Vicodin Withdrawal – Dealing With Symptoms and Using Triggers
Art Coburn, Drug Addiction Therapy Guy, shares his thoughts on Vicodin relapse and using triggers during withdrawal.
Vicodin withdrawal — understanding how to deal with symptoms and using triggers can help, which is the topic of this guest post by Art Coburn, founder of the Drug Addiction Therapy Guy website. Art is a recovering addict and his goal is to “help others and let them know that they too can get clean and sober.” He can be reached at art.coburn@gmail.com.
Dealing With Symptoms and Using Triggers During Vicodin Withdrawal by Art Coburn
What is Vicodin? The medication is actually a mixture of hydrocodone and acetaminophen which is found in common Tylenol. Like heroin or morphine, Vicodin gives people a sensation or high that is characterized by euphoric feelings.
Vicodin withdrawal is very common in society today. The fact that people do not think twice about taking prescription painkillers is one common reason why so many people develop an addiction. They assume that just because the medication was prescribed by a physician it is safe.
Many drugs that doctors prescribe to patients are addictive, and this medication is one of the most dangerous and habit-forming substances available by prescription. This prescription medication is known for effectively relieving pain caused by illnesses and injuries. However, the substance is also used as a party drug for people who prefer to get high on drugs.
What happens is many times these party goers use it every day because this is their lifestyle by doing this it opens the door for Vicodin addiction.
When it comes to withdrawal, one of the first you should know is that most people do not understand how they can become addicted to this drug which their doctor prescribed for them; furthermore, they know little to nothing about how to get through withdrawal.
If you have become addicted to this drug you should know that it poses a tough withdrawal process with harsh symptoms. The body has become chemically dependent on the drug and once the addict stops abruptly, the body goes into a form of shock. The ideal way to treat the withdrawal would be in an opiate rehab.
How long does it take to withdraw from Vicodin?
Withdrawal from Vicodin can begin anywhere between six to twelve hours after the last dose; furthermore this is when the body to begins to adjust, and in the meantime, the addict will experience a variety of very unpleasant symptoms, such as headaches, diarrhea, insomnia, muscle spasms, chills, goose bumps, and much, much more. This can go on for anywhere from 3 to 5 days.
Withdrawal symptoms and the severity of pain one may experience
Also, the severity of the withdrawal symptoms may vary upon a person’s body type and the severity of their addiction; for example, an addict who has been abusing Vicodin every day for years will more than likely experience a more severe withdrawal than someone who has only been using them for a couple months or so. In other words if you are used to a high levels of Vicodin your withdrawal symptoms will be much worse.
Now for those of you who can not afford to go to rehab or simply do not want to for whatever reason it is possible to stop at home without using anything other than over the counter medications to ease the pain of withdrawal. After the body has adjusted to the lack of the drug, the withdrawal symptoms can still feel prolonged and intense and for this reason, it is often best to try and wean off of the drug. Yet, that can be hard for an addict with a diminished sense of self control so I would suggest giving your medication to a trusted family member or friend to dole out to you. In any case it is advised that you speak with your prescribing physician before you attempt this.
Tips to weaning or tapering off of Vicodin
For most of you the weaning process is best is done under the supervision of a doctor or addiction specialists. This is also why rehab clinics are such a valuable service.
Doing detox all by yourself or trying to taper down is not recommended because:
1) It is almost impossible for an addict to know just the right amount of opiate to take in order to reduce withdrawal symptoms without over-medicating.
2) We need the support of other people going through the same detox process in order to stay strong against the threat of relapse.
3) We need a medically supervised environment to guard against physical withdrawal complications such as dehydration.
Once a person has successfully gone through withdrawal, they still need to guard against possible relapse. This would include removing themselves from old social circles and reducing the possibility of coming into contact with the drug.
This becomes more of a psychological aspect of addiction, and there are plenty of specialized 12 step programs like narcotics anonymous that can aid an addict towards recovery.
Good luck and feel free to email me with any questions at art.coburn@gmail.com.
