Hydrocodone Addiction

[Scared179]

I have been taking 4 hydrocodone a day for the past 2+ years and have been increasing up to 7 per day. I feel like its destroying my life and am scared for my little girls 4 and 8. I need to get off for them as well for my health but withdrawel is the worst feeling and I feel like I will not get through it and succeed. I know many will tell me it will last a few days and get better in about a week. But will the craving for it ever go away or will I live with the feeling forever? also my wife just got laid off from her job and feel like the weight off the world is on my shoulders to pay the bills with just my salary. Please help!!

[BIKERDAD1963]

Well I would suggest taperring down first. It will give you confidence that you can get off them completely. I would lower what you are taking down a pill a week. You will feel some mild withdrawal during the process but you will also notice yourself feeling better. Once you get down to 3 pills a day start cutting the pills in half and lower 1/2 pill a week. Soon you will feel that you are ready to get off them completely. Once off you will go thru wd but you will be ready and you will no that when over you will feel great. Just get prepared for the wd and educate yourself on what the wd will be like and how long it will last. The more you are ready the better it will be. The dose you are on really isnt that much so if you are up to it you can just jump off completely. And the craving will past but it will be the longest part of the wd. Go to meetings and find something constructive to endulge yourself with instead of drugs. Good luck and ask lots of questions.

[Scared179]

I appreciate your help and comments they do help. I forgot to mention that I stopped cold turkey going on 2 days now and just wanted to know how long this will last. I didnt have anymore to taper down. Its reassuring that you think my dosage was not as bad as some others struggling with this demon, but I know the road ahead will be challenging. My body aches alot and I have no motivation to do anything and trying to get through work is hard. I have some xanax and was wondering if that is ok to take for a few days while I try to beat this. Also ambien helps me sleep. Thanks again and wish all a quick recovery.

[notgoingdown]

You should start feeling better within another 48 or so. The physical wd's last about 3-5 days so you are close to thru this... dont give up now. Be careful with the xanax and the ambien as they are both addictive... dont take them any longer than needed to get thru this. Use otc meds for pain, benadryl is good for sleep and hot baths for the aching / restless legs.

GOOD LUCK!

[peaceinknowing]

You're on the right track. Everyone's different when it comes to how many days it takes for this person and that person to feel better when it comes to the WD periods. You have to keep in mind that nothing negative will come from getting off of these pills. That is your number one priority right now. Like I said, you're on the right track.

To help keep your mind off of what's going on with your body physically, post as much as you possibly can here on the forums so it lets you focus on something other than the WD symptoms. I am a little over 60 days sober from Percocet, and I will be the first to let you know that this site was my saving grace when I was going through what I thought was hell. Looking back, I had it easy compared to a lot of the other members here on the forums.

Keep your head up, and try to remain calm about everything. If you work yourself up, then the symptoms will come on more than they really are, if that makes sense. Please keep us all posted and let us know how you're doing. Just remember that we're all here for you if there's ever anything you need.

[Totsie59]

I went ct back in Feb. 09...I am not gonna lie to you...my wds were awful...but I am now over 6 months clean...and have never felt better....after 2 wks...I still felt weak...but knew that I was getting where I wanted to be...

Make yourself exercise...take long HOT baths...eat foods that are good for you...drink lots of water or green tea...take vitamins...take care of yourself....the wds will pass...the mental part was hard on me...crying and having pity parties...LOL

I have no craving for the pills anymore...I am now in a battle with my cigs...gone down from 2 packs a day to 1 or 2 cigs a day...some days none..

We didnt become addicts in one day or one week...and we will not get over the addiction in one day or one week..

keep posting...Medhelp saved me...Best of luck

[worried878]

ur choices..in reality..or to stop or to not stop...u r worried about ur bills...can u reflect back and see where ur 4 pill a day habit progressed to the 7 pill a day habit?tolerence makes successful use of narcotics virtually impossible,,u r worried bout ur kids...5 yrs from now u may shudder at the dose u will have to take each day just to feel normal...much less feel energetic...it is a vicious cycle

u r gonna have to take a few days off and let some of the weight lift from ur shoulders..u r feeling like there is not a solution...the pills turn on us after they weave their web around our brain making us beieve we cant survive without them...in reality they r smothering u..slowly but surely...they have become another weight on ur shoulders///and i sense u r tired//sick and tired of being sick and tired...sumpin has to give....continuing to use is not the anser and u know that

