hydrocodone addiction

[blueline]

I am not your typical drug user. I am a good family man but I have become "dependent" on hydrocodone over the past year and four months. The reason I am here is because I have had some serious injuries in the past few years with a total of five surgeries. Metal was implanted in my shoulder and back. I had to take hydrocodone to ease the pain and the longer I took it the less it helped, so I took more and more. Well, two days ago I said "that's enough", and I stopped cold turkey. I have to admit, it is very hard and I feel really bad. Does anyone know how long the withdrawal symptoms will last? And, is there anything I can do to help with the symptoms, leg cramps (RLS), and everything else? Thanks.

[gettingbetter32]

Hi, and welcome
you may want to check with your doctor before going off those cold turkey -normally they will want to taper you off slowly - especially if you have been on them for some time.
Also - we are all good people here - all have families and lives outside addiction. Not sure there is any "typical" user.
good luck and keep posting!! - the support is here if you choose to use it.

[Phinneas]

Welcome, blueline.

Yup, I agree that there is really no typical user. Addiction does not discriminate.

I also strongly agree that you should talk with you doctor about the withdrawal and about getting some non-narcotic pain meds for when you do need relief from the actual pain.

As to the withdrawals, I would say that the worst should be over at about 5 days. Until then, hot baths, Ibruprophen and exercise will help. Getting clean also has a component of insomnia and depression 'cause those pills mess with your brain chemistry so be easy on yourself for a few months.

Good luck and keep reaching out, k? We're glad you're here!

[StrongR2Day]

There really is no such thing as a typical drug user, or addict if you will. Many of us are successful professionals, nice homes, nice families. Many have fallen to degredation and despair. It's really an equal opportunity disease.

As for the withdrawals, warm baths or showers help with the "restless leg syndrome". Immodium for any abdominal distress, lots of water to clear out your system. Ask your doctor what he wants you to use for residual pain. I'm guessing he ok'd you going cold turkey and you advised him of your dependence?

Congrats on getting free from the vics.

[windysan]

Drink lots of gatorade, take ibuprofen, exercise when you are able. Hot showers seem to help. If you smoke cigs then go buy a couple of cartons. Good luck with it.

[Smyle]

I am a typical addict....I LOVE DRUGS !!!! typical......LOL

no ...I kid....I too am a professional that lost it all and am working on getting it all back by working my program and realizing I was powerless.

I had a bad hydro addiction but like they say 5 -7 days max

Good luck and might look into an addiction specialist or NA ...lots of programs out there for help with this.

we are going to be floating the Buffalo within the month....if it rains....love your state.....

Peace ~B

[gettingbetter32]

hope you get the advice you need blueline - never easy, but as I've been reading here...it CAN be done! so keep the faith....

Smyle - that right 5-7 days? I'm on 7 tomorrow
when do you feel the energy come back?
oh soon I hope - I REALLY hate this
BUT - another day almost gone.

this really is one hour at a time

[AVR]

Blueline- I am on day 30 something? I think of living hydro free. This site was incredibly helpful for me, especially in the beginning few days. Most people will tell you that the withdrawal symptoms go away after a week or so, but my experience was slightly different. Yes, the worst of the symptoms went away in the first ten days, but I had the restless leg thing for a bit longer, and the insomnia is still a problem. Like you, I also went cold turkey because I know I don't have the type of personality that would be able to taper. If I took one, I knew I'd take another. People have a lot of different remedies to aleviate the worst of the withdrawals, but to me, I just had to get up each morning and face the day, knowing that each day would get better. Good luck with your withdrawals and remember that it does get better.

[historyteach]

This thread scares me a bit. I am on hydrocodone too. But, I normally only take it at night; at bedtime; so the pain in my leg doesn't wake me up. Sometimes, I take it in the daytime, but, only when I don't have to do anything important. But, drugs act strong on me, and I always have to be careful.
Am I ok with the schedule I am taking it? The doc's orders say I can take it 4 times a day...so, I think I am. But, I don't want to become dependent....

Thanks and
Shalom!

[emmer]

I think drinking lots of Gatorade is a darn good idea. I vomited for many weeks weaning off benzos. My doc told me to drink lots of gatorade to restore electrolytes. We are all routin for ya pal. .......Joe

[Smyle]

teach.... sounds like you are on a dose that is certainly fine....it is usually dosed 1 to 2 every 4 to 6 hrs....as long as you are taking it for the prescribed reason...like for your pain, I do not see a problem.

I just know that 1 was not enough for me...100 was not enough but that is me.
the dependancy issue is really up to you, if you can safely take 1 at night or as needed than you should not have a problem when/if you discontine that drug.

no worries.....just use as directed for what ails you !!!! Not to numb out .....or disconnect......


for gettingbetter ....the energy thing still comes and goes with me.....I just make myself do stuff....congrats on day 7....that is great !!!!!


and Blue....keep posting...it helped me out alot in my first couple weeks !!!

