I have 18 pills left of Norco 10/325 left. I have been taking up to 13 a day. I'm scared to death about withdrawls and the emptiness I feel when the pills aren't in me. I am going to taper. I took 1.5 an hour ago and will take 3 a day for 6 days and go cold turkey. I'm very scared. This is becoming an epidemic around the US. I talk to people and they say they do the same thing as me or less...or more. Why did they make it so easy for us to get them on the net?
I haven't hit withdrawl stage yet...I am so scared.
If you are unable to get a Drs. help and you want to taper by yourself - do it very slowly - I would even break them in half and for the last couple of days take half 3x daily, then 2x daily, etc. I did taper off of percocet. I was taking at least 20 or more 10mg daily. If youre determined enough to do so, then it is possible. Of course, after the Norco is completely out of your system, you will experience withdrawls symptoms. This will include, but not limited to, flu-like chills, sweats, anxiety, alot of muscle aches, restlessness, stomach pain, diarreah, lethargy, etc. Everyone is different and believe me I am not a DR or an expert in this field - just letting you know about my experience. I know this all sounds horrible - and I wont say its not. I'm going on day #12 and feeling good. If you can just be strong for the first 3-5 days, you should feel better and better every day. Again, I cant stress enough that you really should discuss this with your Dr.. He may be able to give you something to help with the WDs. I dont know you and dont know if you have any other type of underlying illnesses. If you do then DEFINATELY see your dr. about this.
If you still decide to do this on your own - it helps to drink plenty of fluids, herbal teas, take hot baths, eat lightly, take Imodium AD, and try to get yourself out of that bed and move around some. Believe me, I can say that this is one of the hardest things (if not the hardest) I've had to do in my life. If you keep reading on this message board, youll find alot of helpful and inspiring info. Such as attending N/A meetings, etc. - they have them everywhere.
You are making a step in the right direction by admitting that your an addict. It took me a long time to do that. You couldve kept this to yourself and kept eating pills, but you didnt - this took alot of courage on your part. Please, stay on the path to recovery. It is hard, but rewards are much greater - for yourself, your family and everyone else around you.
Wishing you all the best,
Love, Marie
If you still decide to do this on your own - it helps to drink plenty of fluids, herbal teas, take hot baths, eat lightly, take Imodium AD, and try to get yourself out of that bed and move around some. Believe me, I can say that this is one of the hardest things (if not the hardest) I've had to do in my life. If you keep reading on this message board, youll find alot of helpful and inspiring info. Such as attending N/A meetings, etc. - they have them everywhere.
You are making a step in the right direction by admitting that your an addict. It took me a long time to do that. You couldve kept this to yourself and kept eating pills, but you didnt - this took alot of courage on your part. Please, stay on the path to recovery. It is hard, but rewards are much greater - for yourself, your family and everyone else around you.
Wishing you all the best,
Love, Marie
hi pdxguy,
i read your post and i read marie's post. i must agree with her. you can surely do this but it will be unconfortable. if you can taper down to 2 or 3 a day for a few days, i think you can kick this. i had to get rid of all my pills to quit. it's well over 30 days now and the feeling is so good. marie was right, if you can get through the first 3-5 days it becomes bearable. i started my detox on a thursday. by monday work wasn't too bad. after that is gets a little better each day. marie will feel much better in 12 more days. keep posting on here and let people know how you doing. i really think you can do this.
good luck
brian
i read your post and i read marie's post. i must agree with her. you can surely do this but it will be unconfortable. if you can taper down to 2 or 3 a day for a few days, i think you can kick this. i had to get rid of all my pills to quit. it's well over 30 days now and the feeling is so good. marie was right, if you can get through the first 3-5 days it becomes bearable. i started my detox on a thursday. by monday work wasn't too bad. after that is gets a little better each day. marie will feel much better in 12 more days. keep posting on here and let people know how you doing. i really think you can do this.
good luck
brian
pdxguy:
I was an OPs user as well. Got up to using 20-30 Norcos a day within 5-6 months. Tolerance builds fast and its irreversible -- it will only get worse. I did a quick taper over 2 weeks to try to get down to an amount at which I could then go c/t. I did 8/day for 5 days, 6/day for 5 days, then went c/t because I knew I wouldn't obey the taper schedule. I haven't read of too many addicts who can successfully taper down to 1, or 1/2, pill a day. My w/d's were doable. It was my first time (I've heard it gets harder each time). Lots of flu-like symptoms and "running" legs, difficulty sleeping. I started on a Saturday and went to work on Monday. That was my experience. The feeling of being free from dependence on those Norcos is unbelievable. You don't have to do this alone. Peace, M.
