i have to say this is very hard for me to do. i have known i was addicted for the last 6 months or so, and have been taking vicodin for the last 18 months regularly, although in the beginning it was not daily and just a few pills per day when i did take them. like some others of you, i think it will help me to post daily as i can, although part of the difficulty is that i am going out of town for ten days right in the middle of my detox. i started yesterday- i told my husband the night before, really the most difficult part, admitting to him that i was addicted and how much money i'd spent on it. we agreed on a weaning method which will last for about 25 days, starting with 6 pills per day of 10/325mg for 4 days, and then decreasing to 5, 4, 3, etc. pills per day for every 4 days thereafter. already i have very difficult moments- they are so easy to obtain on the internet and i have to try so hard not to log on and get more. i know the worst part right now is the psychological withdrawal, because even on the worst days i was taking maybe 10-12 at most, so 6 is pretty average. i'm just wondering if anyone else has tried this method, or something similar, and has any suggestions as what to do differently. to make matters worse, i have endometriosis and ovarian cysts, for which i was originally prescribed the vicodin and from there i just learned how easy it was to obtain on the internet. but i have an ongoing monthly prescription from my dr. for 30 5/500 pills, and i actually do have to have some sort of pain medication during my periods. once i detox, what am i supposed to do about the real pain i have for the endometriosis? also, i am terrified to go to na/aa groups, so i'm hoping this board can just be a support system for me. my husband was wonderful about it- he has my pills and gives me my daily allotment right before we go to bed, so i can use them thruout the next day. i think this is a huge and unfair burden to put on him, but i have no one else to turn to and can't bear the idea of going inpatient because i have a 4 year old and 1 year old. thanks for letting me drone on- any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi lliqua..
I did manage to taper, but the fatige and mental part got to me..
You can minimize the withdrawl by tapering..
And then you really have to be strong not to go back.
Good luck, and post away...it helps. It took me about a month afterward to feel pretty close to normal...but it does get better..
Kerry
I did manage to taper, but the fatige and mental part got to me..
You can minimize the withdrawl by tapering..
And then you really have to be strong not to go back.
Good luck, and post away...it helps. It took me about a month afterward to feel pretty close to normal...but it does get better..
Kerry
Hello I'm Daisy, Do you know about Suboxone? If not check out the website. Suboxone.com. Also read my story and responses. "There is a Cure" Daisy
I tried to taper off the percs and even gave my wife the pills to dispense. Knowing that the pills were in the house made it very difficult for me. I found myself waiting and constantly thinking of when I was going to get my next pill! I even tried looking thru the house to try and find them. So needless to say I wasn't able to do this. It can be done, but it is VERY VERY hard.
Have you read about Suboxone? If not give it a peek, it has helped me give up the pills. (still on it for another 3 weeks) The sub. that is.
Have you read about Suboxone? If not give it a peek, it has helped me give up the pills. (still on it for another 3 weeks) The sub. that is.
HI MY NAME IS GINA Q AND I CAN REALLY RELATE TO YOUR STORY. YOU DO HAVE A LONG ROAD AHEAD OF YOU, BUT THERE IS A RAINBOW AT THE END OF THE STORM. I HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT TO BECAUSE I AM ALSO DETOXING FROM VICODEN ES AND PERCOCET.
MINE IS FROM FOUR HERNIATED DISK IN MY BACK MY DR. WANTED TO KEEP ME ON PAIN MANAGEMENT BUT WHEN I KEPT COMEING BACK TO EARLY FOR MY SCRIPT SHE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING SHE COULD DO. NICE DR. HUH !!!!!
I ACTUALLY HAD TO GO TO THE ER BECAUSE COLD TURKEY IS JUST NOT THE WAY TO GO.I HAVE FOUR DAUGHTERS AND THREE GRANDSONS (EVEN THOUGH I'M ONLY 38) AND III ACTUALLY THOUGHT I'D RATHER DIE THEN GO THROUGH DETOX ON MY OWN. WHEN I WENT TO THE ER THEY GAVE ME 5 ZANAX TO HELP WITH THE PROCESS BUT FOR
FOUR DAYS I'VE HAD NOTHING. I CAN'T GET OFF THYE COUCH I'M SO WEAK AND EVERYTHING HURTS. BUT I KNOW THE INSANITY HAS TO STOP.
PLEASE TALK TO SOMEONE IN RECOVERY.I HAVE BEEN SOBER FOR THREE YRS BECAUSE OF AA THEY SAVED MY LIFE. NOW IF I CAN JUST STAY OFF THE PILLS !
GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS ALL OF US
MINE IS FROM FOUR HERNIATED DISK IN MY BACK MY DR. WANTED TO KEEP ME ON PAIN MANAGEMENT BUT WHEN I KEPT COMEING BACK TO EARLY FOR MY SCRIPT SHE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING SHE COULD DO. NICE DR. HUH !!!!!
I ACTUALLY HAD TO GO TO THE ER BECAUSE COLD TURKEY IS JUST NOT THE WAY TO GO.I HAVE FOUR DAUGHTERS AND THREE GRANDSONS (EVEN THOUGH I'M ONLY 38) AND III ACTUALLY THOUGHT I'D RATHER DIE THEN GO THROUGH DETOX ON MY OWN. WHEN I WENT TO THE ER THEY GAVE ME 5 ZANAX TO HELP WITH THE PROCESS BUT FOR
FOUR DAYS I'VE HAD NOTHING. I CAN'T GET OFF THYE COUCH I'M SO WEAK AND EVERYTHING HURTS. BUT I KNOW THE INSANITY HAS TO STOP.
PLEASE TALK TO SOMEONE IN RECOVERY.I HAVE BEEN SOBER FOR THREE YRS BECAUSE OF AA THEY SAVED MY LIFE. NOW IF I CAN JUST STAY OFF THE PILLS !
GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS ALL OF US
Hello lliqua 13
I have been right there in your boots..
I did cold turkey!! how about 97 hours of cold turkey...BUT i would not recommend anyone to try this!!!!!!!!!!!
There is hope!
weaning scares me..for myself i could not wean..
it all comes down to this HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT!!!!!!!!!
i tried for months to do it for eveyone but me. and i lost every time..
im new to this whole computor thing but i will help as much as i can.
IT TAKES ALONG TIME TO CLEAN UP THE MESS THAT WE CREATED IN SUCH A SHORT TIME!!!!!!!!!
with GOD all things is possible..
I have been right there in your boots..
I did cold turkey!! how about 97 hours of cold turkey...BUT i would not recommend anyone to try this!!!!!!!!!!!
There is hope!
weaning scares me..for myself i could not wean..
it all comes down to this HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT!!!!!!!!!
i tried for months to do it for eveyone but me. and i lost every time..
im new to this whole computor thing but i will help as much as i can.
IT TAKES ALONG TIME TO CLEAN UP THE MESS THAT WE CREATED IN SUCH A SHORT TIME!!!!!!!!!
with GOD all things is possible..
Hi Lliqua13,
This is my first time on the board. I was just so relieved when I read your message. My situation is similar. I was prescribed vics 2 years ago for migraines. I would only take then when I got a migraine and they were only 5mgs. Then after about a year I started taking them more often to relax, then I found you could by them online. I started buying them online and started buying 10mgs. I was taking 8-10 10mgs a day. My husband kept asking what this was onthe credit card and I kept making excuses. Just about 2 weeks ago I finally told him and he was very understanding. I also told my doctor and she agreed to help me wheen off them. SO she started me on 8 5mg a day and then taper off one less per week. I have a schedule though, she feels its best to take them on a schedule rather then wait until I crave it. I wanted to go on the suboxine but I have to find a doctor that is licensed to prescribe, mine is not. I guess I shoulds be happy with the ones that I have but it is taking every ounce of will power that I have to not go right on the internet and order another 90 and have them by Tuesday. Its killing me because I love the way they make me feel. I take then all day in work and I take them just to get that feeling even to sit on the couch and watch tv. I'm trying hard not to be moody but I'm pulling my hair out.
I know your in the same situation, I just wonder-Will these cravings go away???
This is my first time on the board. I was just so relieved when I read your message. My situation is similar. I was prescribed vics 2 years ago for migraines. I would only take then when I got a migraine and they were only 5mgs. Then after about a year I started taking them more often to relax, then I found you could by them online. I started buying them online and started buying 10mgs. I was taking 8-10 10mgs a day. My husband kept asking what this was onthe credit card and I kept making excuses. Just about 2 weeks ago I finally told him and he was very understanding. I also told my doctor and she agreed to help me wheen off them. SO she started me on 8 5mg a day and then taper off one less per week. I have a schedule though, she feels its best to take them on a schedule rather then wait until I crave it. I wanted to go on the suboxine but I have to find a doctor that is licensed to prescribe, mine is not. I guess I shoulds be happy with the ones that I have but it is taking every ounce of will power that I have to not go right on the internet and order another 90 and have them by Tuesday. Its killing me because I love the way they make me feel. I take then all day in work and I take them just to get that feeling even to sit on the couch and watch tv. I'm trying hard not to be moody but I'm pulling my hair out.
