[Airhead1]

My story has so much too it but I will keep it simple. I am 25 and have been using pain meds for about 4 years. I was one that though I was never going to be addicted or have any problems(since used for recreation) but here I am trying to stop. I am going to do this cold turkey and keep people updated on my progress. I am the type of person that wants to feel how horrible it is to not want to do this ever again. It all started with the death of my father and It really helped me cope with the depression I was in. Today is my first day off and it kinda stinks..my body kinda hurts I am a little agitated but i am doing ok. Ill first off to say that I snort all the pain killers I took and it was such a habit I would do anything to get them. I was once a college basketball player and at the top of the world in my opinion. its really sucks how things change. i want to show people that you can do this, and let people know how I did it. I know sleeping is going to be the worst, but as I said before I want to experience the devil it breeds to let myself know this is what you did to yourself. I will be back on either tonight or tom to let you know how I do. I do plan on going the gym to sit in the steam room.. It has calming affects. any help is well appreciated. THIS SUX!!!!!!!!!!

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by Airhead1

My story has so much too it but I will keep it simple. I am 25 and have been using pain meds for about 4 years. I was one that though I was never going to be addicted or have any problems(since used for recreation) but here I am trying to stop. I am going to do this cold turkey and keep people updated on my progress. I am the type of person that wants to feel how horrible it is to not want to do this ever again. It all started with the death of my father and It really helped me cope with the depression I was in. Today is my first day off and it kinda stinks..my body kinda hurts I am a little agitated but i am doing ok. Ill first off to say that I snort all the pain killers I took and it was such a habit I would do anything to get them. I was once a college basketball player and at the top of the world in my opinion. its really sucks how things change. i want to show people that you can do this, and let people know how I did it. I know sleeping is going to be the worst, but as I said before I want to experience the devil it breeds to let myself know this is what you did to yourself. I will be back on either tonight or tom to let you know how I do. I do plan on going the gym to sit in the steam room.. It has calming affects. any help is well appreciated. THIS SUX!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Airhead1
You are to funny with that name ...LOL
You came to thr right place for what you are about to do.
Ill put up the Thomas recipe for you...Let me go find it..
OK, here it is, these are some of the things that will help...


Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.
Imodium (over the counter, any drug or grocery store). [generic brand anti-diarrheal is fine. Don't take it unless really uncomfortable]
L-Tyrosine* (500 mg caps) from the health food store.* [See Warning]
Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.
Vitamin B6 caps. [or stress B-complex?]
Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available). [many gyms offer free trials]
How to use the recipe
Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst W/D symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5. [melatonin worked well after day 4 for me. Sleeplessness sometimes hangs on awhile]

During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate W/D symptom. [I like Epsom salts in the tub. Forces Magnesium into the muscles]

Use the Imodium aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. DON'T TAKE IT, however, if you don't need it.[Diarrhea is the bodies way to aid in the detox so take Immodium or generic for the comfort factor, if needed]

At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate W/D malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine*. Try 2000 mg, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mg. Take the L-Tyrosine* with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine* will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine* can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate W/D, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine* is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help. [*Read the Warning first! *L-Tyrosine* is great. *SamE 400* mg works for mood too]

With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.

As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better. [Walking gets the blood and lymph systems working, helping you detox better.]

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any medical complications, first check with your doctor before detoxing to verify that this regimen is safe for you. [Very important note]

[WARNING If you are on anti-Depressants, use medical supervision on L-Tyrosine, SamE and all mood enhancers. There can be a risk if taking L-Tyrosine, 5 HTP if you are on a tricyclic or a MAIO antidepressant's ...It can cause a spike in blood pressure.]

So if you need anything else just let us know...
Talk to you soon, Melinda

[Airhead1]

Hey Melinda, I appreciate the help. anything will help. As far as that program, I will not take any pills to help me. I really have a strong will and want to do this drug free using vitamins, exercise and the steam room. I know it will be hell sleeping but i should not be this place at all. If in fact it is this horrible, I hoping it will in a few days make me hate the pills...I trying a different approach. I know some people can not handle the pain and aches but I want to let people know they can.. I honestly feel like ******** but keeping occupied is really helping me. Anything from video games to just taking a walk. I try not to think about it but it is in my mind always lurking. i hate it. i am not looking forward to tonight. urghhhh.....!

[python134r]

Airhead,

Welcome, You took the first step, yeah it sux, but you will live, although your gonna feel shi**y, after a few days you will start feeling better. Alot of the anxiety is a mental thing too. Knowing in a few days you will start feeling better helps.

