How do I get off my pain medication!? Help!?

[AmandaMom1986]

Ok so as embarrassed and ashamed as I am I need help!i started taking Vicodin back in 2007 as prescribed by my PCC. I had brain swelling (encephalitis ) and gran mall seizures which caused me today to have arthritis is my knees. I started on 5-325 every 6 hours, somehow I haven't gone too far up in my dosing but I'm now at 1 1/2 tablets 4-5 times daily because I feel like I NEED it to function. What scares me and has made me realize I have an addiction is now I am counting my pills and worried that I will have enough to last me and honestly I just like the feeling and my pain is few and far between these day... I know I need to get off of them , I have mood swings and my temper flares constantly now it's effecting my marriage and my kids don't deserve to have a mother like this... I am 27 yrs old and I have 2 kids ages 3 and 8... I need to do this for them., as well as myself and my husband.. He however isn't so supportive and just makes me feel like a drug addict.. What do I do!? How do I get off of these without being out of commission!? Tapering just isn't for me it's all or nothing, but what instead!? Please help...

[spider6]

Hey sweetie, just shootin you some support here.  Feel for you and your sitch.  You are the same age as my second child and I couldn't imagine him going through this alone.

Congrats on your decision for "clean and clear".  Tapering is a fine idea, we just can't give you direct specific instructions.  A medical professional should monitor you with that.  

You got some kick *ss advice and guidance above here! I couldn't have said it better.  Get your doctor on board hon, safest bet.  Your kids are going to benefit greatly from your decision.  

Following your progress and sending prayers of strength and calm. Hugs out

[AmandaMom1986]

I get my refill today and I have decide after talking to people around me that because I have a history of seizures tapering down is the best way for me to get off te narcs.. Anyone know how I should do I if I normally take 1 1/2 every 3 hours? About 4 times a day? I've inly had 3 a day to make them last until today and I felt ok , not great at all had and still have knots in my stomache but I'll make due. Thank you all for your support and input it really helps aid me in believing I can do this!!!

[OxyTired]

Very good advice given above. I want to add "cut your sources." which for me was going in to see the pain dr and telling him I am done with pain pills and why.
If I could fill a script in a day or so, my mind would nag at me, "Just in case, for emergencies," or some other bs.
After I left that dr office empty handed I actually felt good about it and discussed it all with my wife.
You sound strong and very determined. Keep your guard up! I come to this site to offer support and to keep reading all the success stories and how they stay clean.

[motye51]

I'm so glad u put dark chocolate on your lust, I totally forgot I did.eat that while detoxing! Absolutely!

[Scaredformylife1981]

Welcome,
Withdrawals suck, I'm not gonna sugar coat it. I'm on 10 days norco free and 3 days tramadol free. I've done the withdrawal thing so many times I actually got good at it.(not proud of that whatsoever)

All of the above advice
Taper..
Imodium
Melatonin
A good vitamin
Epsom salts (hot showers and baths)
Good movies (comedies)
Healthy foods
Lots of sex
Good dark chocolate
Nuts
I know that some of this sounds like crap but your serotonin and dopamine levels are off because of the norco. You need to replace the "happy" chemicals in your body.
I detoxed with four kids in my house. You can do this..it's all about attitude..take care and keep posting!!
Remember do this for you. No one else..you will like yourself so much more clean then you ever will using..

[AmandaMom1986]

Sorry for the spelling at work on my phone lol damn auto correct!

[AmandaMom1986]

Thank ou guys for the encouragement.. I really need it right now, one second I wanto stop because I am so ashamed of what I've evoke and then the next my head is telling me oh just wait or that refill the day after tomorrow , or on just one more, oh I'll start tomorrow! I just am so afraid of who I will be when I'm not on the narcs... It's been 6 long years the only On my way! Sober was when I was pregnant with my youngest and I didn't notice the withdrawals because I was already so sick the pregnancy.. I really do feel like I have a fighting chance with the help of this page, it helps so much to be able to ent and talk about it... Thank you all <3

[OpenMind24hours]

You have some wonderful information posted above. About all I can ad is my support and congratulations on making this life-changing decision!

When you pick up the Thomas Recipe items pick up Epsom salts. The Hot Bath will become your best friend in the days to come. No mater what it is that WD is doing to you, hit the Tub as hot as you can stand it and soak. It will invariably turn things around for you. I lived in the tub during all three detoxes I went through, which reminds me...you're only going to want to do this once!

Keep posting. We're here for you.

[motye51]

Congratulations on finding this forum. Many people here in the same boat as u (as well as myself) and many people on here can and will give u good advice.
Unfortunately, there is no way to go around w/d you will have to go through it...like u said, all or nothing! I am the same way. You are a stay at home.mom I assume, so some help with your babies will be helpful. Do u have any family or good friends around that could help u for a couple of days. Opiate w/d will be roughly 4/6 days. Flu like symptoms, diarrea, etc. .. there's a Thomas taper recipe on this sight that will help along with numerous supplements that will help! Make a plan!!!!! BTW...u need to.talk to your husband again! Many, many people are in your situation, started legitimately and then addiction takes over. It happens all the time. I am almost 5 mths clean, I went c/t on Jan 1st and I have NO REGRETS!!! BEST DECISION I'VE EVER MADE!

[kyle505]

Welcome. I have to be honest with you, there really is no easy way to detox. Others will be along with suggestions about things that may make things easier, but as the old saying goes, when you dance with the devil you pay the devil his dues.
I used for over 15 years; I have over two years clean. During the 15 years I quit and relapsed many times. Here's what helped me stop...I cut all of my sources. If you're getting scripts, tell your doctor that you want to stop. You can avoid the "addict' word. Just let him/her know that you want off the meds. And that flows in to the next step - tell your secret. Again, let your doctor know that you are at least an abuser. Sounds like your husband knows, so ask for his help. This is very important - if you don't tell your secret, you will relapse.
Finally, get to aftercare - NA meetings.
If you follow those steps, and if you are honest with yourself, then you have a fighting chance. As far as not being out of commission, well, that probably won't happen. You have to accept the fact that you will be down for a while. We're all different, but I'd say you would be over most of the physical withdrawal after about five days. However, the mental part of getting clean is much, much harder than the physical. That is something that you will struggle with all of your life, but it is easier to manage the longer you're clean.
Addiction is very powerful, as you've discovered. It demands to come before your children, husband - everything. And it will not let go easily.
Keep posting; we're here to help, but the bottom line is, you have to do the work, you have to take responsibility for your actions. Don't listen to your head; it will lie to you and feed you a lot of BS.
I wish you the best.
K