I know your in the same situation, I just wonder-Will these cravings go away???
Correggio-
I have the same question- will the cravings ever go away? And I take them just like you- whenever, wherever, to deal with everything. Just to feel good while watching TV, or before I exercise, or to deal with my mother-in-law! :-)) What I realized about 3 years ago is that I have generalized anxiety, which is prevelant in my family but also induced by my abusive childhood. I was taking different anxiety medications (Buspar, Paxil, etc.) but they all gave me these feelings we describe as "zaps", jolts of electricity in my brain. I also had Xanax PRN, which did help, but made me really sleepy and wasn't helping the day to day anxiety. I found that when I took Vicodin, not only did it relieve the anxiety but it didn't make me tired and gave me that euphoric feeling. At this point, I actually do feel pain when I'm not taking it, which I understand is because the pain receptors in the brain have been altered to expect being blocked by the narcotics, rather than using the natural endorphines to decrease pain. So what has helped me thus far is understanding that the root of this is anxiety (obviously other than having an addictive personality) and that I need to address that core issue. It is also very hard not to order more, but I can't betray my husband- that's what holds me back. He is an amazing guy and I've been in too many abusive relationships to screw this up. And I have a beautiful little girl whom I adore, and I have to do this to be there for them and for me, because this obsession with waiting for the FedEx guy and chasing down the UPS guy (yes, I actually did that) is absolutely ridiculous. Besides which, I've spent more than 10K, probably more like 15K, on the drugs. I am trying to raise awareness about the genocide in Sudan, and then the tsunami happened, and all I can think is how much money I wasted on drugs when that money could have provided so much more for those people. So really, it's keeping my eye on the prize, knowing there is an end to this, and that if I continue to do the drugs I will likely die (OD or other complications.) I don't know if you've watched the Dr. Phil or Oprah shows on this, but they scared the crap out of me. Even that, though, wasn't enough until 5 days ago when my husband wanted to know how I spent 2K in one month on the credit card. I just knew I had to tell him. I have to have his trust- it means everything to me. Have you told yours yet? Do you think he'll support you? This was the best choice I made. And there are moments when I want to cry and take 5 pills and there are moments when I say, I CAN DO THIS!!! I think it just gets better every day, but I am scared of when I won't have anymore- terrified, actually. I just have to keep telling myself I have to do this. No going back, no screwing up. And I leave this message board on all day so I can read the postings- that helps TONS! Good luck- you can do this! I'm here to talk. Just curious- where are you and what age? I'm 34 in Washington state.
lliqua
I have the same question- will the cravings ever go away? And I take them just like you- whenever, wherever, to deal with everything. Just to feel good while watching TV, or before I exercise, or to deal with my mother-in-law! :-)) What I realized about 3 years ago is that I have generalized anxiety, which is prevelant in my family but also induced by my abusive childhood. I was taking different anxiety medications (Buspar, Paxil, etc.) but they all gave me these feelings we describe as "zaps", jolts of electricity in my brain. I also had Xanax PRN, which did help, but made me really sleepy and wasn't helping the day to day anxiety. I found that when I took Vicodin, not only did it relieve the anxiety but it didn't make me tired and gave me that euphoric feeling. At this point, I actually do feel pain when I'm not taking it, which I understand is because the pain receptors in the brain have been altered to expect being blocked by the narcotics, rather than using the natural endorphines to decrease pain. So what has helped me thus far is understanding that the root of this is anxiety (obviously other than having an addictive personality) and that I need to address that core issue. It is also very hard not to order more, but I can't betray my husband- that's what holds me back. He is an amazing guy and I've been in too many abusive relationships to screw this up. And I have a beautiful little girl whom I adore, and I have to do this to be there for them and for me, because this obsession with waiting for the FedEx guy and chasing down the UPS guy (yes, I actually did that) is absolutely ridiculous. Besides which, I've spent more than 10K, probably more like 15K, on the drugs. I am trying to raise awareness about the genocide in Sudan, and then the tsunami happened, and all I can think is how much money I wasted on drugs when that money could have provided so much more for those people. So really, it's keeping my eye on the prize, knowing there is an end to this, and that if I continue to do the drugs I will likely die (OD or other complications.) I don't know if you've watched the Dr. Phil or Oprah shows on this, but they scared the crap out of me. Even that, though, wasn't enough until 5 days ago when my husband wanted to know how I spent 2K in one month on the credit card. I just knew I had to tell him. I have to have his trust- it means everything to me. Have you told yours yet? Do you think he'll support you? This was the best choice I made. And there are moments when I want to cry and take 5 pills and there are moments when I say, I CAN DO THIS!!! I think it just gets better every day, but I am scared of when I won't have anymore- terrified, actually. I just have to keep telling myself I have to do this. No going back, no screwing up. And I leave this message board on all day so I can read the postings- that helps TONS! Good luck- you can do this! I'm here to talk. Just curious- where are you and what age? I'm 34 in Washington state.
