Help with opiate withdrawal

[gfrad]

I am no stranger to opiate withdrawal. This will be the 3rd time I've gone through this...although it's probably not going to be the worst one I've had...it's def not going to be easy. So, I stupidly started taking Vicodin for fun, which let to Percs, which led to Oxycodone. (BTW I had no idea oxycodone was the same thing as oxycotin!! I never would have touched it!!) I then purchased a scripted of Tramadol to try and taper off the meds without going into withdrawal. When I stop taking the Tramadol I feel like I have worse withdrawal symptoms then with the regular opiates! That backfired. I've decided this has to be the LAST time I do this to myself. I have no achieved anything while on these, I have no gained anything good. I have spent $100's, I've spent many days wondering where I"ll get my next pill, I've spent many a day counting my pills, worrying about how many I have left, it just sort of took over my life. I've only been taking these things for about 8 months. I've been switching between percs, vics, and oxys. I take about 35 mil a day (I know not very high amount). I then started taking Lorazapam in the evening because I couldn't sleep. Well, I ran out of that. I've been up for the past 2 nights. Last night being the worst. I literally watched the clock tic. I have a wonderful family, I have a great job, lots of friends, and I'm an all around good person! I want to be me again. I don't remember what it was like to not be on the pills but I know I liked it. I need support! I read somewhere that one of the best things to do was post on these forums. Can anyone help with a few things. What can I take for the restless leg at night? What can I do for the depression (only lasts about 2 days). I have everything for the special detox all over the web. I have lots of vitamins, drinking water, trying to move as much as possible. Any other tips? Support? Or maybe just tell me your story so I feel like I"m not alone?! Thanks in advance!!

[gfrad]

I just read through all of these (sorry I'm out of it today). I was only taking 2-3 lorazapam a day. Usually one around 12 and then 2 at night to help me fall asleep. I didn't know I was suppose to ween off that either. Ugh! I only had .5mg so it wasn't a very large amount. I have another script for that and trams but I really don't think I"m going to get either filled. I originally got them because my husband is military and leaving for Korea in a month gone for a year. I have a son and I cannot be doing this while my husband is away. There is no way. What if I didn't wake up one day. Our family is 2000 miles away!

[gfrad]

I'm on day 2 and this is def worse then yesterday. I finally was able to get some sleep. I took 5 melatonin and slept pretty good (thanks for the advice!). I have 50mg tramadol to make it a little more bearable...but it doesn't really seem to be working. I also have some xanax just in case but I haven't taken that yet. I have to talk myself through doing the smallest task. I'm shaky, have a headache, my brain is cloudy, and I swear I could cry at the drop of a hat. My husband has been so supportive and he's really helping a lot. He had to limit my tramadol intake so I only have 4 for the entire day. I know I can do this but sometimes I think if I just took one I would feel sooo much better. The only thing stopping me from relapsing is I will just prolong the inevitable. I will have to do this eventually might as well get it over with. I'm crazy thirsty and I'm trying to walk a little. THIS *****!!!  

[Tanz32]

Welcome! This could be the first step to getting your life back. I feel like I am all alone dealing with this addiction so it's good to have others to talk to. I was taking about 5 -30mg percs daily for over 5 years and it's been 2 weeks since my last one. I have a big family and a great group of friends but no one knows about my problem besides my ex whom I just broke up with so it's been hard to deal with it alone. Honestly the only thing that helped me with withdrawals is suboxone. I wouldn't be able to live without it! Helps me get out of bed in the morning and if not I wouldn't be able to work or live my life like I am. Please stay strong and take it all day by day.

[msdelight]

Hi and welcome. Well you have gotten some fantastic answers and I have nothing to add except my support! I c/t off percocet 80 or so mg daily. That was over 7 months ago! It can be done and it is worth everything you have to go through! Stay strong! Get mad! Enough is enough!

