How long will this last?

[itjustme]

I have been taking norcos for about 7 months now on a daily basis and i want to stop. There is no medical need for me to take them, i just like how i feel. I stopped taking them yesterday. At 3:30 pm i took my very last pill and today i feel horrible. I dont know if i can make it. I know it has only been a little over 24 hours, but i feel horrible. Just horrible. How long will this last? does anyone have anthing good to say about this? My 1 year anniversary is not this weekend, but the weekend after that and i want to be perfect for it. But right now, they only way i can see myself enjoying it...is by getting more pills...ugh. what do i do?

[itjustme]

I also keep talking to God. My boyfriend has been through a lot and told me to talk to him when I'm feeling like I can't make it. I didn't think it would help, but it really has. I've never been to religious so this is making me believe. When I weak, I talk to him and I feel better.

[itjustme]

Well it's day 3. I'm doing okay. Didn't sleep at all last night and had to call in sick to work. My whole family thinks I have the flu. I keep crying randomly, so that *****. But I'm doing okay. I don't want to take pills. However, last night my mom was watching house and I had to leave the room because watching him take pills was to hard for me. I took a hot shower instead. Yesterday I started with the tummy issues. That is not fun at all. I'm just taking everything day by day. Well really, hour by hour. I keep thinking, well whenever I do this, I take a pill. But no more. No more.
How are you doing today?

[Virgo1722]

How did today go?

[tgtiffany]

That's what we're here for!!  :)  Just keep smiling and remember to come here when things get crazy!!! :)

[constantbeauty]

As silly as it might sound to you now, keep posting on here. Even when you're not thinking about the pills or calling the guy you used to, to get them -- because helping others during their recovery ends up helping you out more than you'll ever know. It's a healthy distraction, is what I like to call it.

SO. PROUD. OF. YOU!

[itjustme]

I am so happy I decided to join here. I was hesitant at first, but already your advice and kind words have helped me so much. When I got home from work I deleted the number I use to get pills, and from now on when I want to call him, I'll come on here. It started so simple. One or two, just to feel good. And then it went up to 4 and 5 a day and now it's 10+. I told my boyfriend about it a few weeks ago and he was very supportive. I told him I stopped and that's why I was telling him, so he thinks I've been clean for 2 weeks. I couldn't do it. I feel horrible for lying to him because I love him so much and I know he just wants to help. I can't tell him I'm withdrawaling all over again, so I said I had the flu. I just want to get through this and from everyone who have posted and given advice, I know I CAN and I will. I hope I feel this strong tomorrow after a night of no sleep. I'll let you guys know. And thank you again. Everyone. It means SO MUCH I can't even express myself.

[constantbeauty]

Let me tell you something:  A lot of people don't even make it 24 hours, so consider yourself one tough cookie!! Keep it up, and as hard as it may seem right now, think about how much more pleasant your one year will be in two weeks, knowing you spent it with the person you love so much sober and without the assistance of these nasty little pills. I know it's tough. I've been there. You're going to go through a little of this and that -- but nothing is going to compare to the amazing feeling you'll have once you look up at the sky and scream out that you're doing this regardless of the way your body is allowing for you to feel.

Not only that, but you're going to be saving $600+ a month from not having to get the money to spend on these things. It's not worth it, and I promise you -- the more you post, the more you're going to get great advice and support from others. I know for me, it wasn't easy going through my WD stages without anyone, but I read this site top to bottom it felt like, and I never signed up until two days ago. I will never regert getting clean, and neither will you. I can't promise that it'll be easy. I can't promise that it'll be hard. But I CAN promise you how absolutely amazing you;re going to feel after the next few days have come and gone.

[Virgo1722]

Oh, and buy some HTTP 5. It's a vitamin for mental health. You won't feel the effects of vitamins right away because they take some time to build up in your system....not to mention that your basically going through "shock" right now. Lots of people hit depression for one reason or another; the HTTP 5 will help get your mind in a more stable place. There is no miracle solution but with time and hardwork, you'll over come this. Please keep posting and keep reading. Something about knowing that your not alone is so soothing. When you feel like your stuck in your own head and nobody understands, come here or go to NA. If you truly want to get and stay clean you have to try things. If the desperate addict in you went through desperate measures to use then allow the sober you to go to desperate measures to stay clean! Always remember, Just For Today...
Again, I'm rooting for you! WE ALL ARE!