lliqua
Correggio-
One other thing- I have migraines also- I use Midrin. Have you tried one of the migraine specific drugs? Ask your doctor- there are many out there now- Imitrex and others which are more current and supposedly faster acting than Midrin. I use it because it works for me and my insurance won't cover Imitrex!
lliqua
One other thing- I have migraines also- I use Midrin. Have you tried one of the migraine specific drugs? Ask your doctor- there are many out there now- Imitrex and others which are more current and supposedly faster acting than Midrin. I use it because it works for me and my insurance won't cover Imitrex!
lliqua
Correggio-
Oops, sorry, just read yours again about your hubby and the weaning. All I can say is keep coming here, believe in yourself, and ask for help when you need it. My husband told me to call him if I feel like getting on the internet to buy more. That is a big help- unfair to him but he's like my sponsor. Do you have someone who could be there for you like that?
lliqua
Oops, sorry, just read yours again about your hubby and the weaning. All I can say is keep coming here, believe in yourself, and ask for help when you need it. My husband told me to call him if I feel like getting on the internet to buy more. That is a big help- unfair to him but he's like my sponsor. Do you have someone who could be there for you like that?
lliqua
Hi All-
I have migraines, too! I was prescribed a barbiturate for them about 12 years ago, and of course being an addict, I quickly began taking tons of the pills.
I joined this board at the beginning of the year, and tapering the pills and going to a doctor in a few weeks. Hopefully can get Suboxone.
Migraines SUCK, but llqua13 is right; there are meds out there that work and don't get you high. I took Imitrex but it made my chest feel funny, now I take Maxalt, which is in the Imitrex family. The only drawback is that with these drugs, you have to catch the migraine at the very beginning or they don't work.
Sometimes I wake up with a killer migraine and the only thing I can do is go to the walk-in clinic for a shot of Toradol (a high-class Advil). That works and also doesn't get you high.
BTW, somewhere along the way I heard Vicoden can actually make a headache worse. A couple times I took some and found that to be true.
Dorreggio- CONGRATULATIONS for taking the huge step in asking your doctor to wean you off. That's great! Also, welcome to the Board!
I have migraines, too! I was prescribed a barbiturate for them about 12 years ago, and of course being an addict, I quickly began taking tons of the pills.
I joined this board at the beginning of the year, and tapering the pills and going to a doctor in a few weeks. Hopefully can get Suboxone.
Migraines SUCK, but llqua13 is right; there are meds out there that work and don't get you high. I took Imitrex but it made my chest feel funny, now I take Maxalt, which is in the Imitrex family. The only drawback is that with these drugs, you have to catch the migraine at the very beginning or they don't work.
Sometimes I wake up with a killer migraine and the only thing I can do is go to the walk-in clinic for a shot of Toradol (a high-class Advil). That works and also doesn't get you high.
BTW, somewhere along the way I heard Vicoden can actually make a headache worse. A couple times I took some and found that to be true.
Dorreggio- CONGRATULATIONS for taking the huge step in asking your doctor to wean you off. That's great! Also, welcome to the Board!
Hi all,
I've had migraines for years. I've tried all kinds of things, I agree Midrin works awesome but it makes me very sleepy. Since the whole vicodin addiction, my doctor gave me Zomax nasal spray so we'll see how that does. I also have a close friend who is celebrating 6 years clean this Tuesday. She goes to women groups every Tueaday and Wednesday. I am going with her to one on Tuesday.
At first, I didn't understand how talking to people could help my cravings but since I've reading everyone's stories, I feel alot better. I still really want about 6 pills right but it definately helps.
I think it was LLiqua13 who wanted to know how old I am. I am 33 and live in Massachusetts. I have a wonderful husband that I love so much, a great job and two dogs that I love more than life itself. I want to stop this before it ruins everything that I have but on the other hand, I can't stop thinking about my pills. My doctor gave us a schedule and my husband holds th pills, I have no idea where they are in the house but I spend every minute thinking about when I can take the next one. Even though I still get 7 a day, I was taking 8-10 10mg now I only get 7-5mg, I think already that is a huge taper and its killing me. Not really bad w/d yets but cravings!!!. I'm so glad I found this site. Its helped sooo much to read all these stories.
