Sound familiar?!

[nomoreme]

I am new here and REALLY need help and support!  I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 13 years ago.  Doctors put me on pain meds 3 years ago.  I am completely addicted and am scared!  I finally talked to my counselor about this last week, however, I can't seem to kick this.  I am so scared of the Fibro pain once I do get off the meds.  I found my body growing a strong tolarence to the meds due to being on them for such a long period of time.  I continue to have to keep taking more and more to get that "high" that covers the Fibro and let's me take care of the husband, kids, house, etc...Can anyone help and relate?  I don't even know the first step to take!  Thank you!!  Tamera

[LeaAnn807]

Hi!  You have to be really ready, but you can do it at home.  You can look on the health pages at the Thomas Recipe and Amino Acid Protocol.  They have good info for OTC help.  Heating pad and baths help.  You will feel yucky for about a week, but it gets better.  Try not to focus on that week.  Talk with your doctor or therapist and get the support you need to do it!

: )

[Punkinhead75]

Hi and thanks for sharing with us.  I just want to welcome you to the site.  There are some good folks here that can offer some great advice and help with your questions.  Unfortunately I don't have much experience with what you are going through.  I think it is great that you want to stop.  I suggest you talk to a doctor or counselor about what you are experiencing with the pills.  Also tell them you want to stop.  I know that when I was drinking heavily that I didn't have a desire to shower or brush my teeth.  It's like I just stopped caring.  It is scary how we change like that.  Anyway,  I wish you nothing but the best and please stick around.  I'm sure some folks will be along to help you with your questions.  God Bless!!

[Jaybay]

First, try to calm down and just breathe slowly.  In through the nose on a count of four, and out the mouth on a count of four - longer if you can manage it.  You aren't the first person this has happened to, and you certainly won't be the last.  

Have you ever talked to your prescribing doctor about what is happening?  The risk, of course, is that the doctor may not understand anything at all about detox and simply stop prescribing leaving you to face withdrawal alone.  If you're seeing a pain management doctor, he is supposed to include detox as part of his scope of practice.  Some PM docs are better than others with detox issues.  If your doctor is one who isn't, ask for a referral to one who is.  While you're at it, ask for a referral to a pain psychologist.  You're going to need some kind of psychological support not only for detox but to help you better deal with your pain.

Since your pain med use is admittedly beyond your ability to control, you have to find help from a doctor who understands addiction and the associated behavior and motivation.  Detox and getting clean and sober is only the first step.  You need mental support for the associated pain, anxiety and fear so you can stay clean and sober.  NA is free.  Give it a try.  You have nothing to lose by checking out a few meetings, right?    :-)

[dominosarah]

Hi and welcome to the forum.  I am glad you found this site.  This is not hopeless and you can get your life back.  It will take some time so you will have to be patient.  This didnt happen overnight.  Can you give us some info on what type of meds you are on and how much?            sara

[nomoreme]

Sorry.  Had a little more to add!  First of all.  I am thankful to find this site!  Have been looking all over the web for somewhere to find other's that knew exactley how I felt and what I was going through.  I am to the point now that I am "popping" pills like candy and getting little relief!  It is taking a big toll on my marriage.  Not to mention my personal life!  I can't even take care of myself any more!!  It sounds "icky" but can't shower any more, can't barely brush my teeth!  Anyone know why??!  I don't want to lose everything!  My husband, my kids, my LIFE!!  I am really scared!  What can I do?? Any suggestions?  How do you do an "at home detox?"  Is that even possible?  It seems like the more meds I can get, the more I will take!  Someone PLEASE help me.  There is no more me.  Don't know who I am any more!  I use to be such a fun and happy person.  The pills use to make me happy.  They don't any more.  They make me kinda sick them selves!  Any suggestions? Thank you!!!