I finally admit it, I need help. Re: Opiate Withdrawal

[MedicineMax]

What should I do for Norco/Hydrocodone withdrawal?

I have a very import question and situation that I desperately could use help with resolving. I have been on strong narcotic pain relievers for some time (Norco 10/325 last several months, over the past 2 years from Oxy, to hydromorphone to good ol' Tramadol) and my doctor unexpectedly quit refilling my prescription today without notice or reason. I am okay with that, but what makes it so devastating and urgent is that neither he or his nurse contacted me about this decision, and he did not sit down with me in order to make a plan to get off of this strong medication. I found out through the pharmacist. She is concerned too. I was taking no less than 70mg of NORCO per day, which is significant. I don't feel addicted to the pills, but my body does feel dependent. (this might be total bull ****, I'm' trying to figure it out.. I've never taken a pill not prescribed to me as I've had 3 surgeries over 2 years.)

Here is my situation. I  will be quitting this medicine cold turkey as I have no pills left being prescribed from the doctor, and what I do have I took it all at once so there wouldn't be any more lying around and that I'll fall asleep on them in hopes of not enjoying the large amount-7 at once. I am certain that cold turkey is not the way to go about this and feel that it is extremely dangerous. What would you advise me to do? Should I try to get Suboxone? Where do I go? The hospital ER? Are there clinics for addicts? Well the withdrawal require hospitalization? Will they treat me there? Or, where do I go to help me wean off of the medication with lower dosages on other medications, etc.? Hospital? I'm afraid that it will take too much time to get into a pain management clinic. As in, by the time things are most intense, the pain management will still be on a wait list. Are there emergency clinics? I feel my situation is extremely urgent because the detox has just began and the withdrawal is extremely dangerous and worrisome. I do not want to end up in the hospital which is most likely what will happen if untreated. It had been a long term use. The doctors at Methodist in August kept me on Suboxone whilst in the ward. Since the doctor and his nurse have abandoned me with no reason whatsoever (I never abused my medications, used them more than prescribed, etc.) I will be requesting a copy of my medical record immediately so that I can hopefully figure out what he was thinking. But, that is the least of my worries right now.

Treatment is most important.

Thank you for your help anyone!

And, like I said in AA many years ago (still sober)

My name is Max, and I am an addict.

[wanting2stop]

Glad to hear you are feeling better. I am glad you spoke with your Doctor(s) etc. Hopefully they will get you on a taper system that will be easier. Over time you can take less and less so the withdrawl symptoms will not be that bad.

Keep posting & remember everyone here is on you side.

Also.. Do not beat yourself up for sitting there still taking pills. You made a big step by coming to this site and expressing your feelings and looking for help. By informing your doctors that you want to stop and get on a taper plan is a huge step.

I am not sure what the cost is but look into holistic healer(s) in your area. I don't think it could hurt? They use all natural supplements (Chinese / India traditions I think)

You WILL do this!

Give yourself a pat on the back.

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

Are we talking GP here or Neurologist?  That might make a difference in my opinion. But I currently feel that you should not cold turkey the pills. You should probably try and take them "as needed" as opposed to on a time schedule. And with the idea of getting completely off them when you and the doc are comfortable with that. If you and the Doc disagree about when you are ready to quit the narcs you may always get another opinion. The real bottom line is that the narcotics are not good maintenance medications for anything. Its just a matter of time before many people exposed to them steadily develop a problem. Have you discussed an anti anxiety med, perhaps a benzo, to use when you arent in solid pain but do need something?

[MedicineMax]

Also, I am still taking pills because I talked to my doctor today and he doesn't want me to go cold turkey or wean me off totally yet due to the head injury and pain.

I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED THAT I AM SITTING HERE STILL TAKING PILLS!

I wish my frustration could be understood. I want to quit but my doctor won't let me per say, wtf do I do? He said without the pills the pain will land me in the ER.
I don't know what to do our think. ******.

[MedicineMax]

Thank you all so much for your help and support. All of you have given me great advice and lots of excellent tips. I no longer feel as afraid or alone. I feel that if I have an important, pressing question, all I have to do is post it here and y'all will help me.

Because I have such chronic pain, I mean it is bad.. I have had a SEVERE head injury and there are hardened arteries in my brain.

Am I doing the right thing quitting the pain meds? How am I going to be pain free or manage my pain? I feel like there is no way to "win"

I am very nervous and scared. I don't want the head pain and I don't know what keeps me sober, yet keeps me out of pain.

Makes me cry this is so hard and stressful :)

[CATUF]

How are you qualified (by experience, training and/or edecuation) to make such assertions?

What's the downside of an addict believing they have a disease, if in fact they don't?

What's the downside of an addict believing they do not have a disease, if in fact they do?

Is blame or fault relevant with respect to addiction and/or recovery?

CATUF
1572

[SensibleInSarnia]

You don't have a "disease." You don't have "personality defects." Sorry, AA and NA ...  you have a nasty benzo habit which you can deal with, once you get the other bits under control.

Don't shift the blame for what you didn't want to happen ... long row to hoe ...