Correggio
I've had migraines for years. I've tried all kinds of things, I agree Midrin works awesome but it makes me very sleepy. Since the whole vicodin addiction, my doctor gave me Zomax nasal spray so we'll see how that does. I also have a close friend who is celebrating 6 years clean this Tuesday. She goes to women groups every Tueaday and Wednesday. I am going with her to one on Tuesday.
At first, I didn't understand how talking to people could help my cravings but since I've reading everyone's stories, I feel alot better. I still really want about 6 pills right but it definately helps.
I think it was LLiqua13 who wanted to know how old I am. I am 33 and live in Massachusetts. I have a wonderful husband that I love so much, a great job and two dogs that I love more than life itself. I want to stop this before it ruins everything that I have but on the other hand, I can't stop thinking about my pills. My doctor gave us a schedule and my husband holds th pills, I have no idea where they are in the house but I spend every minute thinking about when I can take the next one. Even though I still get 7 a day, I was taking 8-10 10mg now I only get 7-5mg, I think already that is a huge taper and its killing me. Not really bad w/d yets but cravings!!!. I'm so glad I found this site. Its helped sooo much to read all these stories.
Correggio
Dear trying to detox,
I applaud your effort. I have been down just about every path to detox in the last 6 years. I am 12 days clean right now. I have done methadone taper, cold turkey, light meds light clonipin for aniexty and phenegran for nausea, and I have to say that this time I so wanted to go to a 28 day program in Florida that i talked with for days before deciding to quit for good for me. But I didnt get to go due to babysitter problems( I have an 11 year old in school). So I got me some Xanax bars and Ultram and set out a 10 day taper schedule. I made it to 9 days before I ran out. I think I excersised great self control for once. I was so scared of really bad withdrawls and cravings that I was tempted to just take Xanax every time I woke up and just sleep through 5 days. BUUUUTTT I stuck to my taper schedule and I just needed a little extra the second day due to bad aniexty.The down side is that you have to really limit the time you use a taper of any thing like xanax because it is tempting to take in a pain pill addiction for a nerve pill habit. The last 3 days have been rough as far as NO ENERGY, NO SLEEP and SWEATING but I havent vomited in 12 days and I actually got out of bed and logged onto my computer for the first time since I quit.
The bad part of all this is my husband has seen me through several detoxs and using over and over again and he still believes in me. I love him for it but he takes prescription Percocet 10 and Soma everyday and he can control himself and not abuse like I did. Just knowing they are in the house is driving me insane.I have to make him take them to work with him everyday and fight myself from looking for them when he is asleep. I cant even look him in the eye right now because I know if I see those dotted pupils It drives me crazy because I am going through this withdrawl and struggling to live again while he sits on 90 per 10's and soma (they mix to produce a heroin like effect when abused). and I am in withdrawl. This is tough
ANY ADVICE ANYONE???
Thanks
Angel
I applaud your effort. I have been down just about every path to detox in the last 6 years. I am 12 days clean right now. I have done methadone taper, cold turkey, light meds light clonipin for aniexty and phenegran for nausea, and I have to say that this time I so wanted to go to a 28 day program in Florida that i talked with for days before deciding to quit for good for me. But I didnt get to go due to babysitter problems( I have an 11 year old in school). So I got me some Xanax bars and Ultram and set out a 10 day taper schedule. I made it to 9 days before I ran out. I think I excersised great self control for once. I was so scared of really bad withdrawls and cravings that I was tempted to just take Xanax every time I woke up and just sleep through 5 days. BUUUUTTT I stuck to my taper schedule and I just needed a little extra the second day due to bad aniexty.The down side is that you have to really limit the time you use a taper of any thing like xanax because it is tempting to take in a pain pill addiction for a nerve pill habit. The last 3 days have been rough as far as NO ENERGY, NO SLEEP and SWEATING but I havent vomited in 12 days and I actually got out of bed and logged onto my computer for the first time since I quit.
The bad part of all this is my husband has seen me through several detoxs and using over and over again and he still believes in me. I love him for it but he takes prescription Percocet 10 and Soma everyday and he can control himself and not abuse like I did. Just knowing they are in the house is driving me insane.I have to make him take them to work with him everyday and fight myself from looking for them when he is asleep. I cant even look him in the eye right now because I know if I see those dotted pupils It drives me crazy because I am going through this withdrawl and struggling to live again while he sits on 90 per 10's and soma (they mix to produce a heroin like effect when abused). and I am in withdrawl. This is tough
ANY ADVICE ANYONE???
Thanks
Angel