__________________________________
Because of the common practice of prescribing Vicodin for pain relief, readers may also find Lisa Frederiksen’s 2014 post, Chronic Pain and Opioid Addiction, helpful. In it she shares some of the science that explains how someone becomes physically dependent or develops an addiction to an opioid pain medication, such as Vicodin, Dilaudid, OxyContin, Duragesic and Norco, that has been prescribed by their doctor. Her March 5, 2013, post, Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms | Help, also provides further information and resources.
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Hi Art,
Thanks for sharing this important information on Vicodin. So many of the prescription drugs, as well as heavy alcohol use are very dangerous to detox on your own. It can’t be emphasized enough to have a medically supervised environment for detox. Take care.
@ Cathy Taughinbaugh
Thank you for your comment. I do think its very important to give others information about how they can get the proper medical help they need to overcome prescription drug addiction or any other drug or alcohol problem for that matter. A lot of people are not aware of whats involved with detox or how to get help.
Nice post about the process of getting off Vicodins. Opiates are real tough and when I worked in a rehab for 4 years+ as a detox nurse aid I learned a lot. Sometimes the people who were detoxing from opiate medications were having a rougher time than the people coming off of heroin!
That was when I realized just how powerful prescription drug addiction could really be. Same thing with the Methadone, a lot of addicts told me that this was a much worse withdrawal than heroin ever was.
Thanks again for the post and thank you Cathy for a great website.
Thanks for your comment, Patrick. I look forward to running your article next week: “What If I Relapse After Addiction Treatment and How Can I Prevent This?” You have a terrific website and one I’ve been following for sometime. I encourage BTC readers to do the same, http://www.spiritualrivere.com. Take care, Lisa
Hi Patrick thanks for sharing your experience
I know what you said about people who are coming off of opiates had a much harder time than some who were detoxing from heroin I think that you are right on target with this.
I have have also seen people struggle with heroin and prescription opiate addiction; furthermore, also with my many years in recovery and my personal struggle with opiate abuse before I got clean and sober so to me they are both difficult to detox from.
I am a recovering Methadone addict. And opiate too. I was on pain meds for 6 years and then I thought going to the methadone clinic would help me and really it did. I just went up to 35 mil. And after a while I started to come down. I came down 1 a month. When I goy to two mil didn’t go back so it worked foe me. L oL. I did have restless leds for a while but that’s all. So I did it and someone person says they can’t you can if you put your mind to it
I’m 18 and a half and been taking Vicodin for almost 4 years now. It sucks really bad. :/ Chronic back pains doesn’t led to natural death. The way I manage to get off from withdrawals is to have somebody close to you, like my wife. Tell me what to do. It worked 100% cause i listened to her and didn’t bribe for more. It’s not hard to get off from it. I can say that on my 5th attempt i finnaly got off. My first attempt, i over exxgera
Hi Mike
Thanks for sharing with us and congratulations for making the decision to stop using and following through with it because I know its not easy. Yes, as you said you have your wife to help you when you are going through withdrawal I know that its nice to have someone in your corner when you are going through this . Keep up the good work!
Good luck
I have been struggling for going on 2 years now with either tylenol 3, vicodin, or tramadol that my doctor finally thought would be a “lesser” opiate and was DUMB! It made me soooo sick! I’m SO tired of going back and forth between these damn drugs trying to make myself feel human and I know I never will this way! I can’t afford rehab and have a 10 year old. Scared EVERY day that I am going to run out or how to get them.
I’m so sorry to hear what you are going through, Karen. The very fact that you are so concerned and looking for help is a good sign!!!
I thought the post I put up, today, may help you – http://www.breakingthecycles.com/blog/2012/12/29/costs-of-addiction-treatment-how-to-recover-drug-addiction-alcohlism-if-cant-afford/.
In it, I try to break down into doable steps how to find and succeed in addiction treatment and recovery – including taking advantage of programs that do not cost anything – as follows:
Understand the disease of addiction (whether to illegal or prescription drugs or to alcohol).
Understand that we are healing a brain disease, and as with other disease treatments, there is no “one-size fits all.”
Appreciate that it does take time, but there is much joy to be had in the moments of every day along the way.
Understand that Addiction is a Family Disease.
Feel free to contact me off line via email at lisaf@BreakingTheCycles.com or via phone at 650-362-3026.