[caligirl770]

Hey Blueline
What is a typical drug user?? Anyone can become an addict!! I was taking 20-30 hydro 10/325 a day and I quit cold turkey. I couldn't taper and wanted to detox as soon as possible. I was really sick with flu like symptoms for about a week then things started looking up. The crazy legs as I like to call them lasted for about 3 weeks as well as not being able to sleep, thank god my doctor did give me ambian because that is the only thing that helped me sleep. My energy took about a month before I was able to get through the day without having to rest. I am now on day 62 and feel so greatful that I can live life without pills. You can get though this, it sounds like you are through the worst part. Try to excersise even if it is just walking and stretch your legs often, ben gay helped my legs also, and I lived in the bathtub/spa.
Good luck to you and just take it one day at a time,
Christie

[chloe06]

I am on day 8 of codeine withdrawal, I have also been withdrawing from other drugs, zopiclone(hypnotic sleeping drug) anti-sickness drug. I havent taken sleeping aid for 16 nights. I was prescribed diazepam to help with withdrawal, my worst time is at night, fell like I have electricity running thru my body. I managed to take no diazepam last night b/c I am so scared of becoming addicted to it that I am trying to stay strong but it is so hard. I have had a problem with codeine for 5 years and have been in detox twice before...this time I have done it alone and without major drugs to numb the withdrawal it has been an horrific expereince that I do not want to go thru again. I am taking each hour at a time. I am exhausted, hardly slept at all last night but I took the step of phoning a drug counselling service today and although they said it will take a week I feel like I may be able to stop this cycle. I have never had addiction counselling before. I am feeling very low mentally but the reason the withdrawal happened was b/c I was rushed to hospital after dr gave me tramadol( I was on a huge dose of codeine as well) it scared me so much that I immediately confessed to the drug misuse...I dont have craving for the codeine but miss the sleeping tablets so much...I just wonder how much longer the anxiety symptoms will last??

[woops]

Hi Teach...........
Just a word of caution..........
I was taking codeine as prescribed for years - was taking the maximum dose for the day - every day - and my doctor was fine with that.
It was me who decided that I had had enough.
I stopped - and then the fun began. I had no idea that I had become so physically dependent on the damn things!!!
Maybe you should have a week of no pain killers at all - see how it all goes? Just a thought! You'll know within a couple of days if you have become dependent.
woops

[woops]

Originally Posted by chloe06

I am on day 8 of codeine withdrawal, I have also been withdrawing from other drugs, zopiclone(hypnotic sleeping drug) anti-sickness drug. I havent taken sleeping aid for 16 nights. I was prescribed diazepam to help with withdrawal, my worst time is at night, fell like I have electricity running thru my body. I managed to take no diazepam last night b/c I am so scared of becoming addicted to it that I am trying to stay strong but it is so hard. I have had a problem with codeine for 5 years and have been in detox twice before...this time I have done it alone and without major drugs to numb the withdrawal it has been an horrific expereince that I do not want to go thru again. I am taking each hour at a time. I am exhausted, hardly slept at all last night but I took the step of phoning a drug counselling service today and although they said it will take a week I feel like I may be able to stop this cycle. I have never had addiction counselling before. I am feeling very low mentally but the reason the withdrawal happened was b/c I was rushed to hospital after dr gave me tramadol( I was on a huge dose of codeine as well) it scared me so much that I immediately confessed to the drug misuse...I dont have craving for the codeine but miss the sleeping tablets so much...I just wonder how much longer the anxiety symptoms will last??

Chloe
The withdrawal from opiates is a walk in the park compared to the withdrawal from benzos. Whatever you do - stay away from benzos - it takes some people years to withdraw and return to "normal" again.................... if you want info about benzos and sites where you will receive great advice ask RNVS...............
woops

[blueline]

thanks Blake, I didn't want to tell anyone but I'm a 20 year veteran police officer. I have been injured twice very badly in the line of duty and that is why I had to take the hydro's. I had to take them for about a year and 4 months after a total of five surgeries and a ton of metal put in my shoulder and back. I realized that my body became "dependant" on the hydro and I didn't like taking so many of them. I got up to about 10 a day before I said "that's enough" and I quit. I'm too weak to taper off because if I had them I know I would take them. So I went cold turkey. This is the end of day 3 and going into day 4. I really feel terrible, but after talking to you I think I can make it. Just wanted to say thanks.

[blueline]

I want to appologize to anyone I offended by using the phrase "typical drug user". That was cold and was the wrong thing to say. I am very sorry if I offended anyone. Things are pretty bad today but after talking to some of you I know things will get better and I am determined to make it all the way. Thanks to everyone.

[mackie]

Woops........

You are sooooooo right! Benzo's are nasty, nasty to come off of! If just makes me absolutely crazy with anger when an addict goes to the doctor trying to get off their DOC and they are given something even worse than before. I know, I know.............there are some of you out there that think benzo's, and sleeping pills are OK, WHEN TAKEN IN MODERATION! But, honestly, are there any addicts in these forums that can self-monitor and make sure that's what will happen......MODERATION??

