Opiate and Pain Killer Withdrawal

[geoffreyallan]

Hi All

I've tried tapering my pain killers and I just get weak willed and end up taking extra.  So, today I've had the last of my tablets and I'm going to go cold turkey.  I'm scared but I've got to do it.  I'm tired of being a prisoner to these tablets.

I've got the next 2 days off work and then when I come back it'll be a public holiday and then the weekend so things will be quiet and not very pressured at work so I can pretty much lay low if I'm still feeling crap.

Anyone got any advice or tips on how I'm going to get through this?  I'd really like to at least connenct with someone that has been through it for support.

Here's hoping :)

Cheers,

Geoff
Australia

[laurel453]

Geoff, just read your post on tbmenna's thread and see that you have your own thread too so i'd better answer here :) ... Yeah, those aminos and stuff do help with wds but keeping a positive frame of mind is the greatest tool cause the mental part is quite tough,  we go through some heavy  mental beating and suffering so keeping positive is a must if you can do it. Another must is addressing our addictive behaviour, getting clean is indeed easier than staying clean, so when you start feeling better, think about it, ok?

hey, keep posting and good luck today !! :)

[booshy]

Hi there,
I'm an Aussie too and I've been the cold turkey route but it never lasted. I have just started my own detox, I'm on Day 1, and I have a doctor that subscribes Suboxone, which is kind of a substitute but also helps with the cravings. I have done it before but fell off the wagon, but that was because I still had no coping mechanisms for stress. Talk to your GP, they can recommend someone or subscribe it, though it's strict (like methadone), it is worth it and people are generally very supportive.
Best advice is aspro for the aches and pain and de-gas for the stomach pains and gas.
It's been less than 24 hours for me but it's a just the first step just behind you...and you can do it!
:)

[geoffreyallan]

Woohoo, it's now been 48 hours since my last evil little pills.  I feel pretty rotten but am coping and optimistic about the future.

[k9tails]

U r doing good, this to shall pass. WD is no fun. I was on hydro's, and got off of those two yrs ago. Then I was on T4's for a long a** time. I went to treatment and got on Suboxone and it made a world of difference for me. Maybe you need to find a doctor that can prescibe Suboxone where U live. Talk to your Doctor about Suboxone or Subutex. They are for narocotic dependence. I am on Suboxone and it takes the WD and cravings away and you feel normal. Talk to your doctor about these 2 drugs and let him know you are addicted to pain killers.

[blue1969]

You are doing great but unfortunately it could get worse befor you turn the corner.  Keep on with what you are doing and stay positive.  Within a few days you will start to feel alive.

Keep posting, there is lots of support.  YOU CAN DO THIS!

[10356]

I agree Geoff how Exciting ! :) Congrats on 24 hours. I I believe being Positive is essential in wd It is what determines the severity.. I'm really Happy for you :) It is amazing when our minds break free of the fog and the clarity we have.. Keep looking forward and Welcome to the other side :)

[geoffreyallan]

Well how exciting.  I've been just over 24 hours clean.  Following the Thomas Recipe.  Plenty of meds to lessen the cramping and diarrhoea.  Lots of fluid.  I feel pretty crook but I have to say that using the meds and the amino acids has made all the difference.  I feel like I have this weird, odd flu with a running nose and aches and pains and a killer gut and no appetite.  But Overall it hasn't been as bad as I expected.  

I think that mentally things are helping.  I've read heaps of posts where people talk about being positive and the impact that has.  I keep thinking that every pain, every yawn, every cramp in the gut is one less to go through and one step closer to being normal and clean again.

Thanks to those of you who offered advice and support.

Cheers,

Geoff

[squirrelsnest]

Hey,

I'm right there with you buddy!  I'm in my second day and feel like I've got the worst flu, body aches/chills, no fun :( I actually have .5 mg of Klonopin that is prescribed to me for anxiety and I've been breaking them in half and taking them every 4 hours or so (to help take the edge off).  I just posted my own story with a few questions for how to proceed and I'm finidng this forum, with the chance to reach out to other addicts, extremely helpful.  It's keeping me honest and reminding me that I'm not alone in this fight.  Good luck to you and please keep in touch!

Anne

[geoffreyallan]

Hi

Thanks for the replies.  I've been on Panadeine Extra, 12 tablets a day (500mg Paracetamol and 15mg Codeine) and Nurofen Plus, 15 tablets a day (200mg Ibuprofen and 12.8mg Codeine).

I've been doing this on and off for several years but of late it's become a daily thing.  Been pretty much using every day for monay months.

I've read up about the Thomas Recipe so I've already started on the amino acid supplements and other things.  

I really just want to kick this once and for all.

Cheers,

Geoff

[Toby1863]

In conjunction with the Thomas Recipe the Amino Acid Protocol is a dandy as well:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Addiction/Amino-Acid-Protocol/show/15?cid=66

Welcome to Medhelp and keep posting for support. You CAN do this. I cold turkeyed and I'm glad I did!

Toby

[Toby1863]

The Thomas Recipe will help:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Addiction/Thomas-Recipe-Re-Posted/show/16?cid=66

L-Tyrosine & 5HTP helped me greatly during acute withdrawal.

[10356]

Hi Geoff Welcome to the forum.. Congrts on making this Decision. If you can tell us what you have been taking how much and how long we will have a better idea of how to advice.. Really glad you found us as we have a great group of peps here with a lot of support.. lesa