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.
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