that doesn’t have Tylenol in it. The liver toxicity level for acetaminophen is 4,000mg, you’re almost there. I know your tolerance is way up so you can probably handle the 100mg of hydrocodone, but that Tylenol is a killer!!
Been on Hydros – then to oxycodones 10/325 for about a year for neck pain after a car accident. tapered down, and ran out early – doc didn’t fill, so i’m going cold turkey. Sweats are driving me crazy. Taking muscle relaxers to keep things from cramping, and immodium for the runs. On day 3 now and still feel miserable. Have little kids and its REALLY tough.
Took a few days off work to do this, and have crazy shakes, sweats, and not really eating very much. When will this peak, and when will things get better???
Going nuckin futs,
Douglas, CA
I am a single mom and am finding that the vics are making me really irritable and angry. I have been taking about 3 5/500 hydrocodone’s a day for over a year or so but am having severe headaches daily. I need to stop taking them and i keep saying I will but then I get a refill and its the next bottle I will stop. This cycle is terrible. I am a recovering alcoholic and have been taking this for back pain. It does work for a few hours then I become a royal bitch until I take another one. This medication is evil. I dont like the way it is making me feel. I have started to isolate and dont enjoy life much anymore. None of my friends know about this inner hell I am living in. Does anyone know what I’m saying?? I feel horrible all the time. I am debating stopping cold turkey or going to detox. I have excellent insurance so I dont think that would be a problem or maybe just taking methadone. I dont know if my dosage is high enough for detox. This is all new to me and I gotta say everyone’s feedback is extremely helpful. I know I am not alone in this struggle.
Okay, I’m just realizing I have to get off of the meds. I was in a motorcycle accident 7 years ago and have 4 blown disc in my neck and several other injuries that can’t be fixed. I take a liquid form of hydrocodone (the pills make me very sick to my stomach)….500mg a pop several times a day. I have run out before and the RLS and insomnia were immediate. I do have pain everyday and I am scared. The stories above are scaring the heck out of me. I’ve been taking it for 1 and a half years. Does anyone know if the liquid leaves your system any quicker than the pill form???
Tracie, Mi.
I’ve been taking three to four 7.5 vicoden for ten years for severe back pain. I was actually doing okay with them until about two years ago, when a new doctor decided to wean me off of them, but gave me no warning of what might happen to me after eight years of daily use. I got no warning, no advice and no medical support. I was sick as a dog, and had horrible cravings that hadn’t been present until he started lowering the dosage. I ended up changing doctors, but I feel like the damage was done. It’s been a constant fight since then to keep to the original dose. The analgesic effect seems to have been lost as well, or at least depleted. About a month ago my new doctor quit and moved out of state, and I had to find a new one right away. The new doctor gave me a one month script, but when I requested a refill, he flat-out refused, and more or less told me that he was fine with me going into withdrawals. He, too, offered no help, no advice, and seems to not care. I use the meds for a legitimate purpose, but feel like in many ways my life has been held hostage to them. I’ve had doctors treat me badly, like taking meds for chronic pain is a character flaw. Although the meds met my pain needs for a very long time, something changed when it was withdrawn two years ago. I wish that I could stop needing them, but my illness isn’t going away. My insurance doesnt cover alternative or maintenance therapies, which is how I ended up on pills in the first place. Plus my husband recently lost his job, and now we have no money to pay for other treatments. I spent years in pain, trying to get a doctor to listen to me and take me seriously. I finally got help for the pain, and now I need help for the help. I’m afraid of being in that kind of horrible, disabling pain again. Looks like I’m going to be feeling the effects pretty soon though, since I took the last pill this morning.
Hi Michelle,
It’s is a really scary place, dependency. The feeling of ambivalence is overwhelming. Wanting to stop vs. I need the pills is really gut wrenching.
How we get clean is a very individual choice. I am from the camp that when going from a dependent state to a state of freedom the bridge we cross or choose is up to us.
For me, cold turkey was the path I choose, I then was very sick physically for about a week. I stopped on May 23.
There is a ton of information on this site. When used it is very helpful.
I’m not sure if there is a comfortable way to move from dependency to freedom, but I am sure that the pain is temporary.
You mentioned your a recovering woman, so you know how great the freedom reward is.
For me I realized, that tiny voice telling me. “You gotta quit these pills” was my spirit. And if I listen to it, it will lead me where I need to go, and do what I need to do.
Posting here daily during my withdrawl was EXTREMELY helpful.
Best of Luck, Please keep us posted
Can anyone tell me how many mgs. = 1 norco. I have been on vicodin for almost two years. Tried to quit by using metadone, withdrawing from that seems far more painful but I substituted norco and haven’t had metadone for over .a week, I think some of the withdrawal symptoms are still here, not sure. I have to get off everything and know it is going to be hard. Talked to my doc and set an appt. for therapist. I’ve lost over 50 lbs trying to kick this stuff, I weigh less than 90 lbs now. I’m reading the blog to find out what I’m in for but don’t know what millegrams a norco is any advise is appreciated
Hi everyone,
I started my detox today. It has been about 14 hours since my last pills and man am I in for a treat! (no pun intended)
I have the chills
Off and on headaches
Horrible lower back pain and pain that goes everywhere kinda
Heartburn
Some nausea and throwing up
But whats bad is… HALLUCINATIONS and hearing car doors in the driveway shut when there is nobody out there and hearing sounds in the house and stuff…. paranoia is a problem.
Then… I go to try and fall asleep and I can’t cuz my head starts hurting again. It’s freaking horrible and these damn chills won’t go away. I feel worse than I probably did when I was first prescribed them, if that’s not a shocker enough!
Does ANYONE have any sort of advice or help for me? That would be appreciated. Thanks. You can email me if you like at cacafrank5487@gmail.com thank you! Have a blessed night!
Michelle (and everyone else),
Withdrawal has led me to this thread. I can completely identify with you Michelle. Could not believe it when I read your post. I’m in recovery in AA also, with 27 years sobriety. But I suffered 2 herniated discs 18 months ago. The pain was bad and my long-time Doc offered Vicodin. I called my sponsor who said “Take as prescribed”.
I INSTANTLY fell in love with the stuff. It makes me feel good. Who wouldn’t want to feel like that? Period. It actually didn’t do too much for my particular pain. Buzz free Skelaxin relaxer did much more for the pain. And I got ESI treatments and they sort-of worked on the herniated discs, but I still have a pesky disc bulge that acts up along with bad hips. So I slowly started using Vicodin, hiding it from my sponsor and my AA tables, and my oldest child who is 6 years clean in NA! At first I used it once and awhile, and now on a regular basis, but I’m still keeping within my legal allotment of 60 7.5s a month. I have Asthma and was also offered Codine for a bad cold on top of that, and I filled the script immediately.
Now, 18 months later, what I’m doing is dropping three 7.5s all at once on Friday, Saturday and sometimes Sunday, along with an occasional dose of Codine (for more of a rush effect). One rush a day for 3 days. On “buzz days” I skip my AA meetings. And then I wake up Monday to face the week, and withdrawal. The first 3 days of the week are somewhat uncomfortable but I’ve gotten used to it. I’m on day 3 of this week right now, but I also had a cold and got a new script for Codine. This time I was buzzed for 4 days straight, because I actually needed the Codine to stop coughing all night. And of course, this time “weekly withdrawal” is much more serious. Along with symptoms, all I’m doing is thinking of the impending Friday evening when I can again start up my “self assigned weekly buzz allowance”.
OF COURSE this is abuse. God’s plan for me is none of my business, but I know my future. I’m an addict. I started this out as an alcohol addict prior to my first Vicodin prescription. Sooner or later I will need to stop Vicodin. I’m hoping sooner. Alcohol stopped working in my life because I’m an addict. I have that magic addict personality. Moderation of anything that I think makes me feel good is impossible for me.
I isolate too Michelle. I’m changing for the worse. All that 12-step-work to change for the better is now going to hell. Nothing worse than a fully-buzzed head filled with 27 years of good 12-step information.
God bless this site!
Robert
Hi!
Well im on day two so far, kits not where near as bad as your prepared! ive used for a long time and took 150mg a single dose….yes a single dose. That was just in the morning. My body rejected the Opiate after a while and the drug no longer had an effect. Luckily I am that will passioned when I know I can stop anytime I want due to a process that helps.
The Survival Packs are great info on here! tHEVE HELPED ME ALOT!
I did find engay help with ASL for a moderate of time from 1 hour to maybe even two. I put on plenty so the ICEY part was almost horrible at first but the heated part feels very good. The trick is when you put on to actually let the air hit it. I know, I know , its freaking cold! But after around 2-4 Min youll see a MAJOR difference. ALSO EPson Salt with 1/8 Cold water mixed with Full hot. The problem was my bathtub actually drained because the silver plate on the bathtub had to be covered or it will only fill up a certain amount. SO I put a pillow at the end and let it soak in the hot water. Once you sit in the epson salt tub for 30 min Minimum, Youll actually be able to move around sometimes. Ive been through this several times. I guess since this is my easiest one yet its really not that bad. Im ure we all have our Horror stories. I hope this helped!