Use the advice Melinda gave you, it helps much. Once you do this, get a support system, some kind, it helps too, I cannot stress how important it is.

Keep in your mind, its like having a bad case of the flu and you will start to recover in a number of day's. Eventually even regular sleep will come, how nice!

Keep it up

Rich g

[Airhead1]

Sup Rich, thanks for the post. Yea the horrible feeling does stink and it is easy just to relapse but part the mainI know I wont is that I lost something dear to me 2 days ago. My girlfriend of 6 years. She said she always felt second to everything. HA i wonder who was first. not to make a joke but I never really knew that is how i was until it really hit me.. she still does not really know the seriousness of my addiction... well I know everyone has a story and I hope mine can help somebody...well I am heading home from work in 1 hour....peace.

[musicman48]

Originally Posted by Airhead1

My story has so much too it but I will keep it simple. I am 25 and have been using pain meds for about 4 years. I was one that though I was never going to be addicted or have any problems(since used for recreation) but here I am trying to stop. I am going to do this cold turkey and keep people updated on my progress. I am the type of person that wants to feel how horrible it is to not want to do this ever again. It all started with the death of my father and It really helped me cope with the depression I was in. Today is my first day off and it kinda stinks..my body kinda hurts I am a little agitated but i am doing ok. Ill first off to say that I snort all the pain killers I took and it was such a habit I would do anything to get them. I was once a college basketball player and at the top of the world in my opinion. its really sucks how things change. i want to show people that you can do this, and let people know how I did it. I know sleeping is going to be the worst, but as I said before I want to experience the devil it breeds to let myself know this is what you did to yourself. I will be back on either tonight or tom to let you know how I do. I do plan on going the gym to sit in the steam room.. It has calming affects. any help is well appreciated. THIS SUX!!!!!!!!!!

Sitting in the steam room and lots of hot showers will definately help you.Good luck!MM

[python134r]

Originally Posted by Airhead1

Sup Rich, thanks for the post. Yea the horrible feeling does stink and it is easy just to relapse but part the mainI know I wont is that I lost something dear to me 2 days ago. My girlfriend of 6 years. She said she always felt second to everything. HA i wonder who was first. not to make a joke but I never really knew that is how i was until it really hit me.. she still does not really know the seriousness of my addiction... well I know everyone has a story and I hope mine can help somebody...well I am heading home from work in 1 hour....peace.

Airhead,
So you know this disease affects our loved ones too, I am sorry for your loss, I know how it feels, I lost my fiancee in 2007 to drugs, she died. We were together 2 years, the last year not so much because I got clean and she would not but we still had a codependent bond which is the first cousin to addiction and a whole other issue. She was 2 month short of her 25 birthday.

Fact is, everything is seconded to our addictions, nature of the beast, its all the same story in the end which is pain and self loathing.
Flip side is once clean, self respect and some kind of realization of who I am came to me. It was not easy, still isn't.....its a work in progress that never ends.
Nice to hear from you

Rich g

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by python134r

Airhead,
So you know this disease affects our loved ones too, I am sorry for your loss, I know how it feels, I lost my fiancee in 2007 to drugs, she died. We were together 2 years, the last year not so much because I got clean and she would not but we still had a codependent bond which is the first cousin to addiction and a whole other issue. She was 2 month short of her 25 birthday.

Fact is, everything is seconded to our addictions, nature of the beast, its all the same story in the end which is pain and self loathing.
Flip side is once clean, self respect and some kind of realization of who I am came to me. It was not easy, still isn't.....its a work in progress that never ends.
Nice to hear from you

Rich g

Hi Rich
I'm so sorry... I didn't know about your fiancee... drugs just make me sick, They can steal your life so fast you don't even know it till it's to late...
I lost my brother from drugs, He got hep - B and died about ten years later. he wouldn't stop the drugs. if he did he would probably still be here...
But again sorry for your loss...

Melinda

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by Airhead1

Sup Rich, thanks for the post. Yea the horrible feeling does stink and it is easy just to relapse but part the mainI know I wont is that I lost something dear to me 2 days ago. My girlfriend of 6 years. She said she always felt second to everything. HA i wonder who was first. not to make a joke but I never really knew that is how i was until it really hit me.. she still does not really know the seriousness of my addiction... well I know everyone has a story and I hope mine can help somebody...well I am heading home from work in 1 hour....peace.

Hi Airhead1

LOL can we give you a new name it makes me laugh every time I say it...

Now about your girlfriend...I think you just need to get clean and go get her back...
Yes it's that easy...
That's my new motto...If you want something,, just go get it...
How are you feeling ?

