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Former heroin addict - stopping vicodin
I was addicted to herion, went through rapid detox, and have been illegal-drug-free for about 13 years. But 3 months ago, I got in a car accident. It messed up my back pretty bad. I was on muscle relaxers for a month, then Tylox, then oxycodone 10mg, and now hydrocodone 5mg. With each of the pills, I've been taking two a day. For some reason, I am totally terrified to stop taking them, but I don't want to ask my doctor for more.
I know I'm on a low dose, but I remember the heroin hell, and it scares me. Plus, I can't afford to take time off from work.
So, does anyone have any input as to what I'm in for when I've been on a relatively low dose for a relatively short period of time? Am I making a big deal out of nothing?
I know I'm on a low dose, but I remember the heroin hell, and it scares me. Plus, I can't afford to take time off from work.
So, does anyone have any input as to what I'm in for when I've been on a relatively low dose for a relatively short period of time? Am I making a big deal out of nothing?
Hello,
I was in the SAME BOAT as you. I was on heroin, got into a huge car accident, found a (quack) Dr. that would supply me with a lot of pills (2 80's Oxy a day and 16 30 Mlg. Oxycodone immediate release).
I finally went to my (quack) Dr. and told him that I didn't want to be on pain meds anymore and he yelled at me, saying "I HAD TO BE ON THEM FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE" and he then wrote a prescription for Suboxone (6 refills= 6 months) and told me to leave his office.
Little did I know after doing research lately I found that Suboxone is 15-20 times more powerful than morphine!
SO, I thought I was fine, tapered myself for only about 4 days, and have been feeling like *&^% for over 14 days now. I'm an addict. I've been on heroin, then off...Then Oxy...Then off..Percocets, then off.... And now this.
I'm sorry to tell you, but the kick is just as hard. I've heard from others that SOME people have it easier when thier kicking pills than H, but I can tell you 100% that I feel the same as when I was a heroin user right now. I would definatly speak with your Dr. The reason I did was that I wanted to stop my "supplier" so I would MAKE myself quit. If you don't tell your Dr. you can fall too weak to the opiates and be too scared, or start getting too addicted to talk to him. You know just as well as I know that it is a slippery slope. You have to keep taking more and more to feel better. Your Dr. will do that until you say "enough is enough." If you don't feel like telling anyone else in your family- fine. But tell your Dr, he will give you meds to help with the withdraws, and "fall sick to the flu" for 5 days (an average working week). By then you will be able to work. I'm still having major pains shooting down my legs and fatuige, but I'm trying to push through. Lord knows I'm trying (and whoever is reading this).
I was in the SAME BOAT as you. I was on heroin, got into a huge car accident, found a (quack) Dr. that would supply me with a lot of pills (2 80's Oxy a day and 16 30 Mlg. Oxycodone immediate release).
I finally went to my (quack) Dr. and told him that I didn't want to be on pain meds anymore and he yelled at me, saying "I HAD TO BE ON THEM FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE" and he then wrote a prescription for Suboxone (6 refills= 6 months) and told me to leave his office.
Little did I know after doing research lately I found that Suboxone is 15-20 times more powerful than morphine!
SO, I thought I was fine, tapered myself for only about 4 days, and have been feeling like *&^% for over 14 days now. I'm an addict. I've been on heroin, then off...Then Oxy...Then off..Percocets, then off.... And now this.
I'm sorry to tell you, but the kick is just as hard. I've heard from others that SOME people have it easier when thier kicking pills than H, but I can tell you 100% that I feel the same as when I was a heroin user right now. I would definatly speak with your Dr. The reason I did was that I wanted to stop my "supplier" so I would MAKE myself quit. If you don't tell your Dr. you can fall too weak to the opiates and be too scared, or start getting too addicted to talk to him. You know just as well as I know that it is a slippery slope. You have to keep taking more and more to feel better. Your Dr. will do that until you say "enough is enough." If you don't feel like telling anyone else in your family- fine. But tell your Dr, he will give you meds to help with the withdraws, and "fall sick to the flu" for 5 days (an average working week). By then you will be able to work. I'm still having major pains shooting down my legs and fatuige, but I'm trying to push through. Lord knows I'm trying (and whoever is reading this).
Hi. Awesome job handling that situation! I don't think you could have handled it better! And good job on giving the bf the pills just to be safe! Yes...you are absolutely right...once an addict, always an addict...but its totally up to you if you're an active addict or a recovering one! Good job!
Thanks for the supportive replies. :) I saw my doctor today and told him that although I'm still in pain, I don't need the drugs but am afraid to stop. He was really nice and understanding, and he does know my history. He gave me a nonrefillable vicodin prescription along with tapering instructions. He said if that doesn't work (I have insane access to pills from friends and family) he's licensed to prescribe suboxone, and can work on that with me.
I've figured for a long time that I'm past the addiction. But apparently, once a junkie, always a junkie. I'd describe this as the beginnings of another addiction rather than just dependence. So, I'm going to give my boyfriend control of my pills, rather than face the temptation to take far too many at once. I'm starting a new law practice, and need to be in good shape for all the upcoming work!
I've figured for a long time that I'm past the addiction. But apparently, once a junkie, always a junkie. I'd describe this as the beginnings of another addiction rather than just dependence. So, I'm going to give my boyfriend control of my pills, rather than face the temptation to take far too many at once. I'm starting a new law practice, and need to be in good shape for all the upcoming work!
You shouldn't feel ashamed or embarrassed. Those pills are addictive and it's not your fault if you have concerns coming off of them. And lots of people have the same problem...from all walks of life, from doctors, to teachers, to police people. It's nothing you should feel embarrassed about. If anything...be proud that you are going to do something about it!!! Keep us posted and let us know what the plan is, please.
Thanks for the input. I have a follow-up appointment with my doctor on Monday to see whether or not I'm going to need injections into my spine. I guess I'll raise the issue with him, though I'm pretty embarrassed about it. He's a great doctor, but it ***** that I'm so nervous to bring it up. I don't feel like I'm turning into a junkie again, but it's causing a lot of mixed emotions.
Hi. Welcome to MH. Congratulations on getting off of the H. Very good job there!
Everyone is different. Depends on your age, how much you were using (in your case- not that much) and how long you've been using. I don't think that the WD for you will be too bad. I would expect an upset stomach, diareha, runny nose and lack of energy for a few days to a week. But like I said...everyone is different...so I'm just guessing. Have you talked to your doctor about doing a taper if you aren't comfortable with going CT off of them? Be honest with him/her and tell them that you are afraid of WD. Couldn't hurt.
Keep us updated and let us know how you are doing. There are some really helpful people on this site.
Good luck and God bless!
Everyone is different. Depends on your age, how much you were using (in your case- not that much) and how long you've been using. I don't think that the WD for you will be too bad. I would expect an upset stomach, diareha, runny nose and lack of energy for a few days to a week. But like I said...everyone is different...so I'm just guessing. Have you talked to your doctor about doing a taper if you aren't comfortable with going CT off of them? Be honest with him/her and tell them that you are afraid of WD. Couldn't hurt.
Keep us updated and let us know how you are doing. There are some really helpful people on this site.
Good luck and God bless!
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