This is day 2 for me with vico, About a year two a year in a half of every day use… Have a headache and I am not able to sleep very restless….. This is my first time.. never even knew u would have to go through withdrawal for using something your doc perscribed for pain and nothing is said…. I hope this will be over soon!!!! Keep me lifted in prayer…
Im not sure what day I am on ( if any) but i was scribed 3 10/325 vics a day . mixed in with the occaisional OC for fun .Been trying to taper but never really been good at it. so in reality i was taking 4-5 a day and naturally ran out . been doing this for a year or so . but anyway only took ( i think 3/4 ) a vico . And have been surviving on a 5 OC today , No fun , weirdest thing is the pupils there dialiating and making focus diffucult , and i wish i could figure if i was hot or cold , this sux
Shoot. I’ve been taking 5-6 750mg vicodin for several months. 500 mg before that. I had no idea the trouble I’ve let myself in for. While getting therapy for depression I decided to taper and have been on 2 750mg, 1/2 four times a day. It’s been a week and all I’ve had is the runs every morning, for which I’ve been taking immodium, and, a fierce headache today. I’m almost afraid to go cold turkey so I’ll taper slowly. Trouble is, now my arthritis is killing me and moving around is really hard. That doesn’t help my depression! My shrink put me on Prozac today and suggested my depression could have been made worse by the vicodin. My rheumatologist had suggested that if the 5-6 vicodin didn’t work he would give me oxy. I’m glad I said no. Problem is, I don’t like arthritis pain–at all. Meditation is helping and I’ll keep up with that. Plus, I’m going to add some B vitamins. I’m glad I found this site; I didn’t know I was on a very slippery slope.
I have been on vicodin for at least 5 yrs or more and when I wanted to get off my doctor gave me fentanyl patches, I have degenerative disc disease, fibromayalgia,Rumatoid arthritis. I am going for a disability from work. A year and a half ago I went through to major surgeries 2 mos. apart. I did kick the habit once, but was put on the for 4 mos. waiting for shoulder surgery, then thyroid removal. I am now facing my 3rd withdrawl, I love the comments, it makes me feel I am not alone here. The doc also put me on celebrex,cymbalta,adivan, vicodin 750mg.and ambien cr, I am looking to go off of all of them, where do I start? which one first or just all of them? Please help me…………Maggie
Robert:
Hang in there , you have so much to live for. I too lived for that magic buzz, forgeting just how much pain i really had. I too started that way, You are so young and have a lot to go through yet. I too have the personality that get addicted easily.My advice is to come clean with you AA person and get the help you need. Snuggling up the the drugs is not the way to live, and I am truly talking from experience. I and clean 4 days now and feel so much better. I can thing clearly and I actually notice everything around me. I have my bad days but they all pass with time. God bless and keep trying, don’t give up……..Maggie
I have been taking vicodin in varying doses for the last year and a half. Cronic pain and a surgery got me started. I was up to 10 – 12 7.5/325 per day. I actually went through 180 of them in 2 weeks time. An all out record for me. I had them and I took them.
I am now down to 3 per day and am going to see my doctor tomorrow afternoon. I have my sister flying in to assist my boyfriend and me with a detox over the next several days. I tried to go cold turkey, but the 2nd day was so miserable that I broke down and took 2 late the 2nd night. I am truly terrified of what the next several days will bring. My plan is to see my doctor tomorrow afternoon. I will ask him for 6 more vicodin to get me through the next 2 days of work, then go off completely over a 4 day weekend.
My question: Is it better to ween off of them the way I have planned? Go cold turkey (the worst feeling I’ve ever had)? Will I be able to function work wise by the following Monday if I go off of them on Wednesday?
Scared.
My last vicodin was on Weds am @ 7.30am. Its now Sunday 1pm. I was just miserable while on them in the end. Its been 18 month since I started. Prior to that it was co-codamol back in the UK before I emigrated.
I have never taken more than the prescribed dose since I began taking “opiate” meds back when I was 23 yrs old. (I’m now in my mid 30s). I have Scoliosis.
Anyway, I was fed up with the irritable moods they make me feel. Although they used to be great for my pain, before, in recent times they are not sufficient, and as a result I been super irritable and pissy with my hubby, and generally depressed. I told my pain doc I have had enough of these damn pills can he put me on something else?
So…he gave me tramadol! They seemed to work after an hour or so of taking them, this was a week ago, or so, as I was “transitioning” from vicodin to tramadol, in otherwords, 1 vic @ 7am, 1 again @ 12midday, 1 @ dinnertime, and then 1 tramadol @ bedtime.
Well now I been taking tramadol 4 times a day these past few days. I was fine on thanksgiveing and on friday, but started feeling like crap last night…especially after reading some horror stories on Tramadol! They are worse to withdraw from than Vicodin. Needless to say, my pain is worse, and the RLS and sleeplessness is here !! :-s
I have decided after reading about tramadol, I am gonna taper them down to 2 a day then 1 a day and so on.
I am on 2 a day right now, I had one @ 10am, but it did bugger all for my backpain…in fact it just gave me a damn headache! I was practically tripping out when I had 4 a day of these things it was horrible. They have an antidepressant aswell as a “synthetic narcotic”…not good wehn your trying to get off narcotics!
Anyway I felt really dizzy a few hours ago. Feels like I got the flu! I heard it takes 4-5 days to get over vicodin WD, but 7-10 for tramadols. I hope that since my tramadol intake only began about a week ago, that this won’t affect me too much. I am not even sure if the tramadol is easing my vicodin WD! :-s so I feel like I’m wasting my time taking em if all they’ll do is make me headachey and icky! I am planning on NOT taking tonights dose…cos last nights dose did nothing…apart from headachey again!
Anyway, I am wondering in the meantime how long these vicodin WDs will last now. Am I over the worst or is there still more to come. I’m not planning on going back to the vicodin or even tramadol. I was most annoyed to learn the trams are still “narcotics”. Buh!!! Some caring pain doc my a$$!
Anyway, as a result I’m going off western medicine anymore…these drs just give you crap and you get hooked on it, and before you know it your spending $ and feeling like a zombie the whole time, I have not been myself for yrs!
I am taking B6 vitamins…but as yet…no energy. Went for a 20min walk yesterday it almost killed me…I was so out of breath, and my legs! UGH! Jelly!
Anyway,I realise I am/have been totally dependant on these stupid vicodins, even though I never increased my prescribed doses. So its obvious to me that you can still get hooked on them even on the prescribed dose! How sickening!
Anyway, I wish everyone here the best of luck on getting past this awful stage, and returning to a normal (and happier) lifestyle!
i read all these stories and think that my problem is not that bad but i must respond too. i started on vicodin for back pain in 1995 but was ALWAYS using it as prescribed,and able to not take it when the pain was gone. in 2006 had a baby with my new husband and 3 months later started with severe back pain again,this time i’ve become dependent on them and have continued since that time 2 and some months.i was up to (which seems minor to others) 60 per day of norco tabs(5 tabs daily) i have gone down S L O W L Y myself which is why i havent felt too bad ,i’m at 3-5 mgs a day 3/4 of a pill or 1 pill denpending ok my question i can go from 4pm to 10am the next day before i start to feel slugish… am i ok and to a point where i can go cold turkey WITHOUT major symptoms? i cant do any major detox week and ive tried to get as low as possible need imput please cariemartinez69@yahoo.com
well its been four days and ive only went down to half a pill 1 to 2mgs per day and ive had some minor headaches only but alot of irratation. i think tommorrow im doing cold turkey all day the motrin helps me feel better and the showers too i hope this all goes well and im glad for this website
I have a few questions. Whats considered “Heavy use”? Im only 28 and i have pretty bad nerve damage from a punctured lung surgery and recently adult Chicken Pox. My doctor put me on Norco’s 10/325 and I get 120 every month (yeah right like THAT lasted long) Im now up to 8-10 pills a day (instructions say 3) When I’d run out i’d use to be able to just go buy some more on the street but now I dont have that option and Im faced with an immediate cold Turkey detox. I’ve experienced the feeling like crap and the RLS (its more like restless ARMS for me) but only for like a day and now that I cant get anything I have to wait 2 weeks for my next refill. I dont have insurance and I make too much to go on any govt assisted programs, that means I I cant afford pain management so I have to keep buying the refill and masking this pain. My doctor gave me samples of Lyrica too but that had some weird effects so I stopped and he wont refill my script before the 30 days is up. What can I do to survive these next two weeks????
I’m on my firstt day,no by choice,and its hell. Chills, hearing things,cold sweats,angry… please some tell me how to get thru this. I hate myself for allowing it to get this far. I’m freaking out, I want to kick this habit,and read what you are all going thru and it helps,as there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but at the same time, I don’t see it right now. I’m scared…
I am in the process of helping my nephew kick his habit of 20 to 25 vicodin 10/750 a day habit. He gave me everything that he had today which is exactly 200 pills. I want to taper him off … can someone help me with a plan that will be helpful. He has been using for four to five years.. not really sure. ANY help on this would be appreciated. He is on his way to my house now to stay as long as necessary. I want to do this as painless as possible with what we have, but at the same time quickly?? Any suggestions on tapering schedule?? I am still trying to understand and be compassionate as possible.
I’m currently on day 3 1/2 of my detox from vics. I began tapering last week, but it was still feeling the effects of withdrawal and decided to jump off completely and the last two pills I took was Monday morning at 7:30 am.
I took last week off from work to taper then stopped totally Thursday.
I found this website and tried some of the suggestions. The hot baths helped at first. Insomnia and tremors(chills?) are still killer. I came back to learn how long I can expect this.