Melinda

[Airhead1]

Hey Melinda, being dead honest I feel ok. I have a very high morale even though I can feel all the aches and pain that come. On my drive home i just kinda thought how short of a period of time 4-5 days is to get over that pain. In the end I am going to get her back and she is going to see a new me and that motivation and self pride wont let me slip. Do not get me wrong right now, I know the next 3 days will suck and tonights sleep will be rough. but sometimes the best things take to most sacrafice in order to understand the true meaning behind them. I know Ill make it and I want to show other people they can do if you have something to look forward too. I think most people do and do not realize it. I will be sober because I want to be sober...thats the attitude that i have....i love her to death and will do whatver to bring her back...

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by Airhead1

Hey Melinda, being dead honest I feel ok. I have a very high morale even though I can feel all the aches and pain that come. On my drive home i just kinda thought how short of a period of time 4-5 days is to get over that pain. In the end I am going to get her back and she is going to see a new me and that motivation and self pride wont let me slip. Do not get me wrong right now, I know the next 3 days will suck and tonights sleep will be rough. but sometimes the best things take to most sacrafice in order to understand the true meaning behind them. I know Ill make it and I want to show other people they can do if you have something to look forward too. I think most people do and do not realize it. I will be sober because I want to be sober...thats the attitude that i have....i love her to death and will do whatver to bring her back...

With that attitude you WILL get her back...
You definitely have what it takes to get clean...
That's the way I felt when I quit...Just get it behind me.
Hang in there it goes by pretty fast...
Talk to you soon, Melinda

[Airhead1]

ok, bout to go to bed. i do not feel to bad but i know when i close my eyes its going to be a struggle...i am so used to sleeping on pills like a baby...ok well i willl update my morning groggyness tommorow. i am not using any meds not even tylenol pm...goodnite to all..

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by Airhead1

ok, bout to go to bed. i do not feel to bad but i know when i close my eyes its going to be a struggle...i am so used to sleeping on pills like a baby...ok well i willl update my morning groggyness tommorow. i am not using any meds not even tylenol pm...goodnite to all..

Your doing great !!! Sleep well ....
Talk to you in the morning
Melinda

[python134r]

A-head, keep your focus, have a good night too
Rich g

[Airhead1]

Hey everyone, last night night was rough...has some anxiety going to bed but did end up falling asleep. however i did end up waking up twice in the middle of the night. Was not as bad as I thought. Day 2 is here and I feel like ******** again..took my vitamins and took the best hot shower of my life..wow what a difference...now I am at work and have slight flu symptons, the worst being the cold sweats. I will keep progress through the day... keeping busy really helps....

[Sue13]

I think you are amazing-you have such conviction about this! For me, day 2 was the worst-I probably drug myself out for 4 long walks, and took two hot showers, cryed and whined on here at 3 AM when I couldn't sleep.

Keep going, you are an inspiration to others.

Sue

[Airhead1]

Thanks Sue, as the day goes on I feel alittle bit better...work keeps everything in check.. I finallly spilled the beans to my girlfriend and mother. wow that hard but it was 2 years in the waiting...

[Airhead1]

To be dead honest, I feel good right now...I keep drinking water and coffee. the coffee is really working to keep me awake and active. Also I am really busy at work, so that helps.. I do not have the aches that I had yesterday but my nose runs constantly and my gastrol pains are in affect. I really do not have anxiety during the course of work. more when I try to go to bed. The thought is in the back on my mind but not as much as I would have thought. good luck to all and I will be back on later...

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by Airhead1

To be dead honest, I feel good right now...I keep drinking water and coffee. the coffee is really working to keep me awake and active. Also I am really busy at work, so that helps.. I do not have the aches that I had yesterday but my nose runs constantly and my gastrol pains are in affect. I really do not have anxiety during the course of work. more when I try to go to bed. The thought is in the back on my mind but not as much as I would have thought. good luck to all and I will be back on later...

Hi airhead
your doing great...I had the runny nose going on to for awhile.
but it finaly went away...
really proud of you...your kickin a$$ now you got one more day under your belt...
talk to you later, Melinda

[Airhead1]

Ok about to leave work and honestly I do not feel that bad...I spoke to some people that really boosted my mood. The physical W/D symptoms are there but I have had worse hangovers from alcohol so I can deal with it....The psychological aspect is there but not as bad as it was yesterday..since I know what it feels like I can cope. Now I know sleeping will suck again but you have to look at it this way...you will eventully fall asleep and wake up..it might take awhile but it will happen..ill write one more tonight and it will probably be after LOST>.....tv really helps as well....

[Airhead1]

Sorry it is still day 2....

