Chronic Pain , aftercare etc....

[want_out_now]

Hello all, day 1 here. Do any of you suffer from chronic pain and is that how you ended up on this cycle?
I'm an addict and after I'm finally completely detoxed I don't want to take anything that could jeopardize my
sobriety.
I'm typing more not as I have the feeling that once the real wd's hit that I'm probably going to be reading and not
typing a whole lot.
I'm hoping that the pills made it seem like my condition was worse than it is. I've heard that.
For aftercare, I've set up counseling. We don't have a good NA program but I was wondering about AA?

thanks for listening. helps knowing I'm not the only one.

[BarbRTR]

I am so glad you made this post. You're thinking ahead.
I have to do major research myself on alternate pain relief. My Dr believes in pills.
I'm having major back surgery soon. Every "natural" thing I find is really a drug I think.
Good luck to you. Seems like you have a plan past wds and that's going to be your life saver.

[want_out_now]

thank you all so much for your replies. I feel very alone right now...

I'm scared because I have a daughter who is 14 and going through some sever anxiety issues and I am afraid I will not be able to cope as I've let myself believe that the pills helped me help her more? I know thats a load of crap...

how can I help her when I'm always ALWAYS thinking about pills.
counting pills, counting days, thinking about what to say to doctor, thinking about who to call, thinking about all the money and trouble I am in financially, dealing with people I wouldn't normally have much to do with (not trying to sound better than anyone, just I know I wouldn't be talking to a dealer).

I was on at least 220 mg of oxycodone, oxyneo all mixed.... but the total was near there usually. I took my last one yesterday then called my mom and asked for her help. I know she will help with my daughter.

I agree that AA seems to be more accessible here. I was told that some don't like when people with drug addictions come to the meetings that it's for alcohol only...so I will probably say I'm an alcoholic or addict or whatever. I just want to be able to attend. Addiction is addiction I would think but like you said I have heard of some of the old-timers who feel its for alcohol only and hopefully find a part of the group I can be open with. I feel that my mom will also help with watching my daughter while I attend.

So I feel like I have my ducks in a row so to speak but I'm still sooo terrified as I know it has not even hit yet. I took the last one later yesterday so it's probably still working.  

I haven't decided if I will go to the doctor as If he offers a taper I don't want that. though maybe I should go so that he's aware of what I'm doing?

[nbhope]

I do and I have pain back now but with a hot shower and over the counter pain keds its helps. Makes it more tollerable. I too and searching ways to not go back on script pain meds. I have an apt here in week or two with my doctor so will be discussing what we can do :)

[weaver71]

What, how much, and how long where you using pills? The more info we have, the more we can help. A lot of people on this forum have legitimate pain. I have scoliosis and degenerative arthritis. I definitely have less pain than when I was running low on pills. I think it's two fold. Part of the detox creates rebound pain and being more aware of myself helps me know when not to push my body so much. Counseling and AA have been a life saver, literally. We have NA meeting of 2 to 4 people in my town, so I go to AA. I realized half the people in my program have battled with pain meds., and some still are. AA has changed a lot in the last 20 years. I just say I'm an alcoholic for the old timers who still think AA is only for alcohol. Most everyone knows what my main addiction is: Self-centeredness, denial, and escape. I know it's hard to type sometimes, but try to keep us posted on how you're doing. Read the health pages at the bottom of this page. The Thomas Recipe and Amino Acid Protocol help with symptoms a lot. Write down the reasons you want to be clean, then what would likely happen if you kept using, and what would likely happen if you get clean. When things would get real bad, I would read what I thought when my head was more clear. Anyway, that helped me and congrats on taking control of your life back.

[IBKleen]

G Morning,

I always tell people to set yourself up for success. with pain patients there is a high level of relapse. Partly because they simply want off the pills and don't think about alternative pain treatments. There are options I have found over the years that help me. You need to find what works best for you so that you don't feel like you need to return to the pills for help.

You will probably experience rebound pain during detox. It is very common and it also is tough to distinguish. It may just feel like the pain is very heightened. If it does, know that it will pass within a few days and you will be able to properly assess your pain level and decide from there about your options.

As far as AA-I do both and always have. Many times AA is a stronger fellowship. Find what is best for you and where you are the most comfortable. I will suggest that you start now. As addicts we have a different way of thinking and it gets us in trouble down the road.

Glad you found your way to the community. There is a lot of great support here. Stick around!!