Hi Karen
It sounds like you really want to stop using and you also say that you can not afford rehab. Have you ever considered going to a 12 step meeting like NA? The good news is that they are free. You also mentioned that you worry a lot about running out of drugs.
I used to be the same way I was terrified of running out. Then one day I heard a person share at a meeting that once we quit using and get clean and sober we never have to worry about running out again.
Good luck
Going on my third day of withdrawl, which meant my whole holiday with my family was gone. STILL feel worse than ever. Mood swings are ridiculous! And it comes and goes so much I don’t know if it’s almost over or beginning again! I have tried to get drugs, but I can’t now, as they are not answering(which I’ve dealt with so many times before) I appreciate your advice; everyone around me wants to just disappear. My boyfriend has been it seems the most caring and I have pushed him away and screamed at him the most. He continues to use weed and it makes me SO angry that he can and I can’t use what I want. Thanks for listening
I have been abusing this stuff for 2 years now and have tried to quit periodically. As it is documented by a number of physicians, users, etc, my withdrawal symptoms are all similar. However, I have at least been able to narrow down my own personal reason for excessive use. I am relieved that I can admit, it is no longer to get high at least. The number one reason, is the severe stomach cramping and excessive running to the bathroom. Both of these hinder my job and school work. The depression and other symptoms do occur, but it literally is the stomach issues that when I am enduring them, consciously cause me to seek more pills, especially when I am at work or sitting in the classroom. If I had the financial ability, I would seek rehab, but I have no health insurance, and by receiving financial aide for school, and working full time, there is just no time or availability. I take Peptobismol, which rarely stops the bathroom runs, but NEVER stops the cramping. I am already depressed with my risk of school being affected (I am actually obtaining a 3.85 in a Master’s Program WHILE abusing), but even that I am able to control my depression, anxiety, mental cravings, etc. I can not call into work anymore, and that too, I would at least be able to endure, if I had just something for all of this stomach pain. Thank you for allowing me to vent and good luck to everyone on here.
Hi Matt
Thanks for sharing with us. Sometimes it is good to just vent . Do you have anyone you can share with about your problems? Talking with another person is always good it kind of lightens the load so to speak. Now as far as your physical symptoms its just going to take time to get through them but they will pass but if you continue taking pain pills it will be just be that much longer and things will get worse. As far as the depression goes exercise or long walks can help with this. You may want to go to the doctor because they can probably prescribe you something that will work far better than Peptobismol. The thing is you need to be entirely honest with them and tell them “exactly” whats going on with you in order for them to help you.
Good luck
Imodium…it will stop the bathroom runs smd help with the stomach cramps. It won’t really do much for the nausea.
You will need to take more than what is directed on the package you already have a tolerance to opiates and Imodium is like an opiate that does not cross the blood brain barrier. You just lessen the amount of Imodium you take a lil less every day.v
You can google more on Imodium and opiate withdrawal to learn more.
Imodium is an essential otc med for a do it yourself opiate withdrawal!
Matt, I too only continue to take tabs solely because I cannot endure the agonizing pain from constant stomach cramps. I sometimes get clean for 4 months at a time but I always relapse because I get tired of the stomach cramping. I am 32 year old male and have been abusing Hydrocodone since 2005 in which happens to be the same time fraim my stomach first began acting up. Now it hurts no matter if I take the pills or not. I don’t understand it. Constant diareah and constipation. It feels as if my stomach is in a constant knot and also feels like an extreme amount of gas is stuck behind all the cramping knots. Many drs say nothing is wrong with me yet I haven’t told them about my addiction to pain pills either. One dr did a chalk test on me to see if I had any blockages but everything came back normal. I don’t understand how. The cramps are not localized to any certain part of my stomach so based upon years of research of mine I have so far excluded the prognosis that this is caused due to a damaged liver. Maybe it’s best I now mention the extent of my hydrocodone abuse…………..in 2005 I began taking half of a 7.5/500 pill. By 2011 I worked my way up to between 90 & 100 10mg pills. And NO this is not a typo. Only by the grace of god am I still alive. I have since spent time in countless rehabs and even 6 months in a single in-house facility, only to return home to begin using almost immediately due to the constant severe stomach cramping that never goes away. I have obviously been trying to treat my addiction when in all reality I need to be treating the ultimate underlying cause of my addiction, which is the problems I have in my stomach. Maybe once