I was an OPs user as well. Got up to using 20-30 Norcos a day within 5-6 months. Tolerance builds fast and its irreversible -- it will only get worse. I did a quick taper over 2 weeks to try to get down to an amount at which I could then go c/t. I did 8/day for 5 days, 6/day for 5 days, then went c/t because I knew I wouldn't obey the taper schedule. I haven't read of too many addicts who can successfully taper down to 1, or 1/2, pill a day. My w/d's were doable. It was my first time (I've heard it gets harder each time). Lots of flu-like symptoms and "running" legs, difficulty sleeping. I started on a Saturday and went to work on Monday. That was my experience. The feeling of being free from dependence on those Norcos is unbelievable. You don't have to do this alone. Peace, M.
Thank you guys for your support. I am trying still.
What Herbal teas do people recommend? I'm guessing some of the W/D pain is asscoiated with dehydration? I've stocked up on Gatorade and will go buy some of that baby stuff.
How many Immodiums should I take?
I waited til this weekend to do. I'm going steady as of now. This will be the journey of my life and the biggest crossroad I have ever had. It may cost me my relationship as I don't think my girlfriend wants to quit--at least now.
Thank you so much everyone.
What Herbal teas do people recommend? I'm guessing some of the W/D pain is asscoiated with dehydration? I've stocked up on Gatorade and will go buy some of that baby stuff.
How many Immodiums should I take?
I waited til this weekend to do. I'm going steady as of now. This will be the journey of my life and the biggest crossroad I have ever had. It may cost me my relationship as I don't think my girlfriend wants to quit--at least now.
Thank you so much everyone.
Well good for you!!! You sound very determined. As for herbal teas I chose decafinatted Green Tea (which is supposed to help detoxify) and also chamomile tea, which is soothing. As for the Imodium - just take as directed.
You will be uncomfortable for the first few days. I had some trouble sleeping. As for body aches, take hot baths (I used epsom salts) and take motrin.
If your girlfriend doesnt want to quit - that may be a problem. Having pills around or knowing somebody does have them is like holding candy in front of a baby. I dont know your story with her so I really cant give advice on that. However, which of the two are more important your "girlfriend" or the rest of your life? It may be a tough decision. I'll pray that you choose the right one.
You're off to a great start and we are all here for you to support you on your path to recovery.
Love,
Marie
You will be uncomfortable for the first few days. I had some trouble sleeping. As for body aches, take hot baths (I used epsom salts) and take motrin.
If your girlfriend doesnt want to quit - that may be a problem. Having pills around or knowing somebody does have them is like holding candy in front of a baby. I dont know your story with her so I really cant give advice on that. However, which of the two are more important your "girlfriend" or the rest of your life? It may be a tough decision. I'll pray that you choose the right one.
You're off to a great start and we are all here for you to support you on your path to recovery.
Love,
Marie
I am also addicted to similar amounts and am on day 6 of withdrawal. This has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do, however, I am now starting to feel a little better. My stomache is still very upset but I have found that Papaya Enzyme (you can get it at the health food store) has helped alot with my energy and stomache. It doesn't take it away, but it helps. Congratulations on making up your mind. As bad as it is right now, it gets better. Also, your girlfriend needs to go away if she is not willing to quick. Challenge her, maybe she'll come to her senses. Ask her how much does she value her liver???
Good Luck.
Good Luck.
pdxguy -- how did your first day clean go? (if I misunderstood your post, let me know). I found Thera-Flu (green) also helped at night.
Beth -- congratulations on getting to day 6. Are your w/d symptoms getting better? Mine started to improve after day 3 off hydro, and by day six I had very few symptoms, if any. Except difficulty sleeping -- staying asleep, really. That took more time.
Keep up the great work! M.
Beth -- congratulations on getting to day 6. Are your w/d symptoms getting better? Mine started to improve after day 3 off hydro, and by day six I had very few symptoms, if any. Except difficulty sleeping -- staying asleep, really. That took more time.