step back..take a look at ur life..where u r at and how u got there...are the pills really helping?  or are they just another burden u have to deal with...r they fun anymore?   or do they make u depressed cos u have lost control over ur doc?  u need it to work/to live/to keep from drowning under the stress u feel...in reality they/the pills/ r drowning u...the one thing u feel is helping u survive is actually the thing that is pushing u down...down to a dark place/and this crud gets no better/only worse

learning new coping skills is sumpin we all gotta do....addicts escape rather than face their crisis...avoiding dealing with ur feelings only digs u into a deeper hole

u need to seek counseling or some type of aftercare//meetings r free and they r everywher//u r not alone//that is for sure..u realize the path u r on is going nowhere..ur dose is do-able...either ct or a taper...if u get ur pills from a dr. ask him to help u taper down...if not..the thomas recipe is great...read the health pages//great info...learn wat u need to know to make ur plan...ur plan to get this monkey off ur back..u r welcome to pm me if u feel the need...worried878

[Scared179]

I am on day 3 with no hydrocodone and I wish I can get my legs to stop shaking and the nasuea and depression what go away, I have to work and feel like this and its hard to get things done. I cannot afford to take off work at this point. I can't take the feeling like I'm jumping out of my skin. I thank all of you for the sound advise and help, it truly means alot. It was so much easier to take the stuff and I was happy and always in a good mood, now I feel the world has dropped on me and I dont know when to expect this to stop. I feel very sluggish and tired but jittery all at once. I know I have to do this but it is not easy. Thanks.

[Scared179]

Hello All. Could anyone tell me when you start counting for most of the physical withdrawels to pass. I took my last hydrocodone (7.5-750) at 6am Tuesday morning and it is now Friday afternoon 3pm. Do I start counting after I take my last one? It helps me to think, WOW I made it 72 hours with none but still feel nasuea, diarehha and jittery. Please give me some good news on when I can expect this to stop. Also if I have been taking this for 2-3 years (10-325 mostly - 4-7 day) will this cause damage to my stomach now that I am off of it? I feel like I have acid reflux or maybe its just the nasuea creeping up. Please help. Thanks for your support.

[AmoreDiAmore]

The cravings may last for a while but the stronger you get the better you can beat them. But during the 1st week I think they will be at a all time high, but every day you stay sober it gets a little easier. Just staying sober for one day might give you the motivation  to stay clean a second and soon you'll be feeling better and you'll be wanting recovery more and more. So just stick with it. If it gets to hard go to a meeting, ask your doctor about meds you can take to help with cravings, keep posting, ask for help, tell your friends and family you need support. You can do this! Stay strong!!!

[IBKleen]

I don't know what you mean by counting your withdrawal but if you want to count your clean time, day 1 is your first day without any drugs. So if you take a pill at 6 pm at night, the next day you wake up is your first day clean.

[missy812]

I quit CT before, and it took about three weeks to finally feel normal.  After I felt normal, I didn't crave the drug much anymore, and I couldn't believe that I LIVED on them before... But then I was in a lot of pain and got back on them.  It's VERY hard to quit, easy to fall back.
After day 3, you'll feel a little better each day.  Hang in there, and don't give in. You will feel like CRA P, but it WILL PASS.
Exercise helps.

[Cissy373]

Hang in there it does get better. Everyone is different on how long the WD's last but for the most part 3-5 days is usually the length of time. I am clean 14 days today and boy do I feel better.

I have chronic pain so for that part its not good, but those pills are from the devil and they ruin lives.

Sorry about the wife losing her job, there are so many in turmoil these days from loss of jobs, bills, etc.............but hang in there ok?

Cissy

[Scared179]

Thanks everyone for all your support, the wd's seem to be getting a little better but still a little nasuea but think it might be from post nasal drip from the flu like symptoms and also that fact that I am not eating much but my stomach is growling. Also the RLS are still there and its a pain but I am used to it I guess. Slept alright last night without any sleep aids so I am proud of that but the feeling that you want to throw up at certain times of the day *****! Though I have not actually thrown up more than dry heaving during the wd's, it still stinks. I am grateful to everyone and wish you all the best in your own recoveries. KIT.

[gettingthere7]

Well, you really arent alone. My husband took his last hydrocodone/ 10mgs on Weds  night. He was taking between 4-6 a day. Needless to say he isnt having any fun but is determined to quit CT or maybe thats because hes out. He has had back surgery and should have another. He has been taking them for 4 years or so and he has built up a tolerance to them.