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by Airhead1

Ok about to leave work and honestly I do not feel that bad...I spoke to some people that really boosted my mood. The physical W/D symptoms are there but I have had worse hangovers from alcohol so I can deal with it....The psychological aspect is there but not as bad as it was yesterday..since I know what it feels like I can cope. Now I know sleeping will suck again but you have to look at it this way...you will eventully fall asleep and wake up..it might take awhile but it will happen..ill write one more tonight and it will probably be after LOST>.....tv really helps as well....

Hi Airhead
I love the show lost,, Thank's for reminding me its' on...
You got 2 days down...Things are going to get better reel soon now...
When I did my w/d I liked to watch the lord of the rings...
When you get up tomorrow you will be on day 3...
Talk to you later, Melinda

[Robert_325]

Sounds like you have a good handle on this for only the second day. Usually after about day four things start lightening up some and by day six you'll feel like a different person than you feel today. When we think about how we abuse ourselves, giving up a week or so of our lives to be able to have some normalcy back is a heck of a deal. Personal relationships start improving again over time, everything starts getting real. You'll find yourself welcoming all feelings, the good and the bad, as all feelings are a natural part of life. Just hang in there and don't use no matter what. You never have to use again. That is very cool! God bless.

[Airhead1]

Well about to go to bed...still have flu like symptoms but mentally feel pretty good. I spoke to my girlfriend tonight..what a boost of morale....lost was good and so was unc game. Really took my mind off it...end of day 2 and I m feeling slightly better than yesterday..this is a complete mental game...

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by melinda7.5

Hi Rich
I'm so sorry... I didn't know about your fiancee... drugs just make me sick, They can steal your life so fast you don't even know it till it's to late...
I lost my brother from drugs, He got hep - B and died about ten years later. he wouldn't stop the drugs. if he did he would probably still be here...
But again sorry for your loss...

Melinda

I just wanted to fix this I'm being an airhead...
My Brother died from Hep - C contracted from IV drug use...
Not Hep-b.
Just couldn't let that one go...
Thanks, Melinda

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by Airhead1

Well about to go to bed...still have flu like symptoms but mentally feel pretty good. I spoke to my girlfriend tonight..what a boost of morale....lost was good and so was unc game. Really took my mind off it...end of day 2 and I m feeling slightly better than yesterday..this is a complete mental game...

Good Morning, Airhead
YEAH... ...DAY 3 ....
You are so right about this being a mental game...
But you seem to be pretty good at it...
Did you tell your girlfriend That you quit your drugs ??
Sorry ..LOL..Im a girl being nosey...
Hope you have a good day...

Melinda

[Airhead1]

OK well last night was the worst night of sleep in a while. I am guessing its what happens during this but mixed with stomach pains that wake you up at 3 am prettymuch suck...I have finally used one method from the thomas recipe and that is immodium...wow that helps...This morning feels about the same as yesterday....you feel like ******** in the morning and you eventually feel pretty good by the end of the day... symptoms are still there...runny nose, stomach pains... the aches are starting to fade though...for me the worst part is sleeping...it absolutly sux....if anyone knows how long it takes to sleep through a night without waking up all the time please let me know.....to answer melinda's question, yes I did tell her and she is with me on this...we are still technically on a break so I am still doing what I can to change and make it through this...for anyone who wants to get off this ******** and is not willing to feel like this, your in for a wake up call. I keep my morale up but you really have to fight through this....this site has really help me out because I believe you can not make it through unless someone you care about knows your doing this....it gives the process a little more worth...i will be on later to update. ...peace

[mitchigan]

Yes, the sleeping issue sucks! I'm over 30 days clean and still have problems. Still, a minor price to pay! Seems like alot of fresh air and exercise is the only thing that really helps me but I don't use any suppliments. My understanding is this can take months, but it is getting better, albeit slowly. As they say, nothing in life is free and I just look at it as the price I have to pay for all those years of euphoria...lol. But if this is what it take to be clean it's a bargin at ten times the price! Hang in there!

[Airhead1]

I feel real good today at work...its seems that most of psychological parts are during the morning and at night before bed.. I off tom and this weekend... I am going to start back at the gym to get some endorphins back in my brain... i am hoping this will help me sleep....Most of my friends are going to a ski trip this weekend and I am opted to stay home and be away from anything tempting....i really wish my runny nose and stomach would just chill out already...IF anyone knows a good way to fall asleep or stay asleep please let me know, but I do not want to use medication...later...

[Airhead1]

i found some marijuana still at my house...would it be ok to smoke before bed to make me sleep. it did a good job in the past...any advise if this is wise or not...