Keep up the great work! M.
hi pdxguy
I also still have sleepliness. Can't seem to sleep over 3 hours @ a time. Well, today is day 7 and its actually the first day I didn't wake up and run to the bathroom with upset tummy. And I think I feel a little better today. I was on these meds pretty much constant for the last 10-12 years and I always wanted to get off of them but could seem to get over that first day or two. I am very proud of myself because I am going through this without any family members and friends knowing it. I decided just to do it alone, but I'm sure everyone in my life right now is wondering but the hell is wrong with me. Thanks for the reply and encourgement, is definitely help. How are you feeling, pretty much is same way??? What about your girlfriend, decided to keep her??? Keep up the good work and I'll be checking back to see how your doing. This is the hardest things I've ever done and its probably yours as well. Its very nice to know that at least one person in the world knows what I'm going through. Those dams pills are just too easy to get and unfortunately alot more people are addicted than us. I'm very very proud of you. Stay tuned.
I also still have sleepliness. Can't seem to sleep over 3 hours @ a time. Well, today is day 7 and its actually the first day I didn't wake up and run to the bathroom with upset tummy. And I think I feel a little better today. I was on these meds pretty much constant for the last 10-12 years and I always wanted to get off of them but could seem to get over that first day or two. I am very proud of myself because I am going through this without any family members and friends knowing it. I decided just to do it alone, but I'm sure everyone in my life right now is wondering but the hell is wrong with me. Thanks for the reply and encourgement, is definitely help. How are you feeling, pretty much is same way??? What about your girlfriend, decided to keep her??? Keep up the good work and I'll be checking back to see how your doing. This is the hardest things I've ever done and its probably yours as well. Its very nice to know that at least one person in the world knows what I'm going through. Those dams pills are just too easy to get and unfortunately alot more people are addicted than us. I'm very very proud of you. Stay tuned.
This is for none4me,
How long did it take you to start sleeping???? I'm walking around in a daze with no sleep. Thanks for the encourgement. Its helps soo much. How long have you been off??? Hope your also doing well.
How long did it take you to start sleeping???? I'm walking around in a daze with no sleep. Thanks for the encourgement. Its helps soo much. How long have you been off??? Hope your also doing well.
I wanted to check in and see how you are doing. I am in day 4 of my 2nd (and hopefully last) attempt to get off Norco.
Sounds like we have a lot in common. I am from portland and am moving back at the end of the month. My addiction got out of control when I moved to NYC and spent a lot of time alone. I have about the same dosage problem that you had- 10-18 Norco 10/325 per day for about a year.
This board helped me immensely the first time I was able to stop using for about 2 weeks and then I stopped posting, let my girlfriend come vidit me in NYC and she brought a bunch with her and I thought OK I can use this because it is a finite amount......
Needless to say my habit picked right back up and I am only quitting again because I ran out of pills...but once I hit day 3 and realized that I was going to have to go 4-5 days before I could get anymore I decided I might as well stop now.....because let me tell you man- it does get better from day 4 forward (remember this is coming from someone who only made it 2 weeks!!) But my first 3 days were awful, I had to fly to the west coast, interview for a job, see my family....alot of stress.
This is the hardest thing I have had to do as well. Maybe when I get back to PDX we could chat and try to help each other stay clean. I have an older friend who is very active in AA and NA and I think I am going to tell him about my problem and see if he can refer me to an NA meeting.
So keep following your post, there are a ton of people out here rooting for you. You can do it- a couple mantras that people like "breeze" and "gladiator" suggested I found particularly helpful at my darkets moments:
1) Remember, this addiction has only been part of your life for a tiny period- most of your life you have been without these things and you can be that way again. Dont think about not having the pills as foreign- abusing them is the abnormal thing.
2) Even though it is good to ease the symptoms at times because they are brutal for everyone reagrdless of usage length or dosage....remember the w/d pain and use it in your battle to not go back. Thats what I am doing now...I am trying to sear this horrible feeling so I will never use this stuff again.
3) If you were like me after about a month or two of heavy usage you maybe felt high for a few minutes but it really was just like taking vitamins or eating. You just did it (had to throw in a pdx corporate expression) I did. So think about the fact that when the pills tempt you that you werent actually getting anything from them at all.....trust me I went c/t both times...the first time I waited 2 weeks and then I thought oh I am going to feel really high off of a smal amount and I didnt. I went right back to my old pattern and felt little or no physical high- it was all psychological dependence......
