hydrocodone addiction

[blueline]

Hello Chloe, it's about 3:30pm here so that would make it about 6:30am there in Australia (I think). I know you're not up yet but I just wanted to say that I hope you slept well and had pleasant dreams last night. See ya...

Blue

[blueline]

I say it again, Buzz, you're are wize man...and I mean that.

[Buzz Kilowatt]

Blueline,

Congratulations! You have gone over a few mountains and across some difficult deserts to get where you are. You have gone through the very worst.

Any chance you can get some spiritual / psychological counseling under the comp program? It's not that you are crazy or anything like that. It's just that what you've been through and experienced can be a powerful catalyst in your personal life . . . . You might as well get all you can.

Good luck,

Buzz

[Buzz Kilowatt]

Thanks, Blueline.

Looks like we cross-posted here.

Buzz

[WA_NA_Survivor]

Originally Posted by Buzz Kilowatt

Reads like the pharmacological calabash cousin of the "Thomas Recipe."

I'm a bit suprised to see a medical practitioner recommend the street as a bona-fide source. I'd definitely get my doctor's imprimatur before I embarked on so chemical a journey.

These prescriptions all ignore the most important component, which is to identify the behavioral, psychological, and spiritual components of our addiction. Left unaddressed, the chances for relapse are high (80% of addicts relapse within 2 years, according to one source).

It would be great if someone could come up with a "prescription" for those essential abstract things . . .

Buzz

Buzz, I agree 100% with the "consult with your Dr" advice - the intent behind this list of medications some of them Over the Counter, is to reduce some of the discomfort during detox just as many of the respondents here have endorsed sleeping med's for the first few weeks. As for the street access of said medications, that's not something I endorse either.

None of this is intended to be a substitute for an effective 12 Step Recovery Program which does work if applied with rigorous self honesty on a daily basis.

Couldn't agree more with your comments on the underlying spiritual issues: drug abuse is the outward physical symptom, obsession and compulsion the mental aspect and self-centeredness is at the spiritual core of addiction.

[Buzz Kilowatt]

Originally Posted by WA_NA_Survivor

Couldn't agree more with your comments on the underlying spiritual issues: drug abuse is the outward physical symptom, obsession and compulsion the mental aspect and self-centeredness is at the spiritual core of addiction.

And I couldn't have distilled and atriculated it 1/2 as well as you just did . . .

Buzz

[chloe06]

hi everyone...worse night than ever! Feeling low this morning. I am off to see my dr to get something for the heartburn because its really bad. Unfortunately most of the meds that were suggested were part of my problem....maxillon I was on for about 2 months, after effects of the virus I had, also been on stemitil, zimovane was the sleep med I was also on...I am taking neurofen and paracetamol, my anti-d and the pill and that is it. I am on day 15, just feel so bloody tired. Probably got to sleep about 1.30ish and was awake twice in the night, second time it was still dark so I just laid there, feeling hopeless, eventually got up at 7...just so scared tat this is my life now, feel so weak and tired and very down.

Chloe

[blueline]

good morning chloe....

[blueline]

Chloe, I'm sorry you are having such a hard time. I really believe that things will get better for you very soon. I wish I could take it all away so you would not have to go though any more of this mess.......over the counter Tagament seams to work ok on my heartburn...

Be strong and have faith....

[Buzz Kilowatt]

Originally Posted by chloe06

hi everyone...worse night than ever! Feeling low this morning. I am off to see my dr to get something for the heartburn because its really bad. Unfortunately most of the meds that were suggested were part of my problem....maxillon I was on for about 2 months, after effects of the virus I had, also been on stemitil, zimovane was the sleep med I was also on...I am taking neurofen and paracetamol, my anti-d and the pill and that is it. I am on day 15, just feel so bloody tired. Probably got to sleep about 1.30ish and was awake twice in the night, second time it was still dark so I just laid there, feeling hopeless, eventually got up at 7...just so scared tat this is my life now, feel so weak and tired and very down.

Chloe

Hi Chloe,

Sorry to hear you are down. I remember those listless, low-energy days. Exercise helps if you can bring yourself to do it. If not, take a long walk outside. It will help with sleep and general well-being.