I’ve got to go to work tomorrow and wasn’t expecting to be still experiencing this to this degree. Have some accountability buds at work pulling and praying for me so I believe I can do it. I can live with this a few more days and sneak a quick lunch/breaktime nap in my car at work from time to time.
I’ve read many of the posts above and am saddened/angered by the number of people who struggle with this yet don’t get the help from the very doctors that dished it out them. I started with back pain years ago, got cut off, and ended up buying on the streets. Have guys calling everyday with offers. NO FREAKIN’ WAY I’m going through this again!
Only problem…wife is addicted too. She’s watching me. I’ve got to do this for her.
Glad I got that off my chest. That helped…
My sister has been addicted to vicodin for more then 10 years. She had all her prescriptions taken away and the doc put her on non addictive pills to detox her. She has had major jerking of her body and stuttering to the point you can’t understand what she is saying. Today she got upset at a doctors appt and went into a grand mal seizure.. don’t detox alone!! She is now home with my mom resting. She is 50 years old..
I was reading on Jimmie AND I know where he is coming from…I at end of day 2 and hoping day 3 will be better. I would like to know how Jimmie is doing now! Please try to contact me even if you are doing worse or better. I would love to help and chat and get some wisdom from you.
Hello all! I am 5 days into my detox from vicoden. I’m 25 y/o and it all started for me when I had my first surgery at about age 21 and was given my first script. At that time I was already smoking a heavy amount of marijuna daily and had emotional problems also. Since then I’ve been diagnosed with BPD ( borderline personality disorder ) which is commonly associated with addiction in many forms. After my first surgery I convinced myself that the pain I felt every so often was much worse than in fact it really was. I had several operations for endometriosis, and an ovarion cyst. Then 2 years ago once I quit smoking marijuana after 2 bouts of rehab, I started to have pain around my gallbladder. The docs at the er found nothing, when in fact I had gallbladder disease and also stones. So of course they sent me home with a script for 20 or so vicoden. I replaced the high of the marijuana with the high from the vicoden. Every er visit was the same. An IV, some morphene or daludid, and some pills to take home. Finally after 2 years I went to another er ( even though I couldn’t afford it ) and got the right dianosis. Unfortunatly they took my usuall script of 5/500 to norco 10/328. So after several refills and a few weeks till my surgery I binged until my tolerance was insanely high. 10 mg of morphiene wouldn’t even put a dent in the pain after surgery. It’s been a month and half since my surgery and of course I’m out of pills, but I know that if I had kept on searching for that high I would have upped to a stronger drug like oxycontin since I had already started thinking about it. So now like I said I’m 5 days clean, but the craving is sooooooo hard to handle. I distract myself during the day but at night I sit down to relax and I start to climb the walls. I’ve watched movies, and actually done some artwork which is something I haven’t done in a while. I used to have a thriving career as a country music vocalist but I was derailed by drugs. Since I was 12 I was doing professional gigs with my own band and I really thought I was gonna be somebody. Now I don’t have much hope of that, but I do want to start jamming again with some of my clean and sober musician friends and I also want to start a family with my boyfriend of 7 years who is also now clean and sober. His only problem was the marijuana. I don’t know, I guess he could see the person I had become and wanted the old me back so maybe that why he didn’t get as involved as I did. Anyways good luck to all of you who are going through this and keep in mind something you really want that you couldn’t have had as your old self. For me that’s a child and my music.
Hi all, just reading these stories the main thing that keeps popping up over and over is that these are drugs that were supposed to help us and the docs seem not to give ANY support or even advice on what to expect on what is the WORST week or so of our lives!! My story: about 16 years ago i had my first twinge of back pain (am 29) and about 5 years ago my doctor put me on dihydrocodeine (am in uk not sure what the usa equiv is) 30mg up to 8 a day, that went fine for a while til the dependence kicked in the dose just kept creeping up and in the end i had to take 6 30mg tablets as soon as i woke up just to function and was taking 20 a day at least, then my doc decided to put tramadol 50mg up to 8 a day on top i guess in a hope to ween me off the dihydrocodeine, didnt work! Then when i couldnt ween the codeine my family doctor who had known me since birth left the surgery and the new doc just stopped my prescription with no help,support etc, the WD was the worst thing i have ever been through i was crying and punching my legs cos that pain was better than the other pain and the restless legs, eventually i cracked and had to go to hospital and lie so they would help. After that my docs knew i was dependent and wouldnt even see me let alone help me so i changed docs and cos the records follow us they wouldnt prescribe me anything either, my friend saw me in this state and suggested i try heroin, dont know why i did but i did and i started using daily and injecting which i hate myself for, i have now stopped using heroin (nearly a year ‘clean’ now) and am on methadone 100mg 1mg/ml liquid daily which i am cutting down myself currently down to 75mg a day and am just going to carry on reducing 1-2 mg a day til i get to a point where i can detox properly, i know i am still going to have the same back pain which started all this in the first place but i want my life back now the drugs have had control over my life for far to long and have nearly lost everything more than once! My 3 children keep me strong if it wasnt for them i probably would have carried on til i died, all of this cycle of events was started off by the doctors and i am still very angry about how i was treated and it seems im not the only one, we trust these people to do the right thing and they clearly dont in many cases, stay strong people, Ben xx
Anyone having issues with Opana ER? I was on 10mg 2x’s a day plus percocet 10mg for breakthrough pain which was typically twice a day as well as Soma for 18 months. Finally had surgery to replace 3 disc’s in neck. Have stopped the percocet and weaning off Opana. Pain management doc perscribed 5mg (2x day) for 5 days, then drop to 5mg (1x day) for 5 days, then stop. I’m on 7th days of no Opana and am in hell. RLS terribly, headaches, body aches, can’t keep food down. I still have about 3 weeks worth of 10mg Opana ER in medicine cabinet but refuse to start over. Every day I think tomorrow will be better, but it’s not. I don’t have a mental craving for it since I never felt a ‘high’ from them, but he physical is killing me. How long can this last? I can’t seem to get an answer from anywhere… my PM said oh well normally it’s no problem which I now know is BS. Ten days to wean off such a strong opiate is just not enough. I’m wondering if he has ever weaned anyone off the stuff before. I’d be curious to hear anyone else’s experience with it or look for suggestions.
I pray constantly, rock back and forth and walk in circles most of the day, take hot baths with epsom salts sometimes 3-4x’s a day…. I feel as if this will never end!
I’m on day 2 of withdrawal from roxocets , I’m not feeling too good , it’s sat and I need to go to work on Monday do u think I’ll be ok and is it ok to take zanix to help with the withdrawal . Please help ?
I had to withdraw from vics and atavan I was on vics for ten years for DDD and herniated disc. I used to work for Docs who would prescribe vics and atavan to me. I had good health insurance. I never thought I would be laid off but I was. I was so hooked I did not even think that I would lose my insurance and my pills. It took me 7 days to withdraw from the meds it was so hard. I explained to my husband and kids that I was withdrawing and I would need to in bed. It was so hard but I had no choice. I know that anyone who wants to get off narcs can do it. You won’t die even if you want too. Keep saying I know this is it and everyday it gets easier. You can do it. Let ur family help you. Stay in bed. If anyone believes in God ask Him to help U He knows u r going thru a rough patch. Stay positive. Don’t give up. U will succeed.
I had been using mostly hydrocodone (about 15 x 10 mg per day =150mg) and whenever I could find it Oxy’s up to 5 x 80′s per day….Well here is the very strange thing for me. I have used these amounts pretty consistently for the last couple of years, but I have had to stop a few times for various reasons….Abruptly and suddenly. Well, I have never actually experienced much withdrawal symptoms besides mentally wanting to get high. It sounds like it is really miserable, I guess my body has a different way of dealing with it?
So, I am on day 3 of detox. I have been taking 20-25 10/325 norco a day for 3 years!!! The aches and pains are finally starting to go away and I’m seeing the light at the end of this tunnel! This is my second detox but 1st cold turkey and it has been hell. I started taking these pills like most, prescribed and it eventually went out of control. I was also diagnosed bi-polar 10 years ago and I know there is a direct link between that and my addiction. Now that the physical withdraw is ending I’m preparing myself for the mental which in my opinion is the hardest part. But I WILL do it and I’m doing it to save my life, what better reason right? I guess I’m writing this because reading others posts have been just another reason to stay strong. I am praying for each and everyone of you and I hope u keep me in your prayers too! All I can say is it gets better everyday!! You are all with me! Xoxoxo
After abusing Vicodins for around five years, I’m going to try and go cold turkey today. I know there’s a drug to help with the withdrawal symptoms called Suboxene I believe. Does it just prolong the agony or is it the best way to detox. I’m very spiritual and I’m only on 6 hours. I run a big business and I want to keep busy. Will I be able to function?
I’m scared and I’m feeling out if sorts. I don’t really want to just sit around. I’d rather keep busy, but will I be able to function? I can deal with the runs, and I have Klonopin to help me. Will it? Some say this will be to to three ba days and some say more. I can hang in there for 2 to 3 days, but I’m a tax accountant and this is my busy time. I can cancel most of my appointments for 3 days. Will I make it without sweating and shaking in front of clients? I’m rambling because I’m scared. Ideas? Skierneil@aol.com.
God helps with prayer. I’m going to be on my knees a lot.
Greetings my Opiate friends!
This forum is what prepared me to quit taking vicodin and norco. No, it is not easy…forget about that, but everytime you think of the pain and unease it brings you, remember…you are that much closer to freedom!