So keep up the good work, follow the post when you can and make sure you have someone you can talk to about this stuff....its no good to do it alone.
When I get to PDX I will let you know and maybe we can hook up to talk...
Brian
Sounds like we have a lot in common. I am from portland and am moving back at the end of the month. My addiction got out of control when I moved to NYC and spent a lot of time alone. I have about the same dosage problem that you had- 10-18 Norco 10/325 per day for about a year.
This board helped me immensely the first time I was able to stop using for about 2 weeks and then I stopped posting, let my girlfriend come vidit me in NYC and she brought a bunch with her and I thought OK I can use this because it is a finite amount......
Needless to say my habit picked right back up and I am only quitting again because I ran out of pills...but once I hit day 3 and realized that I was going to have to go 4-5 days before I could get anymore I decided I might as well stop now.....because let me tell you man- it does get better from day 4 forward (remember this is coming from someone who only made it 2 weeks!!) But my first 3 days were awful, I had to fly to the west coast, interview for a job, see my family....alot of stress.
This is the hardest thing I have had to do as well. Maybe when I get back to PDX we could chat and try to help each other stay clean. I have an older friend who is very active in AA and NA and I think I am going to tell him about my problem and see if he can refer me to an NA meeting.
So keep following your post, there are a ton of people out here rooting for you. You can do it- a couple mantras that people like "breeze" and "gladiator" suggested I found particularly helpful at my darkets moments:
1) Remember, this addiction has only been part of your life for a tiny period- most of your life you have been without these things and you can be that way again. Dont think about not having the pills as foreign- abusing them is the abnormal thing.
2) Even though it is good to ease the symptoms at times because they are brutal for everyone reagrdless of usage length or dosage....remember the w/d pain and use it in your battle to not go back. Thats what I am doing now...I am trying to sear this horrible feeling so I will never use this stuff again.
3) If you were like me after about a month or two of heavy usage you maybe felt high for a few minutes but it really was just like taking vitamins or eating. You just did it (had to throw in a pdx corporate expression) I did. So think about the fact that when the pills tempt you that you werent actually getting anything from them at all.....trust me I went c/t both times...the first time I waited 2 weeks and then I thought oh I am going to feel really high off of a smal amount and I didnt. I went right back to my old pattern and felt little or no physical high- it was all psychological dependence......
So keep up the good work, follow the post when you can and make sure you have someone you can talk to about this stuff....its no good to do it alone.
When I get to PDX I will let you know and maybe we can hook up to talk...
Brian
PDX Guy,
Thanks so very much for your enspiration. We are very, very much in the same boat, however, this is the first time I have ever actually went more than a day or two w/o them and to tell you the truth, it feels good to start to feel good. Hope that makes sense. I'm really glad that I decided to check the forum because until now, I've totally been alone in this process. I feel I can't talk with the people in my life. They simply wouldn't understand. I'm married and my husband has absolutely no idea that I ever had a problem to begin with. I was very, very good at hiding my addiction. I'm glad you told me about starting back up again and thinking you could feel good with just one. I too have had that thought, but its just my mind playing ticks. I have no intention to ever take another pill again. But of course I'm feeling a little strong today, tomorrow might be different. I'm just going to take it one day at a time. This addiction just got so out of hand and so gradual over a long period of time, I actually didn't know what its like to feel normal. I was walking around high all the time, thinking I'm normal. Pretty sad. Stay tuned, would love to keep the lines open. Thanks again for your support and I really your doing OK today, hang in there, you know all those crappy symptoms go away. Bye for now.