the stomach issues are addressed I can then move toward a happy sober life. I hate taking pills. I hate the struggle of waking up not to greet my 11 month baby girl but to first figure out how I was going to acquire the much needed pills to carry me thru my dreadful day. I need help. Not rehab HELP. I have many times turned down free oxys and roxys and opanas etc because I do not wish to attain the high, but to simply acquire the pain relief for my stomach. In fact, I have neve even taken in my life anything other than Hydrocodone and a few Percocets only when my stomach cramping was so severe and I couldn’t locate any Lortabs. In my life I have maybe only taken a total of 10 Percocets and nothing else. I refuse!! I refuse the other pain drugs because I have trained my restarted self to believe that Hydrocodone is the only Narcotic that will comfort my stomach. No OTC Meds work though. I have been a total fool for taking 100 Hydrocodone 10’s per day and spending nearly $600 when I could maybe have attained the same relief from a stronger drug for at least half the cost and damage to my system. But, like I said……..I do not like the high anymore so therefore I choose to stick with the hydrocodone which due to my high tolerance continues to make it impossible for me to acquire a high but simply only provides me with a sense of normalcy. I am sick and tired of being “sick and tired”. I need answers. You are the only person I have found in my 10+ years of reasearch that has localized there stomach as being the main problem. Every other addict complains of leg pain and fatigue and moodiness etc. F$&@ all that noise. To me all those symptoms are simple overcome. In fact, if not for my severe stomach cramps I don’t think I would even notice the other withdrawal symptoms other than the sleepless nights. I am tired of this. I was so happy that my wife of 13 years and I were finally able to have a baby of our own and I made many promises to myself that I would stop using when the baby was born. Then it turned into…..I’ll stop when she is old enough to know what’s goin on. She is only 11 months so i feel it’s not to late to stop this madness. I just don’t know where to begin since after many times of staying clean for months at a time only ended up in relapse simply because I cannot deal with the severe stomach cramping and gastrointestinal issues. I have ran a successful business into the ground and I have ruined so many relationships because of this addiction issue. And I don’t even wanna think about how many low life drug dealers have had there house payments made and bills paid all because of my addiction. I could have easily purchased at least 2 $150,000 dollar homes on the beach by now if I had only directed my selfishness toward the finer things in life. Thankfully my wife has yet to give up hope on me. I would really appreciate any and all comments or suggestions you have for me. A simple kind word of encouragement will be just as welcomed. Please do not contact me here though because I’m not even sure how ended up on this thread lol. Please contact me via my email……hutsonwilliams@hotmail.com. I truly hope to hear from atleast some of you. And Matt, if you have found any answers to the stomach issues please get in touch with me with the email I provided. Thanks guys!!!!! BTW Matt, that Peptobismuth is only going to constipate your diareah and will turn your doodoo black as all get out. Through my experience that stuff only made the symptoms worse. V
Hi,
I’ve been taking Vicodin reg and ES since 1995 for various pain related reasons. But, have never taken a whole one and usually 1/2 a pill 3 to 4 times a day. I noticed I get
totally insanely pissed off if I even take 1/2 ES, omg! I think they change the way you
hear things, (like louder) and can either give me loads of energy or make me agitated
then really enraged. Sigh, anyway, talk about mood swings! Now, this is when I take
them, lol! I got so crazy this getting pissed, which I can do w/o Vicodin that I realized
even the reg. strength was pissing me off w/in 20 mins of taking it so… I said enough!
Omg, it’s ruining my ability to interact w/o going off and really breaking things, etc. Well, I’m itching now, ok, so I now take no ES and have gone down to 1/2 at 11:30pm
and then pass out tired, wake up and take another 1/2 like 2:30am. Then back to sleep. Don’t take any again until 11:30pm next nite and so on. I don’t feel pissed off anymore and agitated nearly as much. I’m very constipated tho, omg! I take 1 a day now and I’m constipated, idk why. Would seem it’d be the other way around! Also, I want to tell you all I did this on my own as no one else I know takes them. BF’s just wonder what the hell the w/drawals are all about. Anyway, this is my gift to you… I could NOT have gotten down so fast w/o the use of a hormone prescribe by my specialist here in LA. It’s called Pregnenolone CRT 30mg. I take only a 3rd 2x a day time released. It adjusts and balances your hormone levels and wouldn’t you know it
dopamine which is what the w/d are all about, getting your body to back to producing it’s own. Neuro transmitter issues and the dopamine have been replaced by the Vicodin. This can be purchased online too, and the best natural Preg is by designs for health company. I need help now from you… I need to get to 1/2 a day, but idk when and what’s with the insane constipation? Lmk Thank you so much.