I was a recreational user for years, and then broke my arm and found out I had arthritis in my spine. So here comes the pain relief. When the 500mg vic didn’t kill the pain any longer I went to 750′s, then to several 750′s and then to anything else I could get to stay pain free. By this time however, it wasn’t for pain any longer…it was addiction. Waking up addicted to pain killers makes you need to take them to just feel normal. Throw a few extras in and your normal plus an energetic rock-star that can do anything.
After reading all the stories here and finding out that we all share the same addiction crap that goes with painkillers…everyone’s last story will all be the same. That is the detox period. And I did it!
No, it wasn’t the best week of my life…and yes, I had most of the symptoms listed in several of the posts here…however, that shitty nasty feeling DOES go away!! I felt like a fricking truck hit me and couldn’t hardly move, much less concentrate on a movie. But using the Valium, sleeping pills to help sleep/relax, and taking all the vitamins in the Thomas recipe…I made it through. I began 4 days ago and woke up this morning at 5:00 a.m. and never felt better in my life! It sucks, but you can do it…believe me, its worth it! Freedom…good luck, suck it up and stick to it. You will LIVE through this and feel great again!
Hi all, you guys are the first and only people to know the deepest secret about me.
John is not my real name, I am too ashamed of myself to really have anyone know this about me because of the view everyone I know has about me.
People I know see me as strong minded, a leader, smart…
I feel like the worst person in the world everyday living with this secret.
Well, here we go..
I have been taking mostly norcos(because I have to take too much vicodin to get what I need but if thats all I can get I will), sometimes percocets.. For almost 2 years now.
Right now I am taking 40MG of hydrocodone after every meal, everyday. So 120mg of this stuff every single day. I keep this addiction very organized to not have withdrawals, and so nobody will find out. Not even my dealers know because they think I sell it. I used to, but now it is full time consumption.
This is costing me anywhere from $140 to $210 every single week.
I can’t live like this much longer and I don’t know how to quit without having anyone know because these withdrawals will completely take me away from my normal life and attract all this attention. WHAT SHOULD I DO!!??
:[
I am so depressed, I feel trapped, worried, angry at myself, scared of my friends/family finding out this terrible thing I have been hiding so well for so long.. I feel a little better knowing that at least someone knows now.. Without knowing who I am, and even better! People that have/are going through the same thing.
I hope everyone else is doing better/staying strong..
I forgot to add, this email is real (jonathonj99@gmail.com), just not with my real name, anyone with advice would be appreciated more than anything at this point in time.
thanks so much everyone for sharing your stories.
I started on the hydro daily 5 yrs ago for kidney stones and nerve issues, I was up to 20-30 10mg a day but have reduced to about 10-10mg per day, I have noticed that my zest for life has gone away, I don’t enjoy or have natural euphoria sensations anymore, i don’t have the self motivation that I used to have, I only deal with things when I have to and usually wait until the last minute, I hate it!!! Do these natural sensations return after detox? Do you regain your emotions? Has anyone been successful in tapering off of these drugs? I am a very independent person and no one knows what I am dealing with? I hate myself and the fact that I have lost control!!! I do know that you get some relief in a hot tub, It temporarily helps with muscle cramps and spasms. Any suggestions on succeeding on my own?
I am finding all of these postings to be very reassuring. I began taking vicodin for kidney stones and quickly developed a habit. I realize at this point I must stop. I just started a new job this week and the thought of going to work is giving me panic attacks. I don’t want to lose my job, but I need to get off these and I am doing it cold turkey. I think I will call in sick for a couple of days because I read the first two days are the worst and I have not slept and I have to be at work in five hours. There is no way. I can do this. I need to just stay positive, take some time and then get on with my life. Who knew something that is supposed to help you, can actually do more damage. Hoping for the best!!
John – The most important thing I can tell you is YOU CAN BEAT this thing and it may be difficult but it ends – it does not last the rest of your life – the worst of it lasts about a week and the sleeplessness and restless legs lasts a bit longer – I do not want to minimize it because it is really hell – but my friend, I am living proof that it can be done – The worst for me took about a week. You can e mail me if you like and I will tell you the vitamins that I took that helped. People like you telling your stories is what kwwps me coming here daily hoping that I can help someone the way the people before me helped me. Kittymom001@gmail.com.
Love and prayers coming your way
Kitty
I’m on day 7 of vic withdrawls. What I’m feeling is still a bit sadness depression, tightness in my chest from what I’m assuming is anxiety. I was on them for about a year. Is this normal?
Hello everyone. I’m on my third day WDing from oxy. Didn’t do them for too long, about a month and a half, just a long binge really. I did take a fair amount of them from time to time, enough to throw up every few days. I went cold turkey on Monday and it is now Wednesday. I just stopped using, I didn’t plan for anything.
I did not sleep on Tuesday as the restless leg was so bad. I called into work then and left sick today. This upsets me.
I am a dry alcoholic and had an amphetamine problem. I haven’t had a drink in about a decade and haven’t used speed in about 15 years or so.
I know what detox is like and, so far, this has been pretty crappy. My skin is crawling and I cant think, sleep or concentrate.
I went though the ‘pack’ lists and have gotten some stuff together. So far the Valerian has been helpful in doses of 2100mg – 4 caps before bed chased with a banana. I am trying Imodium, although my bowels are ok so far.
I have a 10mg Valium split in two, that is how I slept last night and still have the other half for tonight. I wish I had more.
I have been eating and drinking protein shakes. I’m gunna add a b-complex vitamin when I eat next.
I have insurance and could got get checked in or could try to get help from my primary care provider. But by the time I could get in I would be on day 7 or so and hopefully in a better place by then.
I’m writing just to get it out there, talking about it does help. This too shall pass. Good luck to everyone on here.
I have kicked from Oxycontin, Dilaudid, Hydro’s & Percs more than I care to admit. Some kicks have been in a medical detox facility but most have been on my own. It is a nightmare with debilitating depression for me. I have been on and off of them for about 4 years now. It started easily enough because I have chronic pain issues but I just can’t have opiates anymore. Too much control over me & too much effort to keep supply coming. I pray to God this is the LAST time I kick this and stay away. The withdrawals get worse and worse each time and it takes longer to get back to feeling better. I have found that taking otc sleep aids like tylenol pm/benedryl only make the RLS (I had it in my arms) and anxiety worse. This last kick (still in it) my doctor gave me some trazodone to help with the insomnia. It (at 100mg) has worked so well. I had been getting only 1-2 hours a night and it will just not work since I have a family to take care of. I am trying to journal how I am feeling right now so I can go back and read how awful it has been. Hopefully since I have a record of it whenever I crave I can go back and remember the consequences instead of the lie. May God strengthen every one of us.
I’ve been up all night reading everyones stories and I hope that each and every one of you is doing better then the day before. Here’s my story… (exhale) my doc has been prescribing me Norco 10/325 4x day faithfully for two years and suddenly cut me off no wean or anything. She says she doesn’t want me to become dependent… Too late for that doc!!! I really want off of these devil pills but I don’t know how to do it. I have about 60 to 80 pills left…. Any suggestions? Is there life after this? I have never smoked, been a drinker or taken any type of steet drug so I’m so mad that this has happened to me and others that are facing the same horrible hell
I have been reading all these posts, for awhile now. Glad to know the feeling(s)/symptoms I’ve been having aren’t unusual. I having been taking anywhere between 15 to 20 Norcos (10/325) a day, for the last 2 years or so. I will spare you the story of just what caused me to get on them, but, it is a legitimate reason(s). Anyhow, I’ve definitely decided it is time to stop. Sadly, it’s been only 10 hrs or so, since my last dose, and my chest is killing me. Feels like an elephant is sitting right on top of my upper ribcage/heart. This is not going to go easy.
I’ve taken hydrocodone 10/300 since sept 2008. I’ve yaken them regulary from 1998 through 2004 and during that time I went through withdrawls 3 different times. Each time just as bad as the last, clammy skin, nausea, diarrhea, restless legs, you name it I had it. THREE TIMES!!! I recently decided to quit again even though I still had a huge supply left. That my friend takes will power. What I did was go 24 hrs without a dose then in the evening took 1/2 a pill. Then went another 24 hrs [yes you hafta resist the craving] and took another 1/2 a pill. Then I didn’t take any more pills. The craving was manageable and I didn’t suffer any W/D symptoms. And after a few days it was business as usual. I still have the pain I was taking meds for but let’s face it, nobody lives pain free, it’s called old age. The older we get the more aches and pains we’ll have. That’s life. Just wanted to say weaning yourself off can and does work. You just have to stay strong, good luck and God Bless.
Cold Turkey is best. You need to go through the hell in hopes you won’t use again. Wanted to add neurotin is another med you can take with clonidine. Phenergan also. Epsom salt baths. If you can taper that’s great. I was never in control enough to do so. I took 20 to 30 vic 10s a day. Also get liquid vitamin b12 from gnc helps with energy.