I was wondering if you have read anything about theThomas Recipe. I got all the supplies for him and it seems to be really be helping. Hylands restful leg is a good one too.

I wish you all the best and hang in there.

[Scared179]

My nerves are shaking from the withdrawels and is making me sick to my stomach, is there any relief and how much longer this will last? I am on day 5 of wd's. thx

[corey411]

Hi hon, It should be ending soon. Sometimes it's common to begin to feel a bit better and then take another turn for the worst. Day 4 was always my turning point but some last a week. Sleep is a big factor in how your nerves will be. Make yourself go out and take a walk...a long one. I promise it will help. Also mornings are always worse. Get up, out and get those endorphins pumping...This is what I am going to do right now and my wds are over.....still makes you feel better. Good luck hon. It might be a slow weekend on here as it is a holiday. I will be checking on and off throughout the day. Feel free to send a PM if u need xtra support.

[Scared179]

Thanks for your support it really help, I have been walking the past 2 morning, really nice out so took advantage of it. Today I actually am not really sick except for my nerves shaking a little and tired and weak. Also RLS is a pain in the butt cause it wakes me up. I hope it goes soon. I have been taking excerdin migraine and seems to give that caffeine boost and good for my headache. I think allergies are not helping either. Again thank you, I;m gonna do this.

[gettingthere7]

I just wanted to say that walking is good-very good. I wrote you yesterday that you should get some Hylands restful leg. I found it at a local health food store and it has helped my husband so much.

Sounds like you are doing it and I applaude you. Watching my husband work so hard at this I am so impressed with you.

Hang in there

[Scared179]

Thanks I do feel much better and the only thing now is the sleep, energy and RLS. I am glad to have gotten this far. I do have mild aches and pains and it wold be easy to pop one and feel better but BOY do I know what comes when you stop and it is horrid! I am determined to do this and I hope your husband has success as well. Like my wife is my support, you are great to be there for him. Thanks for the advice. Please keep posting.

[Scared179]

This is so frustrating, yesterday day ( day 5 ) and I felt good. I can't take shaking and how weak I feel. I dont know when I will be back to normal. Do you ever go back to normal? I am tired because not getting a great night sleep even on ambien. The RLS *****. When I was taking the demon drugs I felt energy to do things now I dont want to do anything.  I hope this ends soon because I can't take much more of it because I need to work and get things done around the house and my kids need me. I feel helpless. Thanks for listening.

[gettingthere7]

Hey, youre still going in the right direction...thats so good to hear. My husband is struggling quite a bit too. Its the old is there light at the end of the tunnel. From what I have read EVERYONE is different. It seems that amount and length of time makes a difference but not always. Its a **** shoot but worth it.
Why havent you gotten Hylands yet for your restless leg s****t? I found some today at our local CVR pharmacy so you dont have to go to a health food store. Do I just sound like a nagging mother?..sorry
Also a couple of people have talked about a book called End Your Addition Now, by Charles Gant. I havent seen it but I plan on getting it for my husband. From everything Ive read its the head stuff that lasts the longest. The brain is a powerful machine and right now its not on your side. You are in a battle to get control of it again. Think of how proud you will feel when you have that control back.
I must go and tend to my husband. He is sighing away downstairs. Today has been a rough one for him so you are sooo not alone.
Keep posting and hang in there

[elusive2u]

I cold turkey'd over ten  lorcet 10/650 a day and managed to get through three days.  

I caved on refill day and failed.  I feel like a failure.  

When you do start the process of getting off.  Don't give up.  Keep through.  When the leg shakes.  It's for your kids.  When the back aches it's for your kids.  

You will not die.  Keep that in mind.  Everyone here is pulling for you.

As a failure of a withdrawler I know I am.

[elusive2u]

PS.  Once you get it through your mind that you will NEVER get the feeling like you did the first few times you were on it.  you willl NEVER achieve that buzz again.  

[Scared179]

What section of pharmacy do you find Hylands Restless leg in, I cannot locate it in our CVS or Walgreens? I haven't really slept in days and its really getting to me. I feel like I have so much pressure on me right now and I'm depressed as hell even on Lexapro. I just want my sleep and energy back. Today is day 7 clean and I dont want it ever again but I do want to feel even better if possible.