How long does it take to completely back to normal after pain meds?

[Thedevilsadvocate]

I was taking about 8 -13 percs a day for 2.5 years do to an injury from war. I did not know that you physically get addicted to them. But how long does it take to actually get back to feeling normal? I have not sleept more then 5 hours a night in 10 days. I am taking vitamins, exercising, drinking lots of water etc. I just cant wait to be able to sleep all night. It makes me want to take them once a week to at least sleep normal for 1 night.

[fbcoach]

You just have to walk thru the fire first. It may take a while, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Do what you have to do,and don't you dare feel guilty. I'm telling you bro, I am a walking testament to 10mgs ambien and an OTC sleep aid each night and 100mgs of caffeine first thing in the morning, and again at 10:30am. If going out in the evening, another 100mgs about 4-5:00pm (usually weekends). Along with 2 intense workouts a week and loads of activities, 1 1/2 gallons of water, and a good diet, this little regimen provides me with ALL DAY ENERGY. It was the difference between retiring early and a life of suffering from chronic pain or living/loving a life full of things I never thought possible. I broke my neck and had a cervical laminectomy from C-1 to the Thoracic, from playing Football. I thought my life was over. I had lost about 50lbs of muscle and replaced it with an extra 20lbs of fat, when I got out of the hospital. THAT REALLY SUCKED! Now, I know I can never be what I once was, but that didn't mean I had to give up. Long story short....I found a way to get back some of which I lost. So, I'm telling you..do what you have to do (within reason, using common sense) and don't feel guilty. It won't be long before you put this behind you. Like I said, you may have to walk thru fire first, but you can do it. Good Luck and let us know how you are doing.

[girl98]

I cant get past day 2. Ive been on vicodin 10s- 5-9 per day for over 3 years.  Started w 1 per day.  Today is the best first day without them that ive had. I try every week.  I just got myself tylenol PM to sleep tonight, 5 hour energy for tmrw at work, and i made myself a drink earlier to deal with other unfortunate side effects.  I know substituting one for another isnt the best idea, but its getting me by.  I hear that 72 hrs is the peak of the withdrawals. Im hoping i can get over that hurdle.  Good luck to u.  Try dealing with each side effect individually. tired? Get a sleep aid. No energy? Get a red bull.. etc etc.. Hope this helps.. =)

[Dane74]

Im 34 days clean and still not sleeping:(

[fbcoach]

I was forced to  withdraw "cold turkey" after 1 1/2 years of 400-800mgs/daily. The first 2 weeks was excruciating, and I could only sleep from midnight to 2:00am. After 2 weeks, I was gradually able to sleep a little more each day. Exercising and staying busy (as I could) helped. Also, ambien helped quite a bit. Many use anti-histamines and OTC sleep meds. It's better to use small doses of several different kinds, than large doses of just one. Less hang-over effects. You can also try making your room dark as possible.  Good Luck and you will feel better soon.

[apache2010]

It takes a while, to be honest with you, I'm on day 564 since my last Morphine pill for my back,,, it gets better but not as fast as you want it to.  It almost took a year before I slept ' Normally" without being snappy or Grouchy the next day from irritability.

vitamins helped,,,, and natural meds,
hope that helps.