Is there hope for me?? Really...

[4way2long]

Been taking narcotics for 13 years! Is it even possible to stop? I want so badly for my life to b my own!

[NeverAgain127]

You've got some tough and important decisions to make.  First off, don't think in draconian terms.  You haven't lost your job, and you aren't homeless.   Addiction is a very real illness, and even if you had to tell your employer (which I know you don't want to) they cannot fire you for this; it is against the law.

BUT.  As I said, I know that is road you don't want to go down if you can help it (involving your employer.)   I know folks are suggesting tapering here, but I couldn't do it, and I was on a much smaller daily dose than yours (for 8 years.)  

The rapid detox method you asked about is called the Waissman method.  My cousin did it (for alcohol addiction) and she went right back to drinking.  It has a high failure rate, and is VERY expensive.  

We are talking about your LIFE here...I think you need to sit down with your doctor, come clean, and talk about the best options for your recovery.  First is going to be the detox, of course, and it will be difficult, given that you are on a fairly high dose.  But difficult doesn't mean impossible.  Almost every single thing in this life that is valuable, good, or worth having, is difficult to obtain.  

How old are you, approximately? Do you have health issues?  I think that you should be medically monitored (even if that just means checking in with your doctor every week or few days) while you're withdrawing.   There are also some comfort meds that your doctor can prescribe that won't make the withdrawals go away, but they will mitigate SOME of the more harsher effects.  

You can do this.   People have gotten off higher amounts than you...and you cannot sustain this level of abuse; something is going to happen, and it is going to be horrible.    I commend you for wanting to get clean.

It is a little early to be discussing it now, but imo, after-care is going to be a MUST for you.  Especially with a disabled husband to take care of, a child, and the fact that your husband has pain meds and keeps them in the house.  You may need to think about having him lock them in a small safe so you have no access once you are up and running.

Everyone has given their opinion, and they are all good...but I think it would be smart idea to make an appointment with your physician, and tell him/her the whole truth. They won't be shocked; abuse of opiods is an epidemic right now in the world.

Good luck honey...stick around here and tell us how you are doing....

Hugs,
-Robin

[Krissy_123]

Unfortunately there is no magic cure for detox,just getting through it is the only secret. I was on oxycodone every day for 11 years. I've been clean 9 months,so yes it's totally possible. I have two kids and a full time job as well. I basically faked it till I made it. I'd recommend tapering if you can,a lot of couldn't. If they are there we will take them. You'll be physically sick with chills/sweats diarrhea,nausea,restlessness and insomnia for probably a couple weeks with your dose quitting at cold turkey. But everyday will get a little better. Getting clean is the easy part,staying clean is the hard part. I would recommend a recovry program like AA/NA. Rehab,but a lot of don't have the luxuries of going to rehab. But that's where the meetings come in. it's pretty well impossible to do this with out some sort of aftercafs,especially after the length of time you were on them. Your emotions will be all over for quite some time fighting to get back to normal with out the drugs.

[jethro733]

I was on a similar dose to what you're on Way2long.  I ct'd and it can be done. just to let you know...  But in your case I can completely see your point of view and that keeping your job is the priority at the moment.  Have you considered tapering down?  That is completely doable and I'd think that you'd still be able to work.  I had afriend who tapered from 200mg or so I think it was , it took him awhile but he eventually got there and ended up jumping at 20mgs will very little relative discomfort and continued his job the whole way (water services so it had a reasonable physical element to it).  

[Kristen2015]

Is your plan to do a detox or to taper?  Will you be able to take off work for detox?   Please stay here on this forum.  Would hate to see you disappear on us.  May I ask what type of work you do?  (You can tell me a general description if you are concerned about confidentiality). Do you take one pill at a time?  I am asking because I wanted to get an idea if you take pills all day long or double up each time you take a dose.

[4way2long]

I'm not saying that because I wld b "inconvenienced", but reality is that myself, my husband & my son wld b homeless wo my job.

[4way2long]

Yes, I agree & kno exactly what ur saying but  like every post had said, I've been on these for over a decade at a very high dose, I can't do my job while detoxing( I've been there b4). I will look into a rehab that's specific for opioid abuse. Thanks for listening.