Withdrawl

[Tnhunter]

I was hesitant to get on here at first but have seen im not the only one in my situation. I've been on hydrocodone for the last 3 years and was prescribed 2 10 mg for twice a day but was taking more than that (up to 5 a day). I'm in a situation now where I have to stop. I have to go cold turkey I don't have a choice and I'm scared to death. I've tried before and my blood pressure goes sky high and my heart rate is through the roof. I can't lose my job and my family doesn't know I'm on em. What is the best thing I can do in my situation.

[TIPCrys]

It sounds like you are following a good choice.

Your doctors can help with suggestions. Perhaps a temporary, low dose med to help moderate blood pressure or anxiety? You can get support in the form of talk therapy to address your fears and maybe see a good number of them are unlikely. I do suggest some source of a confidant to talk to every other day or if 'withdrawal' symptoms get rough - Kind of like a 12 step sponsor. Oh! If your work supplies and EAP you can call anonymously as often as you need to. Many places also have crisis clinics that you can call and anonymously speak with the personnel for a short time.
I do not know why you must stop cold turkey. But I do know that is along time to be on that kind of med. Long term use can serverely damage your digestive tract among other things and if too many organs are damaged too much that can chain react and give out. I'm saying to this to scare, just to illustrate you have major reasons to support getting off of them.

Best wishes to your journey. The individuals here are very supportive and just reach out again if you would like.

[Tnhunter]

Thanks for your response. I have told my wife everything and actually feel better just doing that. She knew I had struggled with addiction before and went through this with me before but she thought I had stopped for good. I've had 5 pills in the last 3 days which I was taking 5 a day. I have 3 left and aren't gonna take them until it gets extremely bad. If I can take 1 a day for the next 3 days I think I can make it. I have a prescription for Xanax which has helped. My wife does have 24 hour support through her work  so have been thinking about calling them. I Had to quit because my dr cut me off and the people I usually get them from don't get em anymore. So I just figured now woiuld be a good time to stop. My whole life I've been an addict and I'm 32 years old and wanna know what life can be like not being an addict.