Thanks so very much for your enspiration. We are very, very much in the same boat, however, this is the first time I have ever actually went more than a day or two w/o them and to tell you the truth, it feels good to start to feel good. Hope that makes sense. I'm really glad that I decided to check the forum because until now, I've totally been alone in this process. I feel I can't talk with the people in my life. They simply wouldn't understand. I'm married and my husband has absolutely no idea that I ever had a problem to begin with. I was very, very good at hiding my addiction. I'm glad you told me about starting back up again and thinking you could feel good with just one. I too have had that thought, but its just my mind playing ticks. I have no intention to ever take another pill again. But of course I'm feeling a little strong today, tomorrow might be different. I'm just going to take it one day at a time. This addiction just got so out of hand and so gradual over a long period of time, I actually didn't know what its like to feel normal. I was walking around high all the time, thinking I'm normal. Pretty sad. Stay tuned, would love to keep the lines open. Thanks again for your support and I really your doing OK today, hang in there, you know all those crappy symptoms go away. Bye for now.
wow im so much inspired by so much positivity within these posts its so good to see so many people trying to get clean and with so much understanding of their own drug its made my day to read these please continue to let people know how your doing be it good or bad i for one will be folloing your progress take care jackie xxxx
Heloo People,
I was posting earlier inquiring about suboxone now I found myself here. This is like my 3 post only, I am pretty new myself. Reading all your stories is encouraging and I just wanted to say how awesome that is - that you are all on the road to recovery. I dont take nearly as many vicodin as most here - I take between 2-3 7.5/500's a day, on occasion its 4, but that would be rare. I hope you guys dont think its funny that I am even here, but I think its a problem and it can become a potentially bigger one if I dont stop. What course of treatment is best??? suboxene, methadone?? tapering off?? I have young kids and a full time job, I cannot enter a treatment facility, but could attend NA and try to get my doc to help, or do you need a specialist? any suggestions??
I am not sure what to do, but believe or not even on 2-3 pills a day, its hard. I can only imagine what you guys are dealing with. My brother is a heroin addict and has gone from clean to using and this has been going on for ever - he has contracted hep c now - I have not spoken to him in a while, but I am wondering if he is ok. I thought I did not have an issue cause pain pills are legal? you can get them thru any doc? I need some kind of relief to stop, I am naturally not a terribly strong person. I just have to get out of this nightmare. I am proud of everyone here posting and believing - I will be here many many times. Thanks for the support and keep it up.
I was posting earlier inquiring about suboxone now I found myself here. This is like my 3 post only, I am pretty new myself. Reading all your stories is encouraging and I just wanted to say how awesome that is - that you are all on the road to recovery. I dont take nearly as many vicodin as most here - I take between 2-3 7.5/500's a day, on occasion its 4, but that would be rare. I hope you guys dont think its funny that I am even here, but I think its a problem and it can become a potentially bigger one if I dont stop. What course of treatment is best??? suboxene, methadone?? tapering off?? I have young kids and a full time job, I cannot enter a treatment facility, but could attend NA and try to get my doc to help, or do you need a specialist? any suggestions??
I am not sure what to do, but believe or not even on 2-3 pills a day, its hard. I can only imagine what you guys are dealing with. My brother is a heroin addict and has gone from clean to using and this has been going on for ever - he has contracted hep c now - I have not spoken to him in a while, but I am wondering if he is ok. I thought I did not have an issue cause pain pills are legal? you can get them thru any doc? I need some kind of relief to stop, I am naturally not a terribly strong person. I just have to get out of this nightmare. I am proud of everyone here posting and believing - I will be here many many times. Thanks for the support and keep it up.
Hi Hummer,
About 15 years ago, that's the amount I was taken, and really didn't think that there was a problem. Looking back now, that when the real addiction came full circle. Please, please, do yourself a favor and cut back 1 a day for 2 weeks, then another for two weeks, etc. If I had only known 15 years ago what 3-4 pills a day was going to do to me, I would have done that. I hope you don't go as far with them as I did, because I'm 7 days clean now and last week was hell. If I can help anyone keep from experiencing what I had to go through, I will. Good luck. And at least, don't ever do more than what your doing now. But let me tell you, over time, you won't get any feeling from those 3, then it takes 4,5,6,7,8, etc.
Again, good luck with getting off them.
About 15 years ago, that's the amount I was taken, and really didn't think that there was a problem. Looking back now, that when the real addiction came full circle. Please, please, do yourself a favor and cut back 1 a day for 2 weeks, then another for two weeks, etc. If I had only known 15 years ago what 3-4 pills a day was going to do to me, I would have done that. I hope you don't go as far with them as I did, because I'm 7 days clean now and last week was hell. If I can help anyone keep from experiencing what I had to go through, I will. Good luck. And at least, don't ever do more than what your doing now. But let me tell you, over time, you won't get any feeling from those 3, then it takes 4,5,6,7,8, etc.
