hydrocodone addiction

[bobby1028]

Hello, I'm brand new to the group and have a question. I have been using hydro 10's, about 20 a day, for about six years. Yeah I know a lot for a long time. I have two beautiful children and a wonderful wife. My addiction has taken over my life and finances, and has now took my wife. My wife is leaving me, after threating to for the last two years. She has known about my addiction and told me to quit or else. Well that day finally came. She has had enough. She told me she wanted a divorce, and is standing by it. It took this for me to finally consider getting help. Now that you know my story here is my question. I plan on going into Medical detox next Wednesday, and have a few questions. They told me the average stay is 3-5 days. Wow that sounds to quick to me. Can anyone tell me what to expect there. I plan on qutting the night before. Any suggestions. Please Help
Bobby

[blueline]

you haven't let anyone down Chloe. Do what you have to do to survive. If taking one diazapam is what you feel you must do then take one. Just try not to take any unless absolutely necessary. I'm sure someone will not agree with me on that, but no one knows what you are going through but you. Just try not to give in and get back to the way you were by taking too many. You can still beat this monster.

[blueline]

goin' home for the day...take care everyone

[ccgirl]

Bobby, I'm just starting down this road, too, but from what I've read here and on other websites, that time period is the worst. Hang on for someone with more knowledge than me though.

[windysan]

Folks,

It can be done. Many have made it through. It is difficult but many have been successful. My sombrero is off to all who give it their best.

Cheers,
Windysan

[bobby1028]

thanks ccgirl, i'm nervous and don't know what to expect

[PaperDolls]

I've been taking my hydro again. I know it's a problem. I'm lying to my gf about it too. She was concerned and made me promise not to get them filled again. I did anyway and I've been taking around 4 to 6 per day. I told my pdoc about it and I told him I would stop but I haven't.

How did I get myself into this?! Windysan -- I believed you in the past when you told me not to go down this road but apparently I've let myself forget about that. The pdoc said I'm probably using the hydro to substitute the alcohol. Why does this crap have to happen to me?

I don't want to be hijacking this thread. I'm sorry. Just not having a great night. To all of you here that are trying to get off of you hydro, I wish you well.....I hope I can follow in your footsteps before it's too late.

[chloe06]

no one hijacks any thread..if they do I am just as guilty...it is good not to be alone in this and hope that this thread can help anyone dealing with this awful drug.

[ccgirl]

Yesterday was extremely eventful for me. My couples therapist called because we couldn't keep a scheduled appt. He said if he could talk to me for a few minutes, he could bill it to my insurance. Boy, did he get an earful. I fessed up, and told him I was scared to tell my husband. He said that from what he's seen of us, my husbands's in it for the long haul. That gave me the courage to tell him. I actually did it! I am so glad. He was so supportive. I am blessed.

Then I called my best friend of many, many years. She works in a Inpatient/Outpatient facility and she is going to get me into the outpatient program. This also includes after care (meeting, etc) So, hopefully with all that is positive and good in my life, I can get there.

P.S. I've gotta admit though, symptoms - blech - Hard sleeping, raging headache, stomach a mess. One thing I've found helpful for the aching is one of those rice filled sacks that you heat up in the microwave and put on the afflicted area. (Kind of like a heating pad) It especially works well on my lower back.

[blueline]

This is day 17 for me without hydrocodone. It has been an extremely hard and trying 17 days, and at times I didn't think I would make it. I came so close to giving in and getting some hydrocodone, but because of the people in here I resisted the temptation and I forced myself to keep going....one day at a time....one hour at at time....one minute at at time. This morning I actually feel noticeably better. I got some sleep last night and most of the physical withdrawals have subsided. I think I might have made it over the hump and the hardest part is behind me. This is the first morning that I have actually felt like I can make it. The other 16 mornings I didn't believe I was going to get through, but the people in here kept me going and gave me strength. I want to say thanks to buzz, blake, windysan, and everyone else in here who held my hand through this terrible adventure. And my special thanks to Chloe. Hand in there Chloe, you will make it....and you need to know that we are all behind you and supporting you.

