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6448242 tn?1381375639

thinking about going cold turkey off of hydro this weekend

I have been taking hydro or lortab for about a year now recreationally. I am up to 90-100mg per day. I sometimes will even snort some morphine if I am low on lortab supply. I went to a doctor the other day for help and he prescribed me colonodine. I was hoping this would help with the withdrawals and I could get started that day, but when i took the colonodine is started to hallucinate and hear voices in my head. I got really scared and decided I could not take this med. My doctor also prescribed me to zoloft, which I started today at 50 mg. I am seriously dreading the thought of quitting hydro cold turkey, but also am furious with myself that I ever got on them in the first place. I am in my last year of college and have a heavy load this semester. My excuse has been that I do not have time to be sick and get off of the pills...but I feel completely helpless on them now and know it is do or die, now or never. I have a fall break monday and tuesday so I wanted to start my detox on friday since I will have the two extra days. I know how I feel when I wake up in the morning without the hydros just for a few hours and I am in a panic, vomiting, diarrhea, cold sweats--until i finally get some, so I know this is going to be terrible. Has anyone out there been through this?  Is there any advice you can give me? I need to be strong and I need to do this but it is hard doing it on your own. PLease help me,
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4522800 tn?1470325834
I am just going to say I agree with all of the above. As a long time user myself, You have to get SUPPORT. The detox is hard but the hard part is to stay clean. This is a brain disease and it can be more powerful then you can even imagine. We can not do this alone..The brain WILL Play so many tricks on you to make you use for every reason in the world. Learn all you can about the "Disease of Addiction" and also the Pleasure Part of the Brain (Mid-brain). This info will not cure you but it might help you stay more in-tune if you think you can just have one..I wish you the best..You can do it and try not to freak yourself out to much by thinking to much..Just do it!!!
Bless
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Unless a person has significant underlying health issues, going CT off opiates will not harm you.  It's uncomfortable, yes, but not harmful.  The seizure risk you read about was probably related to benzodiazepines, like Xanax, Ativan.  That doesn't apply to opiates.

You can do this..you've already started putting a plan in place, which is great, and your BF sounds wonderfully supportive, which will help you SO much.  

People here talk about the things necessary for a successful recovery.  The three S's....  

SOURCES:  Eliminate them.  You've already started doing that which is great, but you also need to eliminate any other sources.  Wherever your BF was getting them for you, that needs taken care of.  If through a doc, he needs to notify the doc and pharmacist that he no longer wants or needs the script, have him cancel the script with the pharmacy.  If it's from a dealer, he needs to block the number, etc.  You get the idea.

SECRETS:  Tell them.  You don't have to shout "I'm an addict" from the rooftops, but the more people you confide in, the more it will help you.  ONE, it gives you accountability.  When people are checking in on you and keeping an eye on you, it's a lot harder to keep using, because they will know.  Also, telling secrets allows you to lift some of the emotional burden that comes with addiction and also increases your support system, which is vital.

SUPPORT: Get it, a lot of it.  You can never do TOO much work in recovery, but you CAN not do enough.  You need to develop a strong multi-faceted support system, that will include loved ones, professionals, meetings (AA/NA), posting here, etc.  Putting a plan in place that involves addiction therapy/education and emotional support is called aftercare.  

Aftercare is crucial.  Without it, you will likely not STAY clean.  Relapse is unfortunately a reality for most addicts.  With aftercare, your chances of success are greatly improved.  Most addicts focus on and worry about the GETTING clean part, when really, the STAYING clean part is the aspect of recovery that is much more difficult.  

Stay close by here, keep posting, and start taking your life back!  I'm in your corner!
Helpful - 0
5347058 tn?1381188426
Seizures are not a concern when detoxing from opiates unless you have a medical condition. It is actually safe to go cold turkey. Most people experience a little high (or sometimes low) blood pressure and all the flu like symptoms. Nothing that is dangerous though. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, any heart condition, or any other chronic health issue it's best to discuss your plans with your doctor and make sure you are healthy enough for this. If not, go for it and stick to your plan come hell or high water. Don't let your addict brain trick you with excuses for why you can't quit right now. Believe me, it will try to do so. Remember that there are thousands of reasons to quit, but it only takes one excuse to continue using. Cut those sources for sure. I can guarantee if you don't, they will come back and bite you. We have all been there and there always comes a weak moment where we are desperate.Once you quit, let us know what symptoms you are having and we can help you with suggestions for things that might give you some relief.  Please stick around and keep posting. We are here for you and want to see you do this! Good luck to you and please take care of yourself.
Helpful - 0
5429734 tn?1379741413
Do you have any medical issues? I am not a doctor but I have not heard of anyone having seizures off c/t hydrocodone if they are healthy. There are other drugs that can cause you to have seizures c/t like tramadol and benzos.  Maybe someone will come on that has more knowledge of this?
Helpful - 0
5904477 tn?1390245415
No it is not true unless you have an underlying health issue. I am 11 days cold turkey off 20 plus hydros a day!  Keep up the good attitude that you can do this!  Your belief in yourself will go a long way!  Keep posting for support!  You can do this!
Helpful - 0
6448242 tn?1381375639
damn! i am so mad at myself.. i just started thinking and thinking...my brain was rolling.. and i started googling things. I started reading about how dangerous it is going off of hydrocodone cold turkey and having seizures. is this true?
Helpful - 0
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