Pain Killer Addiction: Methadone & Heroin Facts

Question: Question about pain-killer addiction?

(Posted by: Wine and Window Guy on 2007-10-21 18:03:39)

I shattered my leg. In recovery I have been on pain killers in a descending order from oxy- cotin to oxy- codone to most recently hrydro codone over the last 12 weeks (That's how I stumbled across Y!A). I stopped taking them today and feel like holy hell. Anyone have advice as to what to expect over the next few days or weeks? You know besides wanting to die?

Posted by: dguth44 on 2007-10-23, 00:37:37

I had back surgery and went from percocets to lortabs then to nothing. i stopped without thinking about physical dependence but woke up the next morning with severe stomach ache. what i did was waited until i got the stomach ache, then took a pill, then waited for the stomach ache then a pill. in a couple days i didnt get a stomach ache and that was that. remember there is a difference between addiction (taking them without a need and to get a buzz) and dependence (taking them for an injury and experiencing withdrawl when your healed and stop taking the meds) opiate withdrawl is uncomfortable but not life threatening, but your doc should still be aware you are stopping you meds. hang in there, it wont be long. and weaning yourself is much more comfortable then just stopping. :)

Posted by: Cindi W on 2007-10-21, 18:10:43

Maybe you should think about weaning yourself off the meds rather then stopping them all at once--since you have been on them for 12 weeks. Your body has built up a tolerance to these and while you may not want to take these narcotics anymore, your body is expecting it. You will feel horrible if you go cold turkey..you may vomit, have nausea, chills, sweating. If you decide to wean off of these-start by taking 1/ 2 of what you normally take...Do this for a few days----then take 1/ 4. If you do this slowly, it will much easier for your system to get used to. Personally, I think it is safer to gradually wean off of these meds. rather then abrubtly stop. Good Luck

Posted by: min on 2007-10-21, 18:14:00

You should definitely NOT go off abruptly.withdrawal can actually put you in the hospital if you dont handle it right.

Posted by: charm1936 on 2007-10-21, 18:15:23

I see they have been decreasing your pain meds as the list you gave oxycotin is more powerful etc. I hope you have been weaned, meaning going from 3 times a day to 2 times to 1 then none. with your injury 12 weeks is not long enough to be addicted. when you are truly in pain the med goes to the pain not to the brain(meaning you don't get high like someone who takes them for pleasure) You may feel like hell, probably tired, this will go away, your body was relying on the meds to get ya going. I have been on lortabs for 5 yrs. There is a day a month that I don't take my meds to kinda cleanse my body and I can't get out of bed. The meds will be out of your system in a few days, give your body time to adjust. Promise!

Posted by: sheek Txn on 2007-10-21, 19:26:17

Don't hesitate if you need to go to a detox center. It's not your fault and people understand that. But, the chances of your having withdrawals and the "DT's " are there. My nephew had never been a drug user, but ended up addicted and in tons of trouble after he was in a bad crash. They worked him down gradually also, but the pain was still so bad and long lasting. He ended up healed of the pain, but liking the drugs. Very sad. Just take care of yourself -- there's only one YOU!! .

Posted by: ssnjorden on 2007-10-21, 20:19:30

I am very surprised,that the Dr.hasn't put you on another med to get you off of the hydrocodine,I had surgery back in July ,but was on them before I had surgery. I felt and still do feel like crap and the worse headache I have ever had sometimes I want to hide and cry, there hurt so bad Im moody and cant stand to be around people at time .ask your Dr about a med you can go on that will help, This is a serious matter and do talk to your Dr. Im still having alot of withdraws and you can go to webmd.com and ITll explain some ,I wish you luck and hope for the best ,Its not going to be easy,friends of mine are trying to understand but its one of them things you got to go through before you can understand,,good luck and bless you.