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]

Hey Max...

How are you feeling today? Today is my 7th day sober and I am feeling really good. Everyone of course has different circumstances. I had a close friend of mine who also took vicodin also take klonopin for anxiety. I too have suffered from anxiety but in my case it was triggered by the vicodin. It was giving me fear/worry/anxiety all the time. I never had anxiety 7 years ago..

I was also very nervous about withdrawl. I have used vicodin everyday for the last 7 years. I know the feeling of what if? What if I can't handle it? What if I have to go the ER? What will my family, friends think etc...

In regards to your comment about drinking, pills & smoking herb etc. This is just my opinion and many here may not agree with me but I am going to say it anyways...

I would not try to quit everything all at once. I would try to stay away from caffeine, sugar, alchohol & the pills (the caffeine will induce anxiety and sugar will cause roller coaster ride). Marijuana is treated to many patients all the time for pain and other medical purposes. It will also help with the nausea during withdrawl. Take one step at a time and have your best friend / wife or family member help you thru the process. They love you and will help you the best they can.

Keep posting and remember 1 day at a time. If you think too far ahead it feels too overwhelming..

I would also recommend consulting with your psychiatric doctor. He/she best knows your mental condition. With you wanting to stop pills, herb, alchohol (everything) this may not be advised pending your psychiatric condition(s). I know that head trauma can cause many different condition(s) etc. Give the doctor a call and get a professional opinion in regards to all of your psychiatric conditions. Perhaps with him/her knowing you want to quit will discuss this with your pain doctor and put you on a taper program that best suites you. Also inform him/her if you still use marijuana. Tell her/him everything. This I think will help you with all the worry...

We all have different circumstances...
Remember we are always here if you want to talk..
Great job for posting to the site. That is HUGE!

Stay focused and in time you will be free from all of this!

[peaceinknowing]

Let's get back to the post. A member like ourselves need help right now. Like Lee said, we all know what it was like when we first came on the boards with the thought in the backs of our minds that there will no longer be any pills within our posession. Emotions get tangled with our thoughts on what physical reactions lie ahead of us when facing the dreaded word of withdrawl.

You've come to the right place for help. This site will become your saving grace like it has for so many other members. I know I was one of those members as well...and let me say that I admire you for coming out publically on the internet posting something that says you admit that you need help. That's the first step, so congrats.  :)

Like Sara stated, getting hot baths as much as possible will truly help. Try and stay hydrated as much as possible with water or light juices. Try and stay away from orange juice for a little bit because of the acidity that it contains. Bananas are good for RLS but won't cure it. You have to try and keep in mind that everyone's different when it comes to who goes through what during times like these. Post as much as you can here on the site. Getting your mind off the physical aspect of things will truly help you through the recovery as well. I posted what seemed like all day everyday and it really helped, except for when I was running for the bathroom every so often. You're more than likely going to have diarreah. This and the lack of sleep was one of the worse parts of the WD that I had to go through. I did my entire detox at home for 4-5 days without the assistance of any other medication, so just know that it is safe to do. If you feel that Suboxone is the right path for you to travel down, then speak with a doctor about this one on one. I wasn't strong enough for that.

I wish you all the best and hope you stick around the forums! PLEASE keep posting here and be reminded that there are so many members here that are willing to help you through this right now. I too had a few members "assume" things about me when I first started to post here, but they will, in the end, become your saving grace and guardian angel. Best of luck!

[sonyaaddict]

Hey my name is Sonya. I am an addict. The heading of your posts reads that you finally admit it. Well do you. You have got to have an open mind to get through this. It is really a leap of faith. I believe you are addicted reading your first post. Please think about treatment. It was hard but worth it.  Suboxone is an opiate. I have been on it. Its addictive. You will go through w/d's to get off. Be careful and best of luck!!!!

[dominosarah]

I have seen many come on this forum who were forced to quit myself and worried only called it as she saw it.  She is not the enemy and she is a good one to have on your side.  She knows a ton about this addiction and works her program and is a very big part of this forum.  Anyways welcome to the forum!!!  I too think that Sub should be the last resort.  Look at the health pages on the right hand side of the page and check out the Thomas Recipe and the amino acids.  These will help you going thru wd.  Get yourself some Gatorade and bananas. Take warm baths or showers if you are achy.  You can do this!!!  Keep posting.........sara

[leeisgettingclean]

hey I just want you to know that I read your post and find them sencere and nice. I think sometimes in the beginning of getting clean our emotions are all out of wack...clearly the case here.
Now to answer the question, your w/ds are gona suc* but not gona kill you. I do not think Suboxane should be tried untill all other options fail you. I would only go to E.R. if it really came to that, and if you go dont be shocked when you are not treated like you just walked in off the red carpet....they do not always treat an addict great in the E.R....Anyways I am glad you are getting clean

[worried878]

BTW...there r not many opn this forum for any length of time that "hate" being sober
There r not really a whole lot of people who even post past a month being sober....but there r those who stay..and post...to help..with well over a year of being "sober"  if we hated it..I would doubt we would stay here to help others along the way...we r not "assholes"  we stay to help/people dont always like what we have to say...but some of us call it like we see it....and I am sorry if I called it wrong..I am here to help..that is all...not to judge...as I have no right to even attempt to judge anyone...nite