Wow…. It’s like reading my journal. Legitimate pain; Arthritis; Fibromyalgia; Surgeries; ADDICTION. This last time was the worst. 100 10mg norcos in 7 days. I used the other 20 to ween down. The next 4 days. I am now AGAIN – about the 20th time – in detox. I have to double my blood pressure medicine to keep my blood pressure down. I ache. And this time…. My abdomen is extremely swollen. I was up 25 POUNDS of water retention. Now 4 days into this detox, I am only carrying 5-10 pounds of fluid. This is the first time my organs have ached. I am a healer. I teach people how to heal! What the fuck!!? Dear God, and all that is good, PLEASE let this be the last time, so that I can aspire to the greatness that I KNOW I AM. ♥
I am a 55 year old female teacher. For those who wonder if their lives can continue and whether others around them will find out that you are going through withdrawals, the answers may be “yes” and ” no.” Not having a choice, I stopped taking hydro on a Monday afternoon (after a previous failed wd attempt). By Wednesday, my withdrawal symptoms became full-blown. While I struggled through Thursday and Friday to get through the work day, those around me thought I had the flu and in a horrible mood. By Friday afternoon, I knew that I was facing a couple of days that I was most vulnerable in…and took care of myself sat and Sun; however, I didn’t sleep until Sunday night. I have not missed a day of work, used Thomas recipe, and took Ambien cr on Thursday and Friday to deal with crawling out-of-skin feelings. I think of myself as weak, a whiner, and not very remarkable. My thoughts are that YOU can get through it. I spent days and weeks in dreadful anticipation…and yes, it was. But the sooner you get it done, the sooner you can put it behind you. Not bragging…only 3 weeks out. Plan on joining a support group. Oh yeah, did it alone. Sucked.
Hey work,
Bravo girl – what a phenominal and brave detox. You are right it is dreadful and the anticipation is dreadful, but you are proof that there is no time like the present to do it because there is never a good time, a convenient time, a time that it won’t totally suck – so why not just do it – get it over with – and get on with our lives. Unfortunate that most of us do it when there seems to be no alternative – when the pills are used up, the money is gone, and we are at the end of our rope.
Thanks for writing and telling us of your success. I was eight months clean on mothers day and don’t think that three weeks is not an accomplishment cause it darn tootin is – it is great.
Join some of us folks on the about page of this site. That is where we hang and are support for each other – welcome…we always need new faces around here.
Love
Kitty
Hi, the posts on here have raised my very dim spirits. I quit cold turkey from lorcet 10/625 (3 times a day) 6 days ago. The medication was always taken as described since I began taking it in 2007 for back and knee pain. Xanax was also prescribed at 2 mg (3 times a day) since 1998 for panic attacks.
In December 2010, I had a hairbrain idea to check myself into detox in here in Miami of all places; for lorcet and zanax addiction. I never quote “abused” the meds. But they sure did make life easier so I thought. My relationship started to suffer because I became “dead” in side. Anyway long story I checked myself into detox just 10 days after knee reconstruction (not smart). Maybe the Miami heat fried my brain. I kicked the zanax for good. Not so much luck for the Lorcet.
So I’m on day 6 of withdrawl from lorcet. I still have over 50 pills in the safe but that is for emergency. I have handled most of the physical withdrawls but the mental affects are brutal. Depression at what I can describe as only a mind boggling cluster fudge. I know life will get better but I feel like I’m dying inside. Soon there may only be my shell walking around. The heat is irritating when I used to love it. The sun hurts when I used to crave it. Palms trees just hang, when they used to wave in the breeze. How long is this going to last?
I will start my detox tonight and im so scared…i need ay suggestions on otc things to take…thanjs
manda 2002;
swing over to the about page; everyone is there for support!!!!!
i am on day 14; from 20 yellow 10s a day for many years; i have been living on tylenol/advil or ibuprofen; same thing and taking potassium ; and zannies to sleep at night!! hottt and i mean hottttt baths help with the leg cramps; if i can do this so can you!!! i hope you are out there somewhere still!!!! “about” page!!!!
manda 2002
i couldn’t have done it without my girls on the “about ” page. they rock!!! and are supportive and inspirational and have been there you can do it!!!
I went to the hospital 2 times each time freaking out, ripping out my IV and running for the door. However the 2ed time they were waiting for me and when I ran the police put me back in the hospital. Therefore forceful detoxify. Lets just say yelling and flipping out sent my Title 36 (state ordered) self to a detox center and after 6 days I had held my composure to get out on May 6th, 2011. As soon I got home my husband had a pritty little blue 30mg IR waiting. That day the single dose had me doing back flips. Of course my PCP had no clue and at my next apt. I got my scRipping. The fucked up part is my husband’s habit is really bad. 5 times mine so we blew thru my script in one and a half weeks, also buying some here and there. Now I have a 75 mcg patch on that seem to keep the craziness at bay but will end Sunday. I know what to expect. I have anxiety meds, Sleeping pills, and a few other things that I was prescribed while in detox and some by my PCP (Primary Care Provider) My question will it be easier this time as I won’t have anything till the 1st. Will it be the same? Any advice? A big problem is my husband taking my script and leaving me with nothing, he does get 30 more each month. Together we get almost 540-30mg ir oxicodones a month. Plenty…how do I manage my meds? I don’t run out of anything else that a “narcotic” So question 1 how will the next 3 to 4 days of re-detox goes? And 2 how do I manage my meds? And Should I kill my husband??? I joke. But really what do I do? Pull out what I need till my next appointment?
South Florida, I love your description of your feelings, very poetic and easy to relate to. I hope you are doing alright and things have gotten better. There are alot of folks on the “about” page that can help you through this. Sometimes posts get lost over here because they go unseen. Good luck!
Tina-Marie, sounds like you are in quite the pickle! Is there anyway you and your husband both can stop using? That would be the best way to kick this thing. On the “about” page there is a husband and wife kicking it together, she posts under Jen. As far as detox, it’s really hard to say how bad it will be, sounds like you are on a yo-yo ride right now. I wish you the very best and hope that you and your husband are ok.
Manda2002, how ya doing??
Take care! Pinkerton
In comparison to most of the people here my problem is pretty mild; 10- 50mg of oxycodone about 3x a week, mostly in response to devastating pain from a syrinx (destroyed, fluid-filled cyst in the spinal cord) and the resulting full-body nerve damage.
I’m 14 hours into puking my guts out shivering uncontrollably and I’ve decided to use the taper method. 5mg of oxycodone put an end to the worst symptoms, so I have hope that with successively smaller doses I’ll be able to get the hell off this drug.
I’ve never had a physical addiction to a drug before, but a few years ago I had a major psychological addiction to 3-4Methelynedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or ecstasy). I managed to cold-turkey that, and I think knowing I survived my own heavy depression after that makes this roller-coaster ride much more tolerable.
It sucks, because the pain is very real. I’ve dealt with it for 12 years, and I’m 23 years old. I guess I need to look into blocking/burning nerves at this point.
Thank you guys so much for being here. I feel a little silly as my habit is mild, but knowing how supportive this place is helps immensely. I’ll kick this, but it’s going to suck ass for a bit until I do.
Tina Marie
No one can decide to do this but you… I was takin 20 norco 10 vics daily for years… It’s not easy but it can be done! You have to really want it…. And just FYI.. Though 3 or4days and it would be all good. For me I am on day 15and still going through some stuff… Careful mixing those meds too girl that gets dangerous! We are all here for you. pINK is right you should talk to Jen she and her hubby are a few days in she could help… We are all here though
Thanks for all the support. I am in the start of dt’s but not now where close to last time. The meds were all from the same doctor. So I am safe there. I have everything to stay mellow and not freak out. My problem is to 100% quit is not even my doctors advise, he wants me to taper as I cant forget or not do my day to day things. I cant stay in bed for a month or (thats how long my doctor told me to get back to normal) I have kids to take to sports and summer things. I guess Im saying I am not ready to stop. I want control. I keep my stuff and my husband his. WE both also talked about geting a pill set up where you sort your meds for each day and not dip into the next day. I need control! advise please…..finding self control I can do, keeping my husband under control. But we agreed not more shairing!! I told him he will return what it takes for me to get to the day of my apt. No matter what we will put our meds in our own thing and not get in to the other. I did and hid my bottle , he found then and went crazy…ugh, 3 days of hell coming my way!
Its hard when you both use I know me and my husband are 11 days clean and it was not easy but we survived. I never had control neither did he. I would take his he would take mine I would hide mine from him or he would take them all. It’s is so hard to quit. I quit last year but he didnt and I couldnt stay sober with him using. Also if he went a few days without them I would beg him to get some it was horrible. I finally realized I’m gonna have to leave him if I want to stay sober. I spoke with him about it and we did it together. It is not an easy rode and worse when both are using you are each others crutch. We have been clean 11 days and have had more fun this weekend then we have in years. We both have used for 7 yrs total we took lortab 10′s, 5, and 7.5 and also took every color lol. I can say it won’t work if just one of you does it you will both have to or it will never work. I couldnt watch him use and not take one myself I’m not that strong. We are here if you need to talk. I’m praying for yall and if you need anything you let me know
.
charice
hows it going? you haven’t posted anything else; if you could fine the “about” page; there are a ton of people there to support you!!!
are you still detoxing? whats up ? thinkin of you!! check in!!
tina marei
how are you?? haven’t heard an update; can you find the “about” page; there are tons of people there to support you!! check in!!!!
Reading through this page has definitely helped me a lot, thank you everyone for your honesty. I had a very invasive knee surgery and was prescribed 7.5/500 hydrocodone / lortab; as well as 40mg oxycontin. For the first 2-3 weeks I really needed the pills, I couldn’t walk and moving was painful but after that the pain really was not as bad and I was back to the original threshhold I had before surgery. On a scale of 1-10 its a constant 4-5 but I had grown accustomed to it over a course of 3 years so it should not have mattered.