Wendy
paigemonroe@aol.com
Hi,
I’ve been taking Vicodin reg and ES since 1995 for various pain related reasons. But, have never taken a whole one and usually 1/2 a pill 3 to 4 times a day. I noticed I get
totally insanely pissed off if I even take 1/2 ES, omg! I think they change the way you
hear things, (like louder) and can either give me loads of energy or make me agitated
then really enraged. Sigh, anyway, talk about mood swings! Now, this is when I take
them, lol! I got so crazy this getting pissed, which I can do w/o Vicodin that I realized
even the reg. strength was pissing me off w/in 20 mins of taking it so… I said enough!
Omg, it’s ruining my ability to interact w/o going off and really breaking things, etc. Well, I’m itching now, ok, so I now take no ES and have gone down to 1/2 at 11:30pm
and then pass out tired, wake up and take another 1/2 like 2:30am. Then back to sleep. Don’t take any again until 11:30pm next nite and so on. I don’t feel pissed off anymore and agitated nearly as much. I’m very constipated tho, omg! I take 1 a day now and I’m constipated, idk why. Would seem it’d be the other way around! Also, I want to tell you all I did this on my own as no one else I know takes them. BF’s just wonder what the hell the w/drawals are all about. Anyway, this is my gift to you… I could NOT have gotten down so fast w/o the use of a hormone prescribe by my specialist here in LA. It’s called Pregnenolone CRT 30mg. I take only a 3rd 2x a day time released. It adjusts and balances your hormone levels and wouldn’t you know it
dopamine which is what the w/d are all about, getting your body to back to producing it’s own. Neuro transmitter issues and the dopamine have been replaced by the Vicodin. This can be purchased online too, and the best natural Preg is by designs for health company. I need help now from you… I need to get to 1/2 a day, but idk when and what’s with the insane constipation? Lmk Thank you so much.
Wendy
Hi Wendy
Thanks a lot for sharing with everyone how you are reacting to vicodin. First of all I have to let you know that prescription medications can effect everyone differently and it sounds like they could be effecting you adversely being that I am not a doctor so I would strongly suggest that you speak with yours because a half of a vicodin is a very low dose to be affected as you are.
Now as far as your constipation goes Vicodin is an opiate drug and constipation can be one of the side effects of all opiate drugs. A lot of people that take opiate medications also take a laxative to help with this. Once again I would speak to your Dr. and let them know exactly how your medication is affecting you. I am sure that they can help and it may be as simple as changing your medication.
Good luck
OMG, you are fucking insane! What the hell do you know about
any of this? Nothing I can’t figure out myself, Christ. Yeah,
I will see my doctor u stupid fuck, what you can’t see is I can do
this on my own and just wanted some feedback. Moron!
You say you’re no expert and that you HELP ppl recover? LOL, obvious how silly this site is. Omg, must be for your OWN support… constipation-take a laxative, lol! Ya, will do. I’m down to a pill a day because I’ve been w/drawing for 8 months to get here you stupid mother fucker! I don’t need you to tell me to call my god damn doctor! OMG ur asshole! WTF?
@ Wendy – Hey there Wendy, obviously you are hurting and I genuinely want to help you.
You say you are down to one pill a day–do you have a taper schedule to ween yourself off that? No offense, but guess who has good information about safe, effective, and relatively painless taper schedules–that’s right, doctors. That was my reason for suggesting you contact one. In the meantime, perhaps these two links to information provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) may help:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-over-counter-medications
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/opioids
or this one by Michael Bihari, MD, “How Can I Withdraw From Vicodin,” http://drugs.about.com/od/faqsaboutyourdrugs/f/vicodin_FAQ.htm
I hope this additional information can help, but please know that if you continue with abusive and profane language, then the site administrator has to delete it at some point. I wish you all the best.