Moderation to me is like smart is to Gomer Pyle. It just ain't gonna work.

Teach,
Be very respectful of hydrocodone. It's been known to bite people in the a$$....... Sounds like you have RLS (restless leg syndrome). There are other options, non-narcotic, on the market. I would wager to say that the hydrocodone does nothing for the RLS.....just makes you tired enough to get to sleep so you think the problem has been alleviated. Might wanna check it out.

Caligirl...
wow, looks like you just picked a chapter out of my 'sick' life! Glad to know I'm not alone! lololol


Make it a great day...........and remember, if no one has told you they love you today.........I CERTAINLY DO!

Prayerfully yours,

Mackie

[ventuhome]

When my sis-in-law (a hydrocodone addict) gets arrested, she has to go cold turkey in jail. She's had to do this 6 times, and the jail tells us it wont kill her to do this. Currently she's been in jail almost 90 days, with no access to drugs (we hope!). The 1st 2 weeks she called constantly, begging my bro to bail her out(but he had no money). Then she got mad at him and didnt call for a week, then she called back in a much more positive mood. So I guess your brain starts to rebound after 3 weeks off. After the 1st month in jail was over, she enrolled in about 6 classes there in jail, from NA to Parenting.
She too, was not the 'typical' drug user in her mind. After all, she was a professionally trained operatic singer!! She had money and lived in a nice house. She started taking pain killers for Fibromyalgia (which other friends with fibro tell me is like killing an ant with a sledge hammer), got addicted, denied she had a problem or any similarity with 'typical' drug users, and guess what? She wound up in jail with them!!!

[windysan]

Originally Posted by blueline

thanks Blake, I didn't want to tell anyone but I'm a 20 year veteran police officer. I have been injured twice very badly in the line of duty and that is why I had to take the hydro's. I had to take them for about a year and 4 months after a total of five surgeries and a ton of metal put in my shoulder and back. I realized that my body became "dependant" on the hydro and I didn't like taking so many of them. I got up to about 10 a day before I said "that's enough" and I quit. I'm too weak to taper off because if I had them I know I would take them. So I went cold turkey. This is the end of day 3 and going into day 4. I really feel terrible, but after talking to you I think I can make it. Just wanted to say thanks.

If you are on Day 4 then you're almost through the tunnel. Hang in there and be careful with the depression that follows. Know that it is only the dope talking.

[Crashnburn]

I had to quote this, mackie..This is just beautiful! Brought tears of laughter to my eyes!

Moderation to me is like smart is to Gomer Pyle. It just ain't gonna work.

[blueline]

Thanks windysan, I appreciate the support. I am determined to get through this. Everytime I go back to the doctor he wants to give me 180 10/325 hydrocodones with two refills. I can't say that he is the reason I am suffering now but he should have told me about the withdrawals I would have if I stopped taking them. I eventually told him that I did not want any more and I feel better about myself, even though I feel like crap. I can't sleep, I have RLS, body aches, tired, and oh yes...the diarrhea kicked in this morning.
I'm taking it one day, one hour, one minute at a time. Day four. Tomorrow is day five, then six, then seven.....I'll make it.

[windysan]

Originally Posted by blueline

Thanks windysan, I appreciate the support. I am determined to get through this. Everytime I go back to the doctor he wants to give me 180 10/325 hydrocodones with two refills. I can't say that he is the reason I am suffering now but he should have told me about the withdrawals I would have if I stopped taking them. I eventually told him that I did not want any more and I feel better about myself, even though I feel like crap. I can't sleep, I have RLS, body aches, tired, and oh yes...the diarrhea kicked in this morning.
I'm taking it one day, one hour, one minute at a time. Day four. Tomorrow is day five, then six, then seven.....I'll make it.

Hang in there, mang. Ibuprofen will help too. Lots of gatorade. Try to eat something. Carbs and sugars are good. Try some Ensure protein shakes (old people shakes)........easy to keep down and they'll help.

Most of us have been there and being dopesick sucks real bad. The worst is over though. You'll make it. Again, if the depression kicks in then know that you'll get through that too. The dope is sneaky...it'll try to call you back using depression, anxiety, all kinds of wily tricks.

Take care. The worst is over.

[chloe06]

Its 6.50am and I have woken up in a pool of sweat, was still awake at 1.30am and was very restless but didnt take the diazepam...thats 2 nights now and on day 9 of no codeine. I have been thru codeine withdrawal before but always in hospital and with sleeping tablets and other meds so this feels alot harder but in a way I guess I need it to be harder so I dont ever go backwards. Its going to be another very long day!!! I am really begginning to wonder if it is the sleeping tablet that has made this much worse I was taking much more han I should have done. Thanks to everyone for the support.

Chloe

[blueline]

don't give up chloe06... I know it's hard right now but be strong and keep thinking positive thoughts. I am only in day 4 and I am having really hard and bad times... just think that you are all the way in day 9.. I wish I was in day 9. It'll be over for you soon and you'll be a much happier person.. keep up the good work... try to check in every day if you can... it helps...