I noticed I was taking the pills and doubling up doses last week when I filled a 60 pill script and as of 2 days ago they are gone. I took 180 pills in 34 days with no prior history of narcotic abuse (prior history of alcoholism so I tend to have an addictive personality). I decided to refrain from refilling the script and I was fine all day yesterday until about 9pm when I felt like I had eaten something bad and I put two and two together and realized I was going through withdrawl. I forced myself to sleep and got about 4 hours before I woke up freezing but drenched in sweat and my heart was racing. I can’t believe I am this sick after only a month of low grade abuse.
I am a bit worried because of my past tendencies to indulge in abhorrent behaviour but I know if I get more pills this will only get worse. I still have some 20mg oxycontin (I had him ween me down to a lower dosage fearing addiction to the oxy over the hydros) so I took one of those with an asprin and lots of water and it doesn’t seem to be helping. I have been trying to take only 1 oxycontin a day and I took this one 6 hours early to try to satiate the feelings I am having.
I am a single father with sole custody of my son and I fear that I will begin taking the pills again just to get back into the swing of things. I am already contemplating getting the script filled and it’s 3:50am. I am going to fight off the urge but I just wish the overall feeling of dread and restlessness would dissipate so I could move on. I’d much rather be vomitting than feeling like the world is going to end; although I am sure I would be saying I wish it were less vomit more mental if the tables were turned.
Is there anything I can do about the racing heartrate? Would taking a sleep aide help me get some rest or just exhaust me more?
I applaud everyone who has gotten through this – its not easy, I know I am just beginning to go through it but I can tell this is not a simple task. I thank everyone for their honesty – reading about your plights and being able to compare them to my own and realize I am not alone is quite comforting.
What is this ‘about’ page that everyone keeps referring to?
Rich
are you still out there? sorry we missed your post. hope you are doing well. it’s not easy but you have a great support team here . if you can find that about page we are all there hanging out very often. if you just type it in the search category it pops up or if you look down to the left on the home page you will see about page; also to the right theres a column that says recent posts and it will have for example myself ; it will say “need some inspiration please on about” and if you click on that it will take you to the about page. hope you are well and still out there. we would all love to help in anyway that we can!
Ive gone through 13 days cold turkey. By far hardest thing I’ve ever accomplished. I was on percocet for 2 years but scared to take more than 3 10′s daily. My husband takes 18 percocet 10s a day and says hes been clean for 2 days. I have such hatred towards him for continuing to use after I quit. How are you guys doing, Jen? I’m really depressed that he’s not going to quit but someone had to break the cycle. I’ve lied to myself that I had control and that 3 daily is manageable, it’s not and I started becoming someone else. I’m looking to get long term treatment. Any ideas?
Day one I’ve run out its not my first detox I’ve been on 5 7.5 mm a day for months. For anybody who wants to know here’s my method and it helps the day before I taper down to 3 pills it will help your body sort of start the process consider it day one of withdrawl because it will feel like it. Next day get some valerium root and don’t drink anything with caffiene and ecspect the next 48 hours to suck for my its not unbearable but it sucks achy sore no concentrations any exercise will help so force yourself to do somthing . Benedril will help tylenol too. if possible try to get some ambien for sleep . That’s about all you can do by day three you should start to feel a little better. That’s pretty much all you can do jusst remember to do exercise even arm curls will help and also it helps to know you probely have had worse colds so sit back and write the next two days of your life off it will start geting beter in a couple of days
I’ve also have had very good results with a drug called Topiramate my girlfriend got a rx for it for migraine head aches and I typed ” topiramate for opiat withdrawl” into google and found a few articles on it. It really takes the sting out of withdrawls you’ll still have withdrawls but they will be minimal and its only for the actual detox of the first few days . If anybody else has tried this id be interested in hearing how it has worked for them
Day two not and am not high writing tonight . Kind of a grulling day but not unbearable but close to unbearable . Bridget hang in there it might be good to go to a NA meeting its good to connect with people who are or have been in the same boat. For me the gloomy depression is the worst part but getting around people helps ill try to to get to one Sunday if I feel a little better but I’m sure ill have to force myself
This is my 5th time trying to kick Vicodin, it started a couple of years ago when I had surgery and was prescribed Vicodin. At first it didn’t do anything to me and I thought becoming addicted would never happen to me. Well, 3 years later and 4 failed attempts to quit this and here I am. I’ve decided it’s now or never, I have 3 young children and my wife is running out of patience with my problem. I’ve realized since I’ve been on Vicodin all I want to do is me by myself and just feel the high. I’m currently on day 3 and need to finally end this cycle or lose my family.
Hang in there, Drew…you have come to the right place for support!! Take a gander over to the ‘about’ thread where you will find a fantastic group of individuals all in different stages of recovery. You can and you WILL kick it this time, and we WILL be here for you!! Set your mind, Drew, and you can do ANYTHING!!!!!
Day four doing good thank god I have some ambien or I don’t think I would get any sleep only about 4 hours a night but am really greatful for that!!! Three mile run and lifted wieghts. Mood swings and anxity and achey all in all doing Ok I think I try to get out around people tomorrow
John, good for you! Day four was always my hardest day everytime I detoxed, which has been three times. Getting around others is helpful for me only because it makes the time go by faster but not because I really enjoy it. Now, I’m at day 19 (i think) and I actually enjoyed last weekend at my family reunion where we ride bikes and exercise….but this weekend for some reason I just wasn’t in the mood to be around anyone. I really think part of it is that my body is exhausted. Went to the fair on fri, shopping for 8 hrs sat, church and pool on sun, and then clean, picnic, pool, carnival, and fireworks last night. The weekend before that was just as exhausting. I am still learning how to manage what most people call a “bad mood” without the pills. It sounds like you are doing wonderful and just know that you are in my prayers and if you are interested, alot of folks spend most of their time on the “about” page, which is located at the top left side of the home page or if you look at the latest posts there is usually one on there from the “about” page.
Hang in there and my day 5 prove to be fantastic.
Pinkerton
Thanks Pinkerton! Day 5 has been ok for the most part glimpses of normal . Totally relate to the exhaustion for a couple hours in the afternoon I get spells of exhaustion that words can’t descibe and a nap doesn’t help seems like I just have to wait them out besides that all other symptoms are much beter but not out of the woods yet significantly better though . For me the exerise is a huge help I do it first thing in the morning while I feel good and try to do it before I have time to think about it otherwise any thinking I do will convince me not to do it. Its a major help!!! Thanks again ill check out the about page
Drew
How’s it going? Still hanging in there ? You CANdo this!! You have found an amazing support team here. If you go to the “about” page there are a bunch of us there! I never in my wildest dreams thought would be addicted to these darn things either but I finally stopped I was taking like 20 750 or yellow norcos a day! I didn’t think I could do it and couldn’t have without mt new friends on the “about” page. So hang in there!
John
Welcome welcome. You should totally check out the about page. There are a bunch of us there regularly who have all diff stories and are at diff stages. Theresa guy , Keith who is about the same days as you have I believe. Day 5sucked for me. It was pure hell , so I am glad you aren’t feeling too bad. Hang in there and glad to have ya here!
John and Drew, how are you doing today?? You should be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as far as w/d but will be approaching the mental part where your mind tries to convince you that you feel better and that it is ok to take just one ….DON’T DO IT!!! Trust me, I did and it f’d me all up. Stay the course and no matter what, NO PILLS, JUST FOR TODAY! And remember, It’s ok to feel like shit, allow yourself to be miserable, don’t try too hard to feel normal again, it’s not going to happen for awhile and you will just get frustrated. If you have a good day right now, count it as a blessing because they will be rare for a short period of time. I don’t want to sound like a downer but I had such high expectations that when I finished detox I’d be normal again and then got frustrated because I still felt shitty emotionally…..just go with it, it will pass but probably not as quickly as you’d like. However, there is a lady, Quittingnow, who after she detoxed seemed to bounce right back to her normal self. So it’s not impossible. Just wanted to prepare you, not depress you, that’s all.
Pinkerton
NsiP thanks for the support!!! Its almost 4 am I didn’t mention I’ve been taking the ambien as long as the vicodin I took my last one Monday night so tonight none anyway I woke up in pure in terror!!! I had no idea ambien had withdrawl syptoms and there horrible!!!!!!! I just read about them on google and let me tell you there bad . I have resorted to drinking alcohol which helps but at this point I don’t want anything in my system and if I can get through this ill never put anything again!!! On the plus side the ambien withdrawl has taken my mind of the vicodin withdrawl!! WHAT A MESS!!
Thanks Pinkerton!!!
Today is day 6 of no vicodin day two no ambien . Last night was horrible!!! Has anybody had any expirence with ambien withdrawal it was awful the few shots of rum I had helped but I don’t want to get in a habit of that! I almost went to the ER from stoping the ambien I hope tonight is better
Hey John
Nice to meet you and hear of your success on getting to day 6. It is always nice to hear of neew success stories and I wish you continued progress. I am not familiar with Ambian detox – I was jsut addicted to Vicodin for many years – up to about 12 10/325 per day, but now am happy to say I am 10 months drug free tomorrow. Keep letting us know how you are doing. I hope you start feeling better soon…I know that I was weel on my way to feeling better in two weeks and now I can honetly say that pills are never going to be an option for me again.