I’m trying to help my boyfriend cope with quitting and it is very hard to deal with. It has cause me to miss work, caused a lot of stress, emotionally draining..is there anything I can do to help with this or do I just let him do his own thing? I would love if he went to rehab but he doesn’t want to lose his job and we have a son together he doesn’t want to be away from him I try to tell him I’m here for him and get him to go out and do things but he just wants to sit home and mope he is having very bad withdraws, his whole body is restless I have tryed massages with him and he seems to like it but the passion comes right back when I’m finished..please help.
-a loving girlfriend
Hi there
About the only thing that is going to help him if he refuses to go to rehab is to just hang in there and tough it out as long as he does not use the withdrawals will pass. In most cases the withdrawals will pass in few days but unfortunately when they do if he does not do something different then it has been my experience that most people will return to active addiction.
Keep in mind that they do allow family members to visit patients while they are in rehab so its not like he will unable to see his son.
A lot of employers understand enough about addiction these days to know that sometimes a person needs to go to rehab and are very willing to allow this, maybe he could speak with them about going to rehab. Another option for him that I personally use is attending NA meetings anyway this is what helps me to stay clean and sober
Good luck
I have been taking vicoden since 2008, usually averaging 2-4 10 mg pills a day. I quit back in 4/12 for about 4 months but then injured my knee and had knee surgery and have been back on about the same amount.I just recently tappered down to 2, then 1 and then zero day and now the restless leg symptoms and insomnia are coming back. This was uncomfortable the last time but I followed the Thomas recipe. I am hoping that I will not have to go to health store and purchase all that again(some i still have) as this is expensive. Warm baths helped alot, talking to wife, reminding myself that I am proud to be getting free of these little flippin’ pills who have so much control over my life. I do not want to rely on a pill to make me feel good. So, here I go again…hope I can sleep! This site is helpful..thanks
So glad you find this site helpful, Chris, and it’s wonderful to read your determination and that you have support.
I thought I’d share a few links that may of further help to you and/or other readers:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/opioids/how-do-opioids-affect-brain-body
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/opioids/what-are-possible-consequences-opioid-use-abuse From this one, this portion may be of particular interest: “Physical dependence is a normal adaptation to chronic exposure to a drug and is not the same as addiction (see textbox, Dependence vs. Addiction). In either case, withdrawal symptoms may occur if drug use is suddenly reduced or stopped. These symptoms can include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps (“cold turkey”), and involuntary leg movements.”
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/chronic-pain-treatment-addiction
Hi Chris
Thanks a lot for sharing experience with us. I am really glad that you have made the decision to stop using. It sounds like you are well on your way and getting clean and sober is defiantly something to be proud of so keep up the good work. If warm baths help then continue to take them as often as you need. I believe that they will help with your restless leg symptoms. Another good thing you have going for you is that you have your wife for support, sometimes just knowing that we are loved makes all the difference in the world.
I would try to keep as busy as you can because this will help take your mind off of your withdrawal and with any luck may help you sleep. If you have some type of hobby then you may want to try doing that to keep busy. I used to work puzzles when I first stopped using and it really helped to occupy my mind another thing that may help is to find a good book to read or maybe a medication CD. Books are great way to escape and meditation can be very relaxing. There are all kinds of things that you can do so just put your mind to it and I am sure you can come up with some good ideas. Hang in there and I hope everything works out well for you.
Good luck
The truth of anyone of you getting off these drugs are only within you! When you find it these cravings go away empower yourself. Everyone is different let no one tell you indifferent. This is coming from a person who took 20 to 3o Norcos 10 mg a day. So find you make no excuses or you will keep hiding looking for excuses to keep using. You only live once life it with clarity and dazed and confused. Good luck
I was just searching around the web and found this site. I am 22 years old now and I have had 11 surgerys on my feet starting when I was 10. I go through a tramendous amount of pain a day and have been taking vicodin longer than I can even remember. I have gone through withdrawls many times…but because of my pain I always go back to them. I want to get off them completely. I couldn’t get my prescription I finished them to quickly my tolorance has really built up. I didn’t take any for 5 days and today I took 1 of the 10 mg. if I were to have my friend help me nd b a strong willed person after these last withdrawls only taking 1 to 3 10 mgs a day then slowly eliminating them……would this be the right way to handle it. Im tired of this and I just want to not need them anymore!!!!
