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1511976 tn?1291401280

Successfully quit 10 year Tylenol 1 abuse

I just wanted to send this out as a ray of hope to anyone addicted to opiates who thinks it's a hopeless case.
I had been addicted to Tylenol 1s for 10 years. I was completely at the pill's mercy. Everything seemed to  revolve around making sure I always had enough. For about 8 yrs it was 6 pills every 4 hours or so, but as of late, had increased to 8 pills every 2.5 hrs or so. I was ALWAYS feeling sick...terrible stomach aches and major overall pain. I was giving myself horrible back pain.
About 3 weeks ago I had just had it.....I knew it had to be over.
So I had about 20 pills left....and just weaned down to none including 4 or 5 days of having normal tylenol too.
It worked!!   I already feel so much better that it's hard to believe. I honestly thought it couldn't be done.
You CAN do it....you just have to have the strength and will to perservere.
13 Responses
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Avatar universal
I take about 3 Tylenol pm at night every night but mom and I talked about it and now im quitting cold turkey. Its just not longer worth the effort. I have enough health issues as it is. Could really use prayers for strength to ditch it once and for all. 29 and half btw
Helpful - 0
1511976 tn?1291401280
Wow....thanks for all of the support!!

It's amazing how much strength is gained from supportive people....even if you've never met!!
Things are still going really well...and it's amazing...I think the insane amounts of the pills were GIVING me pain and horrible headaches....without them, I feel virtually no pain and have great energy to boot!

Celebrating Xmas and New Years this year has such a new and positive role...it truly feels like a "new start".

I'm trying not to dwell(what's the point?)...but I can't help wishing that I had done this years ago!!! But I suppose that is the very problem....when you're addicted, you don't reason things with a clear mind.

Thanks again every one!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I would also like to add my Congratulations !! You had a long addiction and it is heartening to read you have overcome the worst of the wd and feel good now.. a friend of mine Sara has said many times to keep your guard up for even Joy can cause cravings.. this is why aftercare is recommended through AA, NA a Pastor our seeking counseling as to why you felt the need to numb yourself in the first place.. Honesty with your family as support is essential..The liver is a amazing Organ in it's ability to heal past damage.. I'm grateful that we can not buy such drugs here in the states and admire your fortitude !! Our Spirit soars when we are Free :) Keep looking forward.. lesa
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Avatar universal
Hi Ontario!!!

I was addicted to Tyleno #3 for many years (12 -16/day for 10 years) and I would buy Tylenol #1 if I ran out.  I too have taken many #1's at a time.  My liver has always checked out fine but I've never been a drinker which can make things much worse.

I graduated to oxy's but I was no less addicted when I took Tylenol #1's.  You are very wise to stop this now and you should be incredibly proud of yourself.  Lots of people around here with this experience (unfortunately).

Stay strong and hang in there!!!

bob



Helpful - 0
1511976 tn?1291401280
I was just wondering..
Do you mind my asking how long you were addicted to Tylenol 3 and in what quantity?

There is such comfort in knowing someone has gone through a similiar scenario.

Thanks
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I can not be sure if you will have long term liver damage,but I do know that my own enzymes returned to normal within a couple of months when I quit tylenol #3 permanently  and laid off all tylenol for a while.I am able to take recommended doses of tylenol again,but of course have not taken opiates in over a year and do not plan to.
Helpful - 0
1511976 tn?1291401280
Thanks SO much for what you said. I don't think ex_H_addict realized there is codeine in the tylenol.
And I do understand what that person said about it being physical and pchycological. I mean, a person with very good self esteem wouldn't self inflict such damage upon themself. However, over the years, the addiction to codeine was the major dilema.
Do you have any idea the length of time for a person's liver enzymes to return to healthy?
If there is damage, is it for the rest of my life?
I don't feel sick at all...my colour is good, my energy and sleep are very good.

Thanks again ... I'd love any advice/info that you may have to give.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Tylenol #1 has codeine in it.You can buy it over the counter in Canada and it is very I addicting.
I am very impressed with care0 for quitting this drug and am glad your liver enzymes are ok.
If you stay away from tylenol they will improve.
You did a wonderful thing in quitting .
Helpful - 0
1502361 tn?1290540230
I don't personaly think that there are any addictive ingredients in Tyenol. Acetaminophen is not addictive at all,it can only damage your liver in larger doses then 1g per dose at patients that have prescribed dose at 4g(4000mg) per day. So,i think your problem is more psychological then physical.
To be honest, i don't see any addiction here. I think you need to check out why do you have hronic pains.
First of all,can you tell us why did you start taking Tyenol? Does it have some pleasent feeling ?  It's not an opiate or it dosent have any of CNS stimulators...or psychoactive supstances...So...where is the problem?
Helpful - 0
1511976 tn?1291401280

Thanks for being the first to say congrats!
I did go to the doctor regarding my liver enzymes. Unbelievably, I had enzymes at an "almost" normal level. Because I take Zoloft, the slightly higher number may be due to the antidepressant.
I feel VERY lucky! The craziest thing is that I knew all along that Tylenol is brutal on the liver.
I feel like I've really been given a second chance!
Still going strong!! And loving feeling "clear" in the mind AND body.

Thanks everyone!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey congrats on getting off the pills 10yrs is a long time....nows the time to put some form of aftercare in place its the mental part of this that brigs most down preventive medicine is afrercare both N/A and A/A are free and the 12 step programs work if you work them
I feel these are the best choices because you interact with others with the same goal
keep in mind addiction just doesent go away on its own....we need to change the very way we think to over come it....with a little work and outside support you can be successful in your recovery your off to a great start....good luck and God bless......Gnarly  
Helpful - 0
271792 tn?1334979657
Good for you. I am glad to see you got off of those demon pills. I hope that you will engage in some outside support to help you stay clean.

BTW, I didn't understand the poll so I didn't vote. Sorry about that.
Helpful - 0
1512055 tn?1290201475
I just want to be the first to say congradulations.

You should maybe be concerned about your liver though.  That is alot of meds.  You may have destroyed your liver with the acetaminophine enless their isnt much in them.  Its probly nothing.  So goodluck with your recovery and you are a very strong person.  I'm 31 days clean from oxys.

GL and happy ThanksGiving.

Franswa
Helpful - 0
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