Darvocet addiction

[GreenQueen265]

   I am new, not even sure I know how to manage a site like this. Something keeps pulling me back here so I need to tell my story. I have 22 years in recovery from alcholism and for reasons beyond any sanity started taking Darvocet in Feburary. I now go to two doctors and still run out. I usually take between 10 and 15 pills a day. My days are shorter in that I sleep until about 2 or 3 in the afternoon. I am on disability for lung disease so do not work.
   I have been too ashamed to tell my AA friends and also think it best to find NA meetings. I am of the old school who think drugs should be talked about at NA, drinking at AA.
   I have tried tapering and it has not been successful. I think the only way I can do this is cold turkey because if I have them I will take them - even if I know I will run out - if they are there I go for them.
   Another reason I have not told my AA friends is I am so ashamed. I have worked a decent program, built up a great support/friendship system. We are in construction in Florida and in this economy that about says it all. My life has changed a lot. This stupid stunt is only making it worse.
   Maybe if I can start being honest here, I will continue.   Judy

[Addict63]

Hi Judy, I've been in AA for nearly 28 years w/o a drink. 2 years ago I blew out my back in 3 places. I was in pain, My doctor gave me 90 VicodinES 7.5. I called my sponsor of many years, he referred me to page 133 in our big Book about doctors. Then he referred me to page 102/103, about "we can visit wet places if we have a reason to be there, and are spiritually in good condition. Then he said, do what I need to do. The day after I took my first Vicodin I told a table at my home group. Bad move on my part. I was judged by some people. I kept my mouth shut after then and will only deal with my sponsor on those issues. Just as long as we're talking to SOMEBODY in the AA program about what's going on in our lives. The short version (to avoid writers cramps lol):  Alcohol is a drug, and we're addicts to start with. Opiates are addicting and I eventually got addicted, just like you. I was a mess all last winter, pretty much, and didn't go to too many AA meetings. But the time came for me to stop. The pain went away. I kicked Vicodin. I also was on Ambien for sleep, and I just finished tapering from that also.

I agree with you 100%. In AA we talk Alcohol. In NA we talk drugs and alcohol also. I now go to both programs. I have an NA home group. I keep the two programs separate. I can really identify with you and what you are going through. Especially on how you feel. Just like alcohol, you'll need to decide to kick opiates yourself and yourself alone. When you do we're here for you. Then it becomes WE not I!

I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it is to have my life back. Getting addicted to vicodin/ambien and kicking it was a humbling experience which fills me with gratitude just to be alive and free again.  I thank God I didn't have to drink throughout all of this.

God bless.

[Cantdothisanymore]

darvocets always gave me aheadache but i took them anyway when i was out of vics / norco / percs - i would take anything when i was using. this is not the life for anyone so glad that you have decided to quit. your family deserves better - as does mine. you sound like you have a lot to lose so quitting now is the smart thing to do. i used for over 10 years - 20 + pills a day and am happy to say that i am 45 days clean. wd's hurt and are awful but we pull them to a better life. stay the course  -  you will be glad you did. keep talking - we are all here for you .  Vikki