Hello,
I was on vicodin for 2 years, only taking 1/2 at a time the most i would take was 4 a day. I started taking them for pain from my back, but then i got addicted relizing it was giving me energy, which i have always lacked. I am currently 3 weeks clean today, and ive got to tell you its not any easier. Im lacking energy way more than expected at this point, and at the point of i just want the energy back so i min-as-well start takin them again. I thought after 3 weeks i would not be craving that crap. Im not sure if depression has set in, or if it hormones, or mental. For all of you out there that are going through w/d from an opiate, everyday is a struggle and some are worse than others, but we can do this. Ive been addicted to something since the age of 14, now 27 and im not sure how to live a sober life. Some support would be nice during this time, and how do i gain energy? Thanks
Hi Art. Today is day 1 for me and its very hard. I have been on vicodin for over 7 years. I had a lot of surgery’s. I am trying to do this on my own. It got to the point where I was buying them off the street. Please pray for me to get through this.
Hi Dawn
Good for you 1 day clean is a long time after taking them for 7 years and buying them off the street is not a good idea. I would suggest you look into finding some type of support or maybe even going to rehab.
Good luck
Can’t afford rehab. This is day 2 of not having any. I will get through this. I just keep telling myself this to shall pass. I have my brother helping me. So far so good.
Thank you for this post . I am on day 3 detoxing from 6yrs of heavy vicodin use . The withdraws suck right now the stomach cramps , insomnia , chills are all in effect . I’m attending a local 12 step program that has inspired me and fills me with hope every time I show up to a meeting . There are many like us. It’s tough now , I keep telling myself this to shall pass . Good luck to everyone !!! We can do this .
Good for you, Nat- it’s wonderful to read you’re on your way!!! And you’re right – you can do this!!!!
This is day 3 for me, and I feel just absolutely terrible. I am a nurse and mother of 2. I have never had an addiction problem in my life. However, I have had 7 jaw surgeries within the past year and a half for severe tmj, most recently on feb 17, only a week ago, and by far the hardest yet. I had a total joint replacement and reconstruction. I came home from the hospital Wednesday and have been home for 4 days now. I am in a great deal of pain, and was prescribed Percocet upon discharge. However, that along with the antibiotic was too much for my stomach to tolerate. I tried taking my Viciprofen instead, though I knew it would not help as much as I’ve been taking 4 7.5 mg tablets daily for about a year. I was not even able to keep that down. Now I’m dealing with the pain AND withdrawal symptoms. I have a constant low grade fever, dizziness, nausea, acid reflux, vomiting, and last night I did not sleep at all though I’m exhausted. I’m not really sure how to control the symptoms, mostly the nausea and sleeplessness. How long do they usually last? I never thought this would be me.
Hi Julie – I’ve sent a note to the author of this post to answer your question. I’m so sorry for all that you’ve gone/are going through. You may find information in this post that can help you, as well. http://www.breakingthecycles.com/blog/2013/03/05/vicodin-withdrawal/
Just beat a 10 year addiction and I couldn’t be any happier with my decision to stop I’m just now on day 6 and still have slight restless leg but my mind is so much more clear and I am so happy I finally have time for my family the tapering process I did was went to my local hospital and did a for day three nite methadone program and I will say I was very on edge as to if I would just get hooked on the methadone but the way the doctor did the tapering was awesome I don’t crave it all and I feel good .
Congratulations on your decision Bryan and thank you for sharing your experience!
Hello everyone,
I am on day 2 of Vicodin withdrawal(by choice).
I had been taking 8 pills daily for nearly a year.
My first day was not so bad, until it came time to STAY asleep.
I was awoken numerous times with vicious bouts of diahrrea. After about
my 6th trip to the bathroom, I decided to take a single norco just so I could
sleep. Did this put me back to square 1?