[delightdee]

I am doing this again too!!! Relapsed.  I'm on day three of no pills and I feel what you are going through.  I agree with V that I need to stop the merry go round and need some type of support from an aftercare group.  Don't be mad at yourself just post anything and everything you feel here.  Sometimes I have posted TMI and it's cause I just need to tell someone so I can move forward.   RLS is awful!   I think Hylands leg stuff helps.  Hot Epsom baths.  I have even used Ben gay for the aches.  Melatonin worked for me to help me sleep a smidge.  But I had to use the 10mg ones.  Valerian root works for sleep too.  Hylands be calm worked on my depression.  Took the edge off.  Sounds like you know what to do.  Just need someone to hear you.  So here we are!

[vicki595]

I agree with Vic; educate yourself about addiction and why it happens. You're not alone at all and it IS a lot of mental work to get to the other side but you have a chance here and a huge group to support you.

Temptation at work is a big problem so face it head on. Tell whomever it is offering pills that you have stopped and would appreciate their support.  I can't tell you how fortunate you are to have the support of your husband; so important so use that support!

For RLS, the hot Epsom salt baths are just unbelievable; it's the magnesium that helps. Also, taking potassium, magnesium, and calcium orally helps. There are Hyland's Restful Legs pills which have quinine and they help, too.

How much lorazepam were you taking??  That needs to be tapered off; it's dangerous to stop abruptly due to the incidence of seizures...

Distraction and exercise will help if not eliminate the depression so at least go walking. Music is just huge...watch you tube videos of your favorites and you'll be surprised how good it makes you feel!

Keep posting here about your progress and ask questions. Later, we'll tell you about aftercare...

[VICourageous]

Hi & Welcome..I sure do feel what you are feeling..Trams is like coming off of 2 meds because it has the SRNI..Which is a serotonin releaser and a reuptake inhibitor of norepinephrine and Trams is a u-opioid. Now you are also w/ding from the Benzo too..Now that one SHOULD be Tapered.
I can share a bit with You..About 20 months ago I came off of a long ash ride with Methadone and illegal adderall that I was snorting..Then I would take a Benzo at night. NOW this is a cocktail of drugs so it does take some time to rid out of your body..Methadone,Trams and Subs are the most synthetic one out here and they have longer legs.
SO right now you are doing very good with everything you said you have and are taking. Just keep drinking LOTS of water and try adding some Electrolyte powder to it..I would take my Ds, Cal, Magnesium and Potassium at night which help me calm down a bit..Ha! Just a bit but it did work after it kicked in. Make sure you do take them Baths with Epsom salt to help draw the poisons out. Just keep pushing and get out in the sun and walk or do some kind of exercising..This will help to spark up these brain chems and such that get all out of whack when we use. Other wise just have Patience and give this TIME..There are many different vit/min that you can take and some you can during the day and some at night..If you ache after the Bath get under a Heating Blanket it feel so nice.

NOW..My Biggest concern would be what are YOU going to do different this time so you do not keep on this Merry-Go-Round?? Like getting some aftercare for Support..Anything were you will not be doing this alone!!!  This is a Disease and there is no cure, but it could go into remission with Lots of work..Try to educate your self about this Diseases in a more Scientific way..Meaning you can learn what goes on up stairs in our Brain when we use..And there is alot that happens.
Wishing you the best and just get back in that saddle and ride Again, but this time take a new path..
Bless

[gfrad]

Thank you! Yes...Thomas recipe that's what I was talking about! I bought everything I need yesterday. I told the entire truth to my husband and he did not react like I thought he would. My biggest problem is my sources are co-workers. This is something I will have to be very very careful about. A new job is a possibility just not at this moment. Thank you for your reply. It helps so much just to know I'm not the only person going through this. I will try the Epsom salt bath tonight :D

[takingmylifeback2014]

Hi and Welcome ... You are defiantly not alone. We have all been there, some are still in very early detox. Have you checked the Thomas Recipe? The link is on the bottom on the page. I have heard that Hyland cream helps with RLS. Also hot I mean as hot as you can stand it Epsom salt baths work wonders.
Stay hydrated, take vitamins and protein shakes help too. Motrin for pain if needed ... Hmmmm I feel like I am forgetting something. Oh yes CUT ALL your sources this is a MUST! and tell your secret you will be surprised at the reactions you get - likely not to be what you thought.

Good luck and please keep posting we are here to help!!!! XO