Hydrocodone ...angel or devil?

[helplessintx]

I have been taking hydrocodone for about two years steady now and im want to stop. I started taking it when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. I lived with her and was taking care of her. Of course they gave her alot of extra strength vicodin for pain. She did not like to take them so they built up. Plus she had old prescriptions from prior visits. She only lasted 4 months in the fight. I was devastated and began taking her pain meds to kill the "wrong" kind of pain. I then became addicted taking anywhere between 3 to 6 a day. A month after my mom passed i ended up pregnant. I was very depressed and continued to take them. I slowed down but couldnt kick it. My baby was born healty, and i left with a script for vicodin. Then it got down to buying them off the street ive came in contact with crazy people to say the least. I am paying foe my addiction my kids have what they need but any extra dollar goes to vicodin. When i on a vicodin i say i want to quit. Its easy to say that when you feel good. Just like talking about quitiing smoking while your smoking a ciggarete. I have attempted several times which only leads to me finding some and making myself feel better. Ive never been big on drugs ive tried alot of street drugs but never stayed with them. This one is one i cant kick. So now I am pregnant agian and i want to stop for mine and my babies health. Some people say talk to my doctor but i dont think they will help. Ive tried tapering off but if i have them i take them. When i get low i get depressed and find ways to get more. If anybody has any help or info i would appriciate it.

[ARTIST658]

I can relate to what you've gone through, as I, too, struggled with vicodan (and other drugs) as a young mother. You aren't alone - you aren't a "bad" mother - you have a disease called addiction. It's hard to admit it when we realize what's happened to us - but recognizing it is certainly the most important first step.

There are a few options available to you. If someone else can hold the pills and dispense them TO you, you could taper off them. (The only way that works for me - and, as you said, for you - is to have someone else hold them!) The lower the dose you get to, the less withdrawal symptoms you will have when you do stop.

Or you could try "cold turkey" detox. There is a Thomas Recipe: http://www.drugs.com/forum/featured-...wal-35169.html to help with some symptoms. Generally, physical detox is about a week or less, with the worst of it occurring around days 3-5. I don't know how much of the hydrocodone you are taking daily, but "cold turkey" may be the best route. If you are taking a large dose, you may want to go in-patient, as you are pregnant - and want to proceed with extra caution.

Do you have any support while you go through this? Is your husband (or anyone close to you) aware of the problem? Their support could help tremendously.

There's a lot of support available through the Drugs.com forum, under the heading, "Need to Talk?" Lots of folks there with similar issues, as well as help from those of us who have made it through to the "other side" of recovery from this disease. I hope you'll continue to post.

God bless,
Ruth

[doc.rose]

Talking with you doctor would be the best thing you could do for your baby. They are equipped at dealing with this type of situation. Please, for you baby's sake, talk with your OBGYN immediately. This baby might not be as lucky as your other one. Do the responsible thing. Don't be ashamed to ask for help.