Hi my boyfriend is addicted to vicodine, his dr has been perscribing them to him for about 3 years and now decided to stop. My bf is going crazy now, between the stomach pain,running to the bathroom, the pain and not sleeping. Hes in a horrible mood all the time and i dont know what to do for him. When hes on the pills he says he wants to wean off of them but he always ends up taking them to fast and when he runs out and starts going through the withdrawls he buys them off the street once he gets money. Hes on his 3rd day without them and hes asking me for money. I keep trying to tell him he can get through this but he doesnt want to hear it. He was taking 10 pills a day and doesnt have insurance for rehab and doesnt want to talk to anyone else about it. Please help me!
Dear Feelinghelpless… I’m so sorry to hear what you are going through. Unfortunately, Art Coburn, the author of this post, is no longer following it and thus won’t be answering your questions. Not to put you off, but you may find this post of mine helpful, Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms | Help http://www.breakingthecycles.com/blog/2013/03/05/vicodin-withdrawal/ There are resources listed in this article that should be able to help.
Dear feelinghealpless, i too have been in the exact same situation as your boyfriend, using too much/ talking about quitting/and of course buying off the street. . As of four days ago i quit ( so proud of myself) ……After using stronger and stronger opiates, i came to an em pass in my life and my marriage, and decided to take my life back, it’s amazing what you can do when you’ve been looking in the mirror for 6 + years and all i saw was an addict ( not a husband/friend/or son) I’ve been doing my detox by myself. …………. and have no disalusion’s this is horrible , if i can do this ..I’m sure you’re boyfriend can too. Just remember he needs your strength and understanding. Now …..get him a lot of immodiom/vitamin b complex/kratom/ and a week off of work/………….compassion and patience. ……..and your boyfriend will make it through this and you can get back to your life ….To many times I’ve said i can quit , and of course i didn’t. ….i guess it really depends on if he’s had enough of letting the tail wag the dog………..
Day 10 cold turkey from 8- 10/325’s per day for 7 years and I want to pop a pill so BAAAAAAD
Hi I’m a 47 year old guy. I’ve been taking Vicodin as prescribed by my former doctor. My current doctor wants me to take a non opiate medicine for my bulged disc pain along with other pain this bad disc causes. My current doctor never received my medical records so when I had asked for a script for a suitable amount of Vicodin to withdraw with she wouldn’t prescribe it . I found out hours later yesterday that my former doc never sent out my medical records. I asked for a script and got it today. I take 4 pills a day. It’s the325-5 milligram pills. So how should I do my tapering off. Any help you could provide would be great . Thanks
Hello… I am not the author of this article so am not responding on his behalf, nor am I a medical doctor, so this is not to be considered medical advice. However, I thought this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) link on “Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Pain > Patient Information” might be helpful: http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/prescribing/patients.html.
Hang in there my friend, start with 1/2 a tablet for a couple of days your body will start to recoil from withdrawal (this should not be done while your working a regular job) take time off. ….2 weeks is an excellent time frame. Drink plenty of fluids and take vitamin c regularly. .go for walks, watch movies, anything you can do to occupie your mind ….and tough it out ,this will be the worst 2 wks of your life,but after that you can go back to living
I am trying my best to get off vicodin for the second time but i feel like I’m dieing
My doctor has been prescribing me Vicodin for three years. I have severe joint and back pain. During pregnancy a bulging disc moved onto a nerve. I did physical therapy for 6 months and chiropractic work for 2 years while taking the Vicodin 3 times a day. I also had steroid injections. At my last visit my doctor started talking about reducing the Vicodin. She says it’s not a long term solution I talked to her about one year in about my concerns about becoming addicted. She said “you probably already are but since you are concerned I’m not worried. She was very clear that she was not taking the script away. She just wants me to slow down if I can. I cut out a half a pill a day starting yesterday. I’m not horribly sick but I have some chills and feel a little sick. I’m surprised that I feel bad from cutting out just a half a pill. I don’t want to tell her I’m sick because I’m scared she will take it all at once if I do. Even though she said several times she isn’t taking it away I have decided to try to stop taking it. I don’t want to have to worry about not being able to get the medication if something should happen to my doctor or if she changes her mind and takes it. I plan to cut a half of a pill every two weeks. Does this sound like a good plan to taper of?