Having other physical things going on really adds to the misery. I speak from experience. Have you had your persistent heartburn checked out? Upper G.I. series? Maybe you have a hiatal hernia, GERD, or an esophageal problem. Prilosec OTC helps me -- my MD told me it was 100% effective in reducing acid.

Can you make another app't with your doctor?

Buzz

[chloe06]

I am seeing him this morning buzz...I did manage about a 20 min walk late yesterday afternoon. Over the counter meds arent giving me any relief...will update later.

Chloe

[blueline]

I wish you the best of luck Chloe...I have to check off now. Nearing the end of my shift and I have to finish up the paperwork for the day. Talk to you all later...

Blue

[WA_NA_Survivor]

Hi Chloe, the first few months in recovery are extremely taxing and I wish you well in that, it was a very rough, bleak time for me, times especially when I felt literally like one massive bruise on a physical and emotional level.

Unfortunately it takes time and there's no getting around that but what built up my spirit was regular NA meetings and the support that NA members (with genuine recovery) provide.

[chloe06]

I am scared to go to NA, my husband who is very supportive is also concerned about me going, he doesnt want me mixing with people with problems because he thinks it will make me worse. I have applied for drug counselling but there is an 8 week wait.

[ventuhome]

Hi Chloe, there are some bad folks at NA and some good ones too. My sis-in-law's first experience with NA was Bad. Now in jail, a good bunch of people from another group has contacted her and she says she plans to go meet with them after you get out. You could also go to an AA meeting, as drugs are drugs, and most AA meetings are open those those with drug problems. If you want a good read for those times when you can't sleep, check out our "loved ones in prison" thread on the NAr-Anon list. We have a Recovering Addict who spent time in prison sharing insights with us, its great. And he's in Australia! Listen to Buzz, he's been there, you have many days off drugs behind you and what you are feeling is normal. And part of it may be from the stomach problem, good for you to go check that out!

[WA_NA_Survivor]

Originally Posted by chloe06

I am scared to go to NA, my husband who is very supportive is also concerned about me going, he doesnt want me mixing with people with problems because he thinks it will make me worse. I have applied for drug counselling but there is an 8 week wait.

Hi Chloe, I hope whatever you do, that it works out for you. Your concerns about NA are justified - it's definitely not easy at times, I recently posted about some personality driven issues in our local NA meetings so I know exactly what you mean. I also have some good friends who for their own reasons no longer go to NA meetings and I maintain regular contact with them. I've known addicts in the medical profession who choose private counselling and I respect their decision as there isn't a one size fits all approach to dealing with addiction.

I'm degree qualified and work in a professional environment and can relate to people of all backgrounds as long as they have integrity and self honesty - those are non negotiable as far as I'm concerned, so those I avoid in meetings are not necessarily from any particular socio-economic group.

Online meetings and AA or alternatively counselling may work best for you, the worst thing to do though is to isolate yourself.

Take Care!

[gettingbetter32]

I've been reluctant to start attending meetings myself. So far I'm doing alright on my own. Glad to hear so far you're doing well too Chloe.
I might think about the on-line meetings though. I have such a fear of meeting people and have trouble expressing myself in words - but much less of a problem on the computer! strange.

[ventuhome]

Its not strange at al, Gettingbetter. At least in my family. I have 4-5 close relatives with varying degrees of a disorder called Asperger's syndrome. Two of my cousins, a mother and son, can barely talk to ME their cousin, yet they are wonderful, witty writers. Asperger's is one of the most underdiagnosed syndromes in the world. There's also a disorder called Social Anxiety Disorder that may overlap Asperger's. I wonder if some people addicted to anxiety meds might have one of these syndromes. With As the thing to do is learn about yourself and accept yourself, then you can love yourself. Dont know about S.A.D., there's probably ways to handle this w/o addictive Meds.

[chloe06]

Been to see dr and he has agreed to take me off of my ssri and return me back to amitriptiline, I have to go 2 nights without anything and then start taking it so I am hoping that will help. I have a therapy session on friday so will start off with that I think for now. I do want drug counselling but there is an 8 week wait.