[Virgo1722]

Hang in there girl....it will get easier but I won't lie, it takes some time and a whole lot of effort. Things you can expect....leg pain which I saw that your feeling already. Hot baths with Epson salt helps for a few hours. I saw someone else say to take Valarien Root (sp), it does help with some of the anxiety. The extreme fatigue but not being able to sit still or sleep was the roughest for me. Don't let the energy drinks or coffee fool ya, it's gonna make you feel worse. For the jerky legs or body, try Hylands RLS which is OTC, worked WONDERS for me, especially at night. Sleeping, well, there isn't much of a solution for that. Some people take muscle relaxers, benzos, OTC sleep aids but really, for me, they didn't work well. They put me to sleep but I couldn't stay asleep so I just ended up being more groggy than I would have been if I didn't take anything. I tried Melatonin (again with the sp) but it didn't have much of an effect for me but this last time around I just stuck to that with OTC PM meds. And I keep say "for me" because everyone is different, however, these are the typical symptoms. You should start taking vitamins because most of us neglect our health while abusing drugs. My demons were Norco's as well and I would go as far as not eating because I knew that would lessen the effect of them. Sad...but true. Drink LOTS fluids and grab some Immodiam for the bathroom issues. Eating will be hard but do what you can. If anything, get some of those pre-made protein shakes and soups so your body gets some substance.  After 4-5 days, most of the withdrawls will subside but it's probably going to take your body some time to find it's natural sleep habit again. You may also have some lingering anxiety. Now, I do want you to be prepared so I will tell you what's next. Nobody told me and it was the hardest part. I only want you to be aware because you said you have an aniversary coming up in two weeks. After the physical part cools out, the mental part kicks in full gear. I couldn't stop questions myself. Who am I if I don't have these pills? They made me everything I was but one thing to keep telling yourself is that its simply not true. It was all just a smoke screen. You definately need some support girl, it's not healthy or helpful to go through this alone. If you can't turn to anyone that you know and trust, I would suggest looking up some NA meetings. I started right after withdrawl and although I certainly felt weird going, I realized I was just looking at others and seeing myself. Hearing the words of the steps, the fact that it's tailored to each person (from a religious stand point), the other members sharing theirs thoughts, stories, fears and the way they overcame their obsticals truly made me feels that the impossible was the possible. I know, I know....it's weird but you'll never know unless you try girl. It's incredibly inspiring and motivating. If and when you go, take it seriously, take the phone numbers they offer, go to other meetings, get involved in the Service of NA. That's the point....get involved and lean on people! If you feel that addict in you tempting you to call for pills, call a girl from your list instead. We are always taught the "Stranger Danger" rule but these people are hear to help, from one addict to another. No judgement, nothing. "We can only keep what we have by giving it away".  I am not more than 2 weeks clean from Norcos and I am in NO WAY healed but eventually, I will get myself to a comfortable spot. I probably shouldn't even be giving you any advice because of being so new in recovery but I couldn't help myself. Your story is/was just like mine. You have to believe in yourself. No, not the addict in you that says it's ok to take the pills, believe in the REAL you. She's there, you just have to find her. And if you are having a hard time believing in yourself, the members of NA will be there to believe in you, for you. You'll learn to take things one day at a time but for now....just focus on every five minutes. The mind is a powerful tool when used right. Give yourself a chance to live again, free yourself from the chains. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! Please keep me posted, I'm rooting for you!

