Throwing My Life Away, One Bottle At A Time *Vicodin*

[PSilveria]

I'm 21 years old and for the past 2 years I have been addicted to vicodin. I cant even begin to tell you how great it feels to be able to say that sentence, for so long I would deny it. I have been regularly taking anywhere from 4-6 ES a day, untill the night before last. Yesterday was my first full day without taking, for the first time in 2 years I woke up and didnt immediatly swallow down 2 pills...and I went to sleep knowing that there would be none for this morning. I am so happy that I have started to take the reigns in my life again..finally.

I had a pretty good day yesterday, couldnt ask for a better first day...but when the lights went out, and I got ready to sleep, I had a visit from RLS..in a baad way. I am not sure how much sleep I got last night, but it was an interesting night to say the least..tossing and turning...weird dreams..aching legs.

My questions have probably already been answered over and over again, but I just have to ask....When should I expect the withdrawals to be their worst? How long will "the worst" last? How long until I will start feeling like my old self? I understand ever case is differant, and its hard to say..but can anyone ballpark it for me?

Thanks

[Overit1076]

Hi Rose..we've met last week.. Question about the anxiety?  do u think an anti depressant would help with that?  Like a Lexapro or Paxil?

[VOsRose]

Good for you in taking the first step to being sober.  Admitting that we are addicts is hard and, once we jump that hurdle, we can begin the process of getting sober and into recovery.  

In answer to your question, days 2 and 3 are generally the "worst" days, physically.  Generally, withdrawal pain will begin to ease on days 4 and 5, with each subsequent day getting better.  You need to be prepared for the mental part, though.  You may have days or weeks of anxiety that, if it hits you unexpectedly, you may find overwhelming to deal with.  This is a huge reason many people give in and take pills to stop the anxiety.  Also, you need to know, and be prepared for, the inevitable cravings you are going to experience once the physical withdrawal is over and becoming a distant memory.  My suggestion is finding a good home group of N/A and attending meetings immediately.  

Stay active here...you will find alot of information and many, many caring and knowledgable people who will guide and support you through this journey.  

Good luck.  Also, remember this...sometimes addicts get a sort of "free pass" the first time they withdraw or detox.  I'm not saying this will happen for you...just that it DOES happen.  You need to know that each time you relapse and go through withdrawal, it gets worse.  Try to stay focused on your recovery and, hopefully, you will make it the first time without having to do the use/detox dance that so many of us have done.  It's no fun...I promise!  

If there's anything else I can do, just ask.

Rosie