Lost

[help2006]

I have been on lortab 7.5/500 for the past 6 years, and I am now abusing them.  I was taking 6 a day and now I am up to 10, sometimes more.  I want to quit taking them but I am afraid.  I also had no idea that the acetaminophen in them could damage your liver.  Now I'm terrified that I have liver damage and don't know it.  I don't know why the doctor keeps giving them to me as I don't need them, just want them.  When I run out early, I have to fight the urge to find out how to get them off the street.  I shared with my husband that I was afraid to quit taking them, but I don't think he understands anything about addiction or dependence.  I don't want to tell my dr because I'm afraid he will know I'm addicted and quit giving them to me.  Any words of wisdom or encouragement out there?  Thanks for any help.

[selfinduced]

50 here, Your not behaving badly, your dependent and or addicted. Either way, no shame whatsoever. We didn't wake up and say....Hey, I wanna be hopelessly addicted to drugs. It just happens. I wanted to blame my Dr's, but knew I was manipulating them. Maybe while husband is away is a perfect time to c/t? It really is not as bad as you read. You can do this and get on with life. We are here for you.

[mary577]

Well, don't feel alone.   I will be 66 in October!

[help2006]

My husband is out of town all week, every week and only home on weekends.  And I am 51, way too old to be behaving so badly!!!

[mary577]

I was afraid to quit taking them too.   I was taking 10/325s.   I thought withdrawal would be a lot worse than it was.   I thought I would never get the energy to go out and work like I did.   I got panicky at the thought of not having them.   I wouldn't go anywhere that I didn't have some with me.  

I quit CT.    Withdrawal was bad for a few days.   It took me about a month to get energy back.   I am so much better off without them.   I will never take one again.

Get your mind wrapped around what you want to do, and do it.   You won't be sorry.   Good luck.

[selfinduced]

Since your husband knows, do you feel comfortable asking him to hold the pills while you do a taper? If not you need to just bite the bullet and stop. Not sure how old you are, but these w/d's just get harder as the years go on. Getting the drugs on the street will only lead to legal trouble and added anxiety. My vote is to stop the insanity while your consequences are not at a debilitating level. This game only gets worse and the suffering just magnifies. YOU can do this.

[help2006]

What did you do?

[bama88]

I completely understand where your at. And your thinking. There's no easy answers. But it gets down to what do you want to do?? I battled for eight years. Starting with lloratabs ending with oxy.