[cleaninitup]

Take acouple of deep breathes-its amazing how much that can help calm you down.Deep breath in followed by an I can and will do this,I am stronger than these pills and they will stop running and ruining my life.Just keep doing it, it really does help. I too never had a problem with alcohol but alot people think I did because I never drank and when asked why the standard answer I would give id I just dont so they alot of them just assumed I had a problem at one time. I did the same as you just had my fill of pills and was good to go. One good thing I guess is we never mixed the 2. I had a drink with acouple of friends the other night and one almost fell out of her chair when I ordered a drink-I mean she had never seen me do it in the 3 yrs I had known her! She did ask me a few questions ( which showed her concern that I was doing something i shouldnt be) and I just told her that it was always a personel choice for me. So if you can try some nyquil to help you through the night. I had also came clean to my primary doc nd she was very supportive and got my on anti anxiety and prozac to help me through. I know you said no one can know but I bet someone in your life has a very good idea of what hs been going on.So deep breathes and you can and will so this! You are stronger than those pills!! ♥ Heather  ps. check out the Thomas recipe on the health pages

[tgtiffany]

Hello!  That is awesome that you have already made 24+ hours!!!  You can do it!  Just stay positive and when your body and your mind tell you that you need to get pills realize that it's the addiction and that you don't really need them.  As I've told everyone else look in the mirror and smile and tell yourself that you can do this.  Say it outloud, it really does help.  You want YOU back and it can happen, you just have to keep going.  Don't give in!!  My husband spent most of the time in a super hot bath and took valerian root to help with the anxiety attacks he got.  Don't tell yourself or say or type that you are weak.  You're not weak!  You're strong and you are amazing that you have come this far already!  Take it day by day - hour by hour - minute by minute if that's what you have to do.  And keep posting on here, there is lots of support here.  When you feel like you are alone and no one cares about you and that you might as well go get some, get on here and post away.  You are not alone, and EVERYONE cares about you.  You can do this and you are strong :)  Good luck :)

[itjustme]

I've never had a problem with alcohol. I actually take pills, instead of drink. My friends think I dont drink when we go out, and I dont...but while im out i take about 5 pills. I'm not looking forward to tonight because i know it is going to be hell. I dont like not being able to sleep and the whole thing with my legs. I do, however, want to stop taking pills. They are taking over my life, and cleaning out my wallet. I spend about $300+ on pills for 2 weeks. I dont have that money. So I usually have to borrow from my parents. Its not what i want my life to be like. I dont want to live by these nasty things. I jsut want to be "me" again...but i wish it wasnt this hard. I hate this...I'm just so weak...both mentally and physically. And no one i know, can know. Thats what makes this much harder. Having to lie about taking them, and now aboutnot taking them. Oh man...i just want this to be over.

[cleaninitup]

Welcome and yes you can do this- the first few days are pretty uncomfortable but most peoples turning point is about day 4. I know it seems along way off but it is well within reach. I did the multi vits, B6 and some reason I craved orange juice so bad I actually fought my 3 1/2 yrd son for the last cup! lol I also would do a shot of nyquil right b4 bed. I dont recommend that if you also have/or did ever have a problem with alcohol. But it really helped me get 6-7 hrs of sleep a night. The epsom baths help alot or hot tub or showers. The worst part for besides the RSL at night was the chills and they will pass also. You can do this!!! The hardest part is done-you took the step to stop.and again you can do this!!!! best wishes and keep posting ♥ Heather

[sudie58]

this is very hard to do and to try and work as well, could you see a dr. for some help? thing is, if you can get through this , you will be free once and for all! i feel for you.

[itjustme]

Thank you both for answering. Im sitting at work right now and can not think of anything right now except for the fact that i want to go buy some pills and how much my body aches, and my legs are throbbing. It has been a really hard day at work. This is my 3rd time trying to stop using, but i can never make it past this mark - as sad as that is. I really want to be able to do this, but I'm going insane...and now im crying. I just want this all to stop.

[sudie58]

you can do this, as criminy said your well into 24 hrs, make sure you drink plenty of fluids, gatorade or juices, the dehydration will make you feel worse otherwise. get some imodium for any tummy probs and/or diorreah, hot baths with epsom salts in helps a lot,
try some valerian root and/or melatonin to help with relaxation, hang on in there, god bless.

[criminy1]

It is different for everyone but the average seems to be 3 to 5 days for the really rough physical part. You already have 24 hrs down so you could keep going and you will be through this! It ***** for a little while but you can do it!