Just for today – no pills
Love
Kitty
PS = join us on the about page of this site – I seem to miss alot of the posts because I am hanging out over there.
Thanks Kitty Mom I’ve tried to go over the about page but there’s like 2500 post I have to go through and my phones my only internet access and doesn’t seem to go through fast ill try at the library when I get through the ambien withdrawal. Hopefully soon its much worse then the vicodin withdrawal but I think its a combo of both at this point. I can honestly say I never took ambien to get high only to get to sleep I thought it was a mirical drug it cured my insomia with 0 side effects excecpt these whithdrawls which if I get through them I never touch them again I hope I’m. Not rambling but anybody going through vicodin withdrawl DON’T TOUCH AMBIEN!!!!! For sleep problems YOU WILL REGRET IT !!!! Thanks everybody for the support this is my only therapy I have and it helps just typing my detox out thank again
Hi all.
I have enjoyed reading everyone’s post’s. I have been taking norco’s for about 5 years now. I was taking xanax too but kicked those about 6 months ago. I am weaning the Norcos and I am down to 1 a day…but I need to kick off and go for it. My life is a shell of what I used to be. I am broke and alone. I use to be a vibrant person with a good job and hobbies. Now Im isolated in my room all day and unemployed. I have a important job interview Tuesday and I need to go through this and get it over with. I am going to do what someone else suggested. I have gone 24 hours without any (I have headache and irritation mostly). I am going to take 1/2 pill tonight and then THATS IT!
I know I wont sleep…so I may take a half a xanax but Im scared to get hooked on them again so I need to be careful! Thank-You all for the support!
Day 9 doing OK unfortunitly ipick up a full rx of vicodin but havnt touched them I’m more consumed with my ambien withdrawal I’ve done some more reading a I’ve been dealing with somthing called night terrors its were you wake up scared and paranoid its awful but life threatoning i ve been dealing with it with shots of rum when I wake up it horrible its like a bad acid trip with out the hallcinations but once your up there not as bad and the rum relaxes me not an alcoholic but kind of need to do the shots right now anybody any sugestion
Not life threatoning
I have been off vics forabout 10 days but I am suffering from that feeling you cant stand in your legs and I cant sleep because of it. How long does this part last????
hey all…. on day 5 w/o norco 10/325 10 4 x a day, but as we all know, after taking the meds for 6 or more yrs it is nothing to pop 10 a day, also, was presc. 60 15mg roxycodone which I was taking 8 a day, then would eat the norco… now I am on day 6 of cold turkey , and telling you man its not fun, can’t sleep, can’t eat, my mind is not my own…… I do not want to go backwards, but OMG it is so tempting… I hate this sneezing and coughing crap… been taking night time nyquil (sp) but to avail, any answers as to how to get my energy back, coughing to stop, and of course the poops
any thing would be appreciated.. thanks much…
peace, love & happiness
on day two of detoxing from taking 10-15 a day vicodin 10s. this shit is no joke. ive been doing this for about three yrs now and cold turkey is horrible!!!!
I’m on day two of my second withdrawal. dR’s have always gave me vics I have two cracked vertebras and a compressed spin. I was on pills all day every day for like 8 years. I was even waisting money on streets getting me by for how many I was taking. I went threw withdrawals on a kick pack I found online by a person that helped it was all natural over the counter stuff you can buy any where. It then did include marijuana also to help ease the pain for a couple hours and then be able to sleep for about a good half hour. I went this route and it helped I was able to stop smoking the bud after the third day with no problems. Then now I am having shoulder surgery for a torn muscle and ten dent and also a growth on my rotator cuff. They gave pills once again I THOUGHT taking them only when really needed would be fine LOL that is a NO GO. So here I am on day two with no pills but yes a little bud that is now not working I smoked a half joint of good weed and it barley got my high I did not sleep at all it did not cure my pain or get my thoughts off the pills. I am going threw bad times right now. I have a dr opt in a about 9 hours to find out when I am getting surgery I guess from what I have read seen and herd is this surgery I am going threw is very pain full I have been told by the dr already I have to take the pills every 4 hours if I need or not for the first 4 days. He said if I didn’t and it gets the out of control pain it is very hard to get back under control. This scares me because I don’t want to take them any more after this I flushed the bud down the toilet also because if it didn’t help I don’t want the drug. I just don’t know what to do I am going crazy with this it is really kicking my azz this second go round. And what if I need the pills because it is really actually hurting what will go around three be like? I have no clue I just want to jump off a building and then fell no pain fell a very good falling rush then bam that’s it no more wd pain or shoulder pain. I don’t know with to do it is making me nucking futs.
I am also on day 3 of cold turkey after 9 years of daily use. This is the first time I have tried to quit. Only other times I have detoxed were because I could not get my hands on anything. I did not start because of any pain, I started because I liked them. What really scares me is facing the world after being numb for so long. I truly have no control of emotion at this point and wanted to hit some really happy person. My hope is that after enough time, I will be able to feel something besides anger
I been taking narco 10/325 for the past 2 yrs. Started with metal hip down to my knee. I really need help!! I been mostly off 4 5 days taking only 1/2 of 1 each day.What else can i do ? When will all this pain stop?
Please !!!!!
Hi ….. I hope someone reads this soon…… I seeked out hydros just cause I am raising two small kids on my own. And loved how i could “do it all” I felt like a super mom. That was a year ago and now have been taking 280 7.5 every 28 days!!! I moved and my new doc cut me off. I’m on day 8. I didn’t even know what was happening to me when I stopped. I honestly thought I was dying. Ended up in the ER on day four where a different dr explained what was happening. I need support. I an starting to feel better but am so depressed and have never felt this way. I need to SNAP outta this for my children. On day 3 I had visions of blowing my head off and the kids fending fir thenselves. I dont feel that way anymore but I have no one. Pls. I have been reading this stories. I need to hear from someone. When will I “SNAP” outta this ???? Pls pls help me!!,,,,????!!!!
would someone please email me? im in need of some help, this is my first withdrawl and i am going through it bad. i have back pain been taking vicoden for a year straight in what i thought was low doses but i’d like to know some info because this is nothing like i imagined and its freaking me out…..i ran out of my meds about two days ago and it just hit me super hard
paulmerle27@live.com
I am writing to try to give some advise to some of what i have been going through. My husband has been addicted to Hyrocodone for about 4 years now due to his back pain and neck and other problems. He was first taking 2 and day 750 then it got up to 4 a day then it just got so out of hand he would take more to get that engery and to feel that high I’m sure i was geting them and trying to control them but he would always manage to fing them or i would just give in because he would keep bugging me and I hate to say this but i have inable him for the last couple years when he would run out i would go get them from people i knew he gets 120 a month from his doc and can take all those up in a week and a half.the more he took the more he had to have. Well I have cut off all outside resorces because he is wanting to get off of them he is seeing what this addiction has turned him into. He has become a liar to me and his family trying to cover this up this drug has such a hold on him and has taken a big toll on me and our marriage of 30 years I have lied to my kids and trued to cover it up. This is his 3rd day of detox and he is going through hell right now with the muscule acts runnny nose sweats leg cramps vomiting and dirreaha.I keep telling him it will get better as it gets out of his system but he has really got to want this so maybe going through all this he want do it again after this I pray that God will give him and me the strenght to get through this. So if anyone is having these withdraws here is somethings you can do not caffine drink lots of water for this will flush it out of your system faster, take hot baths or showers lay on a heat pad but get up and move around some dont just lay in bed or on the couch watch a movie to try to get your mind off it. Take a bath 3 or 4 times a day if you have to anything to get some releaf. I know all of you can do this you just have to be strong and remember if you have a family your not the only one that your addiction effects. Good luck everyone and wish us luck,and if there is someone else out there that is trying to help someone we just have to be verypatience and understanding and kind because they really are having a rough time but in the end it will all be worth it…
Paul,
Hope ur doing better now…is has been 24 days since ur last post….u should be on the back side of it now…so? how are u duin?
hello,
I was taking 4 norcos by mouth then cwe another 5 and downing that juice with tthem then taking another 4 four hours later. I fianally said enough was enough and stopped cold turkey. I would get 120 pills a month. I became addicted legite from pain that required a 5 hour stomach surgery. So was on a good amount of norcos for a year. Im on day 9 now and feel so much better,I have so much joy. The withdrawals were hellish, 24hrs so so I can do this,48hrs oh sht,cant sleep sweating clammy,nausia,headache.50-60hrs the worst massive stomach pain,all the above,72hrs same as above, it wasnt until about day 6 I started coming together again,rls and no sleep was the worst ,but my doc prescribed me something for sleep, SO here I am day 9 still sleepy but so so happy I didnt quit. Please hang in there it does get better,every hour is a victory,every day a triumph,every week a F miracle. best wishes
I have been sitting here reading all of these stories of the horrible drug vicodine. I never thought it would be me. 4 years ago I went to a doctor with chronic pain. He diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. First he started me with 500 mg 3 xs aday. Now this last year I have been taking 750 mg 5xs a day. I have been wanting to quit these things for a year now but kept putting it off. I called today for my refill appointment and was informed my doctor no longer works there. He got a job working at V.A. hospital. I went into panic mode thinking what in the hell now. I called all the doctors trying to find a new one all the while thinking I am going to quit. I finally got it in my head that I would just give it up and suffer thru it. The pain of the fibro is no where near as bad as constantly wondering how I am going to get my refill. I am now traveling with my husband working construction out of town and every three months I am counting the days till I have to come home for refill. I want to be free of this addiction and enjoy life. So what if I hurt some from the fibro on those days sit down with a book. Like someone says pain comes with age. I am 54 and I am sure I should feel some aches and pains. What really helped me decide is my Mother. She has been on all kinds of pills for as long as I can remember, vicodine,zanex just to name a few. Anyways she was put in hospital day before yesterday from the nursing home (they give her the meds just to keep her shut up) The hospital is a different story. They go by the rules. She has called me all day begging me to call the nurse and make them give her meds. She had just had vicodine a few hours earlier. I don’t want to be tied to a habit like that forever. I know it is going to hard. This is first time I have tried to kick it. So far I have had 2 vics (half every four hours and seem to be feeling fine) I hope tomorrow I can just do one then none. I am not sure here at Thanksgiving with all the family is time for me to go cold turkey but I am going to try. I am glad I found this site and hope I can get support from people that understand. None of my friends or husband even realizes how addicted I am. I am willing to support anyone on bad days that needs a shoulder and understands in exchange for a friend to help me.