[windysan]

Originally Posted by blueline

This is day 17 for me without hydrocodone. It has been an extremely hard and trying 17 days, and at times I didn't think I would make it. I came so close to giving in and getting some hydrocodone, but because of the people in here I resisted the temptation and I forced myself to keep going....one day at a time....one hour at at time....one minute at at time. This morning I actually feel noticeably better. I got some sleep last night and most of the physical withdrawals have subsided. I think I might have made it over the hump and the hardest part is behind me. This is the first morning that I have actually felt like I can make it. The other 16 mornings I didn't believe I was going to get through, but the people in here kept me going and gave me strength. I want to say thanks to buzz, blake, windysan, and everyone else in here who held my hand through this terrible adventure. And my special thanks to Chloe. Hand in there Chloe, you will make it....and you need to know that we are all behind you and supporting you.

Kicking dope is one of the most difficult things you'll ever do in your life. Always remember how hard it is.......BURN THAT $HIT INTO YOUR HARD DRIVE !!! Now you can help others. We're all very proud of you Blue...and Chloe. Congratulations.

[blueline]

PaperDolls, you are welcome in here anytime. Don't feel like you are hijacking, this forum and this thread is for anyone and everyone. If you need help and strength this is the place to find it.

[StrongR2Day]

Chloe, no, no, no, you didn't let us down. We are here to lift YOU up. You are doing everything possible to take care of yourself right now, no one could ask more of you. You didn't given in on the codeine, and giving up benzos is a heck of a lot harder than opiates...and I've gotten off of both. Just try not to fee the monster, ok? It'll keep lying to you to get more.

Blue, I am sooooo happy for you! You could have easily given up and given in...I know what a struggle it's been for you. But you made it past the worst part, this is where it starts to get good!

But (and there's always a but), you aren't free to go, you have to stick around and share your experience, strength and hope with others! In NA we say we give to others, what was freely given to us. At least now you know where to refer people you may run into on the job who are struggling!

Love you guys! And welcome to the newcomers...we have proof in the pudding on this thread that it can be done!!

[blueline]

Thanks By His Blood, I'm not an addict, I just had to take hydrocodone for some injuries that I got at work. Five surgeries and metal implanted in my back and shoulder. My body became dependant on the hydros after taking them for 16 months. I won't go to NA or any meetings because of my job. I would run into people that I know and have had to deal with and it would be bad if it became public that I was dependant on hydros. That's why I came in here, to remain anonymous and to get support. I still need pain meds for the pain in my back but not going to take them. I'm only taking Advil and I'm dealing with the pain in my own way without prescription pain meds. If I take pain meds again then these past 17 days would have been for nothing and I refuse to go through that again.

[blueline]

StrongR2Day, thanks for the kind words...I'll stick around in here if you guys want me to. I would like that.

[ventuhome]

Blue - please stick around! Everybody's experience can be helpful. There may be a specific question that you will have the answer to. I love all you guys. Chloe you did not let anyone down. Taking a required medication is not abuse. We will all pray that you find the right medication for your symptoms, and please remember that it may take a few more weeks before your brain recovers enough to have a normal biochemical status (whatever that is!!)
Everyone - one herb that is good for mood and mental sharpness is ginger. The dose is 1-2 grams of it. Its also good for an upset stomach. Rosemary is also good, 5 to 50 mg of rosemary oil helps with mental clarity. A good thing to have when you are in the post-withdrawal state.
I am going to be researching Memory Foam mattresses to see if they are better for bad backs that regular mattresses, my husband has a client that is importing some from China and we might be selling them.