Again, good luck with getting off them.
Hey everyone-
Tomorrow will be 2 weeks clean for me!!!yeah!!! Anyhow - I had gotten a prescription for trazadone - its a sleep aid which is not addictive. Without that I dont know what I would do. See, I also suffer from severe panic disorder - for which I have been taking xanax for a long, long time - almost 20years. (I'm 42). I dont recommend for anyone to start taking xanax - that is a very addictive benzo. In all the years that I have taken them, I have never abused them. For sure I'm addicted to them - thats something else I will have to deal with after dealing with my addiction to painkillers. I definately know that I could not stop taking them on my own - I know I would end up in the hospital. Anyway I just cant stress enough for noone to try them for a sleep aid.
The sleep part is the thing that takes the most time to get back to normal. Right now I feel like hibernating for about a week!!LOL
Glad to hear everyones doing good. Keep it up.
Love,
Marie
Tomorrow will be 2 weeks clean for me!!!yeah!!! Anyhow - I had gotten a prescription for trazadone - its a sleep aid which is not addictive. Without that I dont know what I would do. See, I also suffer from severe panic disorder - for which I have been taking xanax for a long, long time - almost 20years. (I'm 42). I dont recommend for anyone to start taking xanax - that is a very addictive benzo. In all the years that I have taken them, I have never abused them. For sure I'm addicted to them - thats something else I will have to deal with after dealing with my addiction to painkillers. I definately know that I could not stop taking them on my own - I know I would end up in the hospital. Anyway I just cant stress enough for noone to try them for a sleep aid.
The sleep part is the thing that takes the most time to get back to normal. Right now I feel like hibernating for about a week!!LOL
Glad to hear everyones doing good. Keep it up.
Love,
Marie
Marie (((((hugs))))))))) pleased for you hun your doing well jackie xx
Marie,
I'm so very proud of you. Girl, you keep up to good work. We are the same age and such similar problems and I know exactly how hard this has been for you. Be careful of the traz. My mother took that for 20+ years and couldn't get off of it even though her doctor said it wasn't addictive. Good Luck
I'm so very proud of you. Girl, you keep up to good work. We are the same age and such similar problems and I know exactly how hard this has been for you. Be careful of the traz. My mother took that for 20+ years and couldn't get off of it even though her doctor said it wasn't addictive. Good Luck
Beth - Thanks for filling me in on the traz. I suppose I'm just supposed to use them "short term" - thats usually what they say when prescibing any sleep aid. I used to take Ambien all the time and finally got off them. Since this doc said the traz was not addicting, I wasnt worried about it - So thanks again - I'll be careful. Seems you have a bunch of people pulling for you - you can do this!!!
Keep me posted.
Love,
Marie
Keep me posted.
Love,
Marie
Marie,
Yea, that's exactually what my mom's doctor told her to, however, if she was out of them, she got absolutely NO sleep and was very, very hyper. My mother passed away a couple months ago due to COPD (lung condition) semi brought on by smoking and taking too much oxy-lortab. I'm 42 and she was 66, much to early to die. But pain pills lower your lungs ability and she was addicted horribly and there really was nothing I could do but love her. She died in her sleep. That's when I decided I have to get off the meds. I don't want to go that way. There's too much life worth living. So, conquering this addiction was isn't an option for me. Also, I'm in the early stages of pregnancy (conceived 2 weeks after her death). I have no children and this is just a blessing that I refuse to risk. Thank you for your support. I am also very, very proud of you. It's a hard thing to do. Let me know how your doing when you get a chance.
Yea, that's exactually what my mom's doctor told her to, however, if she was out of them, she got absolutely NO sleep and was very, very hyper. My mother passed away a couple months ago due to COPD (lung condition) semi brought on by smoking and taking too much oxy-lortab. I'm 42 and she was 66, much to early to die. But pain pills lower your lungs ability and she was addicted horribly and there really was nothing I could do but love her. She died in her sleep. That's when I decided I have to get off the meds. I don't want to go that way. There's too much life worth living. So, conquering this addiction was isn't an option for me. Also, I'm in the early stages of pregnancy (conceived 2 weeks after her death). I have no children and this is just a blessing that I refuse to risk. Thank you for your support. I am also very, very proud of you. It's a hard thing to do. Let me know how your doing when you get a chance.