OMG!! This is going to be tough already I can tell. I took 3 750′s today(usally take 5) Broke them in have and took every 4 hours. It is now 9: 20 and wanting one so bad before I go to bed but going to resist. What the heck is up with the leg cramps already? I haven’t even got a good start on the detox and I notice I am extremely cranky no appetite (that is the plus I need to loose 50 lbs) and seems everything is in slow motion. I can not believe I have let a stupid white pill take control of my life. Tomorrow I am shooting for 2. Then the next day 1. God bless all of you here and you are in my prayers tonight. I know some of you have a worse habit than me but we are all in the same boat.
I am on day 3, already been to a Narc Anonymous meeting. What I am really feeling is anxiety. I’m feeling really OVERWHELMED… about work, about what people will think, etc. etc.
Well-I am on day 4 w/drawing from 10-12 Vicodin ES every day 4 the last 2 years. I asked the dr. 2 switch me 2 Tramadol because I wanted 2 get off these hard core narcotics & keep my liver functioning. I think the worst is over-@ least I hope. A “friend” said she would give me some Vics 2day & now I have 2 have the strength 2 say ,,,,,NO! Work has bn a BI__ but have also bn able 2 do it, saying I’m sick .
Day 5 & I’m feeling really good except Tramadol is going 2 run out aa day early & Doc said he would NOT fill early anymore…wish me luck!
Hey guys. I just stumbled across this site and it’s so inspirational! I started taking pain meds in 2007 when I had my wisdom teeth removed. I just took them every now and then until March of this year. That’s when my son was born and I had a c-section. The pain from the c-section never went away so I’ve had prescriptions for perc 10s or vic 10s ever since. In August I learned that I have severe endometriosis. These past 9 months have been hell. I went from taking 1 pill every now and then to taking 15-20 a day. I’m having surgery in a few days (Dec 21st) for a hysterectomy. Of course, I ran out of my meds early. I sooo want to quit, but what’s the point if I’m still going to be in horrible pain and on top of that, having surgery? It’s been about 12 hrs since I took my last percocet. I’m starting to feel like crap. I’m taking skelaxin to help with the cramps. My stomach is starting to get really upset. I hate that I’m going through this when I know I’m having surgery in a few days. I hate being dependant on these pills and when I run out, searching like a crack head or something. Plus, the closest people to me seem to be oblivious to what is really going on. I feel horrible and alone
Day 6-I’m depressed. & have nooone 2 confide in re: my w/drawals. I’m tired of this-I want it 2 b ovr!!!!!!!!
You’ll get there, Chris. Just try to stay positive and stay busy, you can do it and it’s so much better once you get out from under the cloud of addiction.
Thanx Jamie, I hope so. Day 6 isfeeling kind of like day 1:/ muscle aches, irritability, thinking of getting meth 2 numb everything else. DON’t want pills but could probably get som. Trying 2 keep busy but can’t stand the holidays & can’t stand being cooped up in my house unless I’m passed out. Don’t have the energy 2 clean, or the mind set…IDK, just rambling now. How Many more days??????!!!!!!
Did realize that the 15 supplements I take every day are helping w/this a little bit!
I dont know what to.do, im crying uncontrollably, ive been takking multivitamins and l-thyrosine for the past 2 days…i took 7.5mg orally of hydrocodone yesterday to take the edge off, am i back at square one? I havent taken ne opoid today i took a flexeril and a clonidine but really isnt doing much..i feel as if this is never going to end…i layed in bed for 2 days.and have no energy to do anything and i have two young kids to take care of..i only have 4 more days off work, i decided to do this because of tge realization of whom ive become…please help
Didn’t do the meth thing. Just decided 2 relax 2day since I worked the first 5 days of detox. I am exhausted & can’t b lazy 4 long. I HAVE 2 get up & clean 2morro! That’s part of my rent. Can’t seem 2 stop drinking coffee & I can tell it isn’t doing me any good. Try 2 drink water every other drink. I already eat all organic & really only drink 1/2 caff coffee. Can u believe I also work out??? I can’t even believe it sumtimes:). I wonder if I’ll ever have the vicodin energy again…u know, superwoman! I could work 8 hours, work out 45 mins. Aftr work, & then come home 2 clean 4 @ least 2 hours. I don’t have that energy right now & I’m aggravated!
Should I even b posting all this on this page?
Nsip, Kitty and Pinkerton…You guys have been a great inspiration. Sorry I haven’t been here in so long. I have spent these last few weeks doing a little soul searching. This is a miserable thing that is so hard to get past it’s unbelievable. I really am starting to feel like I may be able to do this. Today I went to work with 15 (That is usually 2 doses)and still have 12 left. The only time I’m taking one now is to help control diarrhea at work. I will deal with the night sweats RLS and other things at home But I have to run a business every day. I’m not sure it’s the best time to try as I am scheduled for knee surgery in 3 weeks but I see no reason to not start right now. This S*%T has controlled my life for 10 years. I always used to drive new vehicles and have money in the bank. Today i dont even own a vehicle. I am so sick of living check to check i could throw up. Well gang, Wish me luck and I will stay in touch to keep you in the loop and look for your support. THANKS
Hadenough
Do I dare say I feel geat on Day 7??:). Funny thing is, have noticed less pain in the mornings than when I was on the Vicodin!
Day 8-soooo happy & feeling healthy again!
Way to go, Chris!
Thanx Jamie:). Day 10 & feeling bettr every day!
Hello out there…Just started on day 7 no hydro…I would like to say I feel great, but I am feeling better. I used Withdrawal Ease, for my detox, had a couple of ativan stashed and some phenergan…Those helped to get me through the first 3 days. My reflux and diarrhea, well not so much diarrhea as I am taking immodium…Its the smudge butt that is getting to me. Does anyone know how long that will last? I read through all these posts before starting detox…And the anticipatory fear is much worse than the actual deal. So if anyone out there is thinking about quitting…read about opiate withdrawal as much as possible, use every tool you read about it and do it. I pretty sure it wont get easier….My clearing brain really does not know what to do with myself, I spent so much time, energy and money obtaining my drugs, I need to rediscover and repurpose my life. Thanks to all of you who posted.
To those who are clean congrats, to those that aren’t, it does suck to get there, and there is still a long ways aways. I’m 9 days off after a 21 day taper, after 6 years of use/abuse. As of this point I would say I’m about 1 month into recovery, and withdrawal. This is however the first time I can pass a UA without taking in bottles, and I am starting to remember that life wasn’t that bad before I started taking hydro. Life did, however, get scary bad after being on them to the point where I could have/should have died. 150mg of Methadone at once could kill many of you that have tolerance, yet that’s what it took after 5 years, and had I not stopped could have progressed to who knows what.
The point is that as this artical points out, you really do only want to go through this once, and when you do, it will suck like nothing previous ever did. It’s hell on earth, but I have to believe in another week or 2 I will start feeling truly normal, not opiate normal. Then every bit of misery will be worth it. Good luck to everyone!
Hi everyone. About two years ago I went through the toughest time of my life. I was unexpectedly betrayed by my new husband and so I moved away to start over. During transition, I was diagnosed with intersticial cystitis and have a pretty bad case. I was going in weekly for cathetor injections and taking vicodin daily. I went from taking a half ( I’m small ) to 2 at a time
It’s been a battle. Every month is the “last” month. And I was serious this time. I was going to use this last script to taper off and then it would be over. But a repair man came into our apartment yesterday and now the entire bottle is missing. I didn’t have time to plan, so cold turkey it is with just otc sleeping aid and motrin. I haven’t even started to experience withdrawl symptoms yet but I feel the psychological symptoms already of just not having them 3 years up to 6 10/325 a day… and the fear of the next three days that I was not mentally prepared for. 3 days of withdrawl and then I must face the pain again. It really does make one stronger. I want to get through this. I want to beat this. I am tired of slaving. On one end of the spectrum you are a slave to pain, on the other you are a slave to pills. I just want to be in the middle ground somewhere.. and I am committed to finding it somehow. It’s just so difficult last minute when you are not prepared. Perhaps it’s for the best if happens this way. Who knows if I would have actually done it if not faced with a situation that forces me into it. Well. Day 1.
Wow. Basically day 2 and I can barely type this. Pretty scary stuff. Not so sure I can do this
Not so sure I can do this.Pretty scary stuff
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