[blueline]

ventuhome, I bought one of those tempor-pedic memory foam mattresses (all $1,800+ of it) for my back and I love mine. It took about a week or more to get used to it. At first I wanted to take mine out in the back yard and burn it, but then again there's that $1,800 I paid for it so that was not an option. After about a week I got used to it and I will not sleep on anything else. I think they are great. Just thought I'd pass that on since you mentioned it.

[ccgirl]

Good afternoon everyone. My recovery almost hit a snag today. The program my friend was able to get me into was a 5 day inpatient detox and I just couldn't do that. I called the psychiatric hospital where I was in April and they recommended a home detox center in a nearby town. I talked to them. I will start tomorrow. They put you on prescription strength ibuprofen for body aches and clonidine for withdrawals and cravings. They also recommended lots of water and immodium. After I am feeling well enough physically, I will go to the other rehab center for 4 weeks of IOP, three mornings a week for three hours. Then I will go to NA. It sounds long and tiring, but I'm already so tired it's OK.

[chloe06]

Hi everyone, thankyou for all the kind words. After an awful night the night before last I was feeling so low, my heart was still racing and I just thought this is never going to end. Anyway my head was agony and I had made a promise to go get a massage so I called them and they fitted me in, that helped alot and I plan to go once a week for the next couple of weeks, then I actually went to see a friend and it was fine. It helped pass what would have been a horrible day. I spoke to the psychiatrist and he said to increase the med he had given me, said I could take up to 3, try 2 and if it didnt work take 3(they arent addictive and are not a benzo) so I took 2 and went to bed and although I wouldnt say I slept for a long time I did sleep some and the I dosed and I managed to stay in bed from 10.30pm till 6.30am this morning, I am feeling a little heavy and a little shaky still but I managed a night in bed so it has to be a great start...I am hoping to try to go swimming today and try to do some stuff around the house and I am thinking of saying to my husband that maybe he oculd go to work tomorrow, the thought of being alone is scary but we have to get back to some normality...its day 25 for me so slowly but surely I am getting there.

cc...so glad that you have told your husband and that you will be getting what sounds like excellent support...and blue I am so happy that you have slept and are feeling a little better long may it continue.
Chloe

[blueline]

Thanks Chloe, today has been a pretty good day. I think I'm getting over this. I do feel a little guilty though because I'm getting better and you're still having bad times. I wish you were getting better along with me.

[windysan]

Originally Posted by blueline

ventuhome, I bought one of those tempor-pedic memory foam mattresses (all $1,800+ of it) for my back and I love mine. It took about a week or more to get used to it. At first I wanted to take mine out in the back yard and burn it, but then again there's that $1,800 I paid for it so that was not an option. After about a week I got used to it and I will not sleep on anything else. I think they are great. Just thought I'd pass that on since you mentioned it.

I WANT ONE
I WANT ONE
I WANT ONE

[chloe06]

blue...I am better than I was, please dont let my recovery slow yours down I am so happy for you. I wasnt just taking codeine remember and I do have alot of other health issues so I know it will take me longer but its got to be better than it was 26 days ago I am at least in the land of the living!

[ccgirl]

Good morning everyone. I must say, I am terrified. Today is the day I start my battle. I took my last pill. I go at 9:30 this morning to start the detox program. On a positive note, my husband is going with me! On a more of a Murphy's law note, and I know this is way too much info, but I got my, um, time of the month this morning which makes my back ache anyway. I think that is certainly going to make this even more challenging for a few days.

Anyway, give me a thought. My stomach is rolling around in terror and I'm already shaking.

[chloe06]

cc,

Exactly the same happened to me...sods law...good luck for today you will be fine..so happy you have your husband by your side!

Chloe

[blueline]

Day 18 and I'm getting better everyday. I slept about 7 hours last night again and I feel really good. I only have a few little aches and pains but not too bad. I feel like I'm getting my life back and It's a wonderful feeling. I couldn't have done it without the people in this forum. Thanks to everyone. I think I'm going to be ok now.