[woops]

Well - looks like a start, Chloe. Have you been on the SSRI for some time? You might need to taper off to avoid withdrawals? If you have only been on them a short time then you should be OK.
I believe that the old tri-cyclics are the safest and best at what they are supposed to do - I hear of medics chucking the new SSRIs and going back to elavil (amitryptiline) with good success.
(Looks like the SSRIs were dreamed up as a money spinner for the pharmas)
Chloe - take heart - this is a difficult process in that you have to find a way and a safe way to get off these drugs - and so allow your brain to heal - it can happen - it takes time and resolve.
But if you can find some relief with the amitryptiline - then you can decide when and how you want to finally taper off?
Support is a great thing though - cant beat it. Yes - there is loads online - but you cant beat human contact - with real people. I too would advise that you try to get some help from people who have gone thro the same. Of course I understand your problem with NA - altho I know you would be presently surprised at who you may meet thro NA. You could phone them and ask for a couple of people (similar to yourself) to come out to your house for a coffee and chat? 2 similar aged women from a similar background to your own? Worth a shot? Failing that - there is a ton of help - ask at your church or local volunteer groups.............. honestly once you go looking you can hardly fail to find someone/something. In my experience single councellors are not up to much (but then I am in the UK where its not something we use very much)................ but people who have gone thro the same are of enormous help - and they give you so much help.
You are in OZ? Oz has always been years ahead of US and UK on the addiction front - there is so much help available - even reasonably priced rehab places....................For whatever reason there seems to be such a real understanding of addiction in Australia. There is another site which advises on codeine withdrawal - based in Oz - I will go and look for the site - I know the girl who owns the site - she would have much to offer you I think. Might also be worth a shot?
Where in Oz are you?
Wishing you all the very best

[woops]

http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/cahf/index.html

This is the site - its "my connected community" - mc2 - its a great place - all Australian - forums for just about everything.
The codeine forum is owned by a girl called Shelby (Shelly) - if you join - you can speak to lots of people who are going thro the same as yourself. Altho its mainly about codeine - many of the people are struggling too with benzo/SSRIs and other drugs. Lots of young women - with families/jobs etc - just trying to get on with life. Lots of people from Oz, UK, one or two from US - but mainly Ozzies!
There is advice too about where to get help in Oz. But mostly - its the human contact which is so important - and a nicer group of people you wont find!
Good luck!
If you wanted - I would have a word with Shelly - but will do nothing - you may or may not want to go there?
Good luck - take heart - you can do this.

[blueline]

how ya doing Chloe? I have had a bad day and a bad night last night. I haven't felt much like talking today. I'm just extremely tired. This is the first time on the computer today, except for work. I think I might go home a little early today. Just don't feel good.

[chloe06]

Hia blue...sorry that you have had a rough time. I went to bed early(10pm) last night so was awake in the middle of the night sweating like crazy. I didnt take my ssri last night and although I do feel rough this morning and very tired I can maybe see a tiny improvement..just want to get thru the next 2 days then hope the amitripline will help me a bit. Take it easy and check in tomorrow to let me know you are ok.
Chloe

[ventuhome]

Chloe, when my son was having frequent night sweats (as a child, not due to any substance), we tried giving him warm Epsom salt baths before bed and it really help reduce that problem. Now at 12, he still loves Epsom salt baths and will take one every night until the box runs out! You have to put 1 cup of Salts into the bath water in order for it to work, and the water must be very warm, and stay in for at least 30 minutes if possible.

[Jane63]

{{blue}} and {{chloe}}
Sending good wishes both your ways and hoping you are starting to feel better!

Just remember that it takes time to heal and to get back on your feet so don't rush it and try to be patient, which I know is easier said than done!

The exercise really is a life-saver even if it is small walks to start out with, as is taking a multi-vitamin everyday, eating well, drinking lots of water and getting enough rest. Getting out amoungst people again, visiting family and friends, and doing things not only for others, but for yourself are all things that helped me greatly.
Staying busy and productive are important but when you get tired and need rest, make sure to take time for that also! You are still healing so never feel "guilty" for needing time to rest!
Take care!!!
Jane