[Brian]

Hello everyone,
I am trying to quit painkillers (oxycontin is the one that is hurting the most). I realize several things about quiting. One is that you have to do it for yourself or it is very easy to go back to it. My life has been going out of control with money, family, and school. I really want to change. Although I have quit several times for time periods of 2 weeks and 1 week, I find myself always around it since the friends I had since young are all in it and not ready to quit. I see that as my biggest problem. I am getting better but still doing it which has potential for disaster. I guess I joined this forum to hear it from people who have been in my situation. Usually you go to friends for problems, but they ALL have the same problem and aren't ready to quit. I have seen the worst out of the people I thought the best of. Four of my friends went to jail, 3 for at least 10 years each, and many others in terrible condition. I will not end up like them. Does anyone have anything to say. It is great to hear from all people, but its hard to listen to someone who has not been in an addiction situation.
To end on something inspirational and very relevant
"The mind is a lousy master, but a wonderful servant"
Ready and Willing,
Brian

[Brian]

Hello everyone,
I am trying to quit painkillers (oxycontin is the one that is hurting the most). I realize several things about quiting. One is that you have to do it for yourself or it is very easy to go back to it. My life has been going out of control with money, family, and school. I really want to change. Although I have quit several times for time periods of 2 weeks and 1 week, I find myself always around it since the friends I had since young are all in it and not ready to quit. I see that as my biggest problem. I am getting better but still doing it which has potential for disaster. I guess I joined this forum to hear it from people who have been in my situation. Usually you go to friends for problems, but they ALL have the same problem and aren't ready to quit. I have seen the worst out of the people I thought the best of. Four of my friends went to jail, 3 for at least 10 years each, and many others in terrible condition. I will not end up like them. Does anyone have anything to say. It is great to hear from all people, but its hard to listen to someone who has not been in an addiction situation.
To end on something inspirational and very relevant
"The mind is a lousy master, but a wonderful servant"
Ready and Willing,
Brian

[JBowski13]

Lat,

I respect what you have to say because you've been through it and your opinion counts. Some people on here like to talk out thier arse, and its annoying. I had to call you out because that dikhead Miles reads books and thinks he knows whats going on. No hard feelings. I was in australia for a month, you know Marquette university outside sydney.

[Miles]

Hunterdog:

To a certain extent you and I share a similar perspective on the consequences of psychiatric labeling on the individual and the social system. However, I hold that much of this is more a matter of metaphorical language than medicine (see my 3/10 posting on this depression board).

You write "...the body, not just the mind, becomes physically dependent on the drugs." What is "the mind?" We certainly cannot see it or touch it as we can the brain and other bodily organs. At autopsy, we search for lesions (diseases) to help us understand disease pathology. We cannot do that with the mind. Only as a verb does the word "mind" name something in the real world, i.e., attending or heeding.

Minding is the ability to pay attention and adapt to one's environment by using language to communicate with others and oneself. Viewing the "mind" as a potentially infinite variety of self-conversations is the key that unlocks many of the mysteries we associate with this concept. Contemporary neuroscience is a misdirected effort to explain "mind" in terms of brain functions. The claims and conclusions of those who do so undermine the concepts of moral agency and personal responsibility.

The cognitive function of speech is to enable us to talk not only to others but to ourselves (i.e., to be our own interlocutor) and that the view that mind is brain (embraced by both the scientific community and the popular press) is not an empirical finding but a rhetorical ruse concealing humanity's unceasing struggle to control persons by controlling their vocabulary.

The discourse of brain-mind, unlike the discourse of man as moral agent, protects people from the dilemmas intrinsic to holding themselves responsible for their own actions and holding others responsible for theirs. Because we live in an age blessed by the fruits of materialist science, reductionist explanations of the relationship between brain and mind are more popular than ever.

As Thomas Szasz states, "There is no psychology; there is only biography and autobiography."

Regards,
Miles

[Hunterdog]

Miles:

I stand corrected. I meant to say that the grain and the body become physically addicted to opiates. Just an aside. Do nt be deceived into thinking that all diseases, (again, I use the term as the state in which any body part no longer functions as created), can be viewed with the human eye, even upon autopsy. The human body and the human brain are more complex than virtually anybody can envision.

As a for instance; Just the slightest, inperceptable change in the genetic code contained within the dna molocule will create horrific consequences, like say cycle cell anemia. While we can see the results, it is virtually impossible to see (at least with the human eye) the cause.

None the less, for the most part I agree with your scathing indictment of the Pshychological Community. To catagorically state that "Nothing is ever your fault" is a disservice to all of humanity.

So, in closing, I would simply state that with respect to drug addiction, regardless of the cause (that is to say whether the addiction was caused by recreational use of the drugs or as the result of taking the medication for very real physical problems), the result is none the less the same. A physical addiction. For the purposes of addiction, I make no real difference between the brain and the rest of the body. They both will no longer function as created and when the opiate is removed, withdrawal is the inevitable result. Untill and unless the drugs are removed for a substantial amount of time, the brain remains altered. Thousands and thousands of M.D.s agree that the pain receptors remain altered for a substantial amount of time, even after ceasing use.

Intelligent discourse on the subject is essential. You are clearly well schooled, articulate and for the most part, right on in your assesment of the Psycholigical Community.

Hunterdog

[Hunterdog]

O.K., O.K.......... I really need to proof my responses before O post.

I meant to say, "I make no distinction between the mind and the brain, not grain". DOH!

Hunterdog

[Hunterdog]

Brian:

You have mad a monumental, essential discovery with respect to getting clean. As the Bible puts it;

"Don't be deceived, bad company corrupts good morals." We would all like to think that we are strong enough to resist peer pressure. The fact is, very few are.

I know it is difficult but, it is essential that you jettison those who are dragging you down. It is folly to embark on such a crucial, crucial endeavor while holding fast to the anchor which will cause your demise. Your very first obligation is to yourself, not to others. If your circle of "friends" will not be helped, will not seek help, you have no other option other than to vote with your feet. To continue to associate with others who are still using, (recreationally) is to doom any chances of success. I suspect, based upon your post, that in your heart of hearts, you already know this.

One other thing. Even if you do remove yourself from these external influences, the one thing you will always take with you, no matter where you go, is yourself. Getting rid of excess baggage is only half the remedy. The other half is to resolve, and I mean really resolve, to no matter what, never, ever use again.

Today is day number 9 for me of being totally clean. I am here to tell you how great it feels to be clean. I am amazed at how clearly the brain functions once the withdrawals are over.

Lastly, while it can be done without medical assistance, I would never, ever recommend that avenue. There are many, many Doctors who specialize in addiction and addictive behavior and who can prescribe medications that will almost totally aleviate the withdrawals. Personally, I used the Catapres #2 Transdermal Patch. Initally, I used two patches at the same time. I am now down to one and will soon be off them all together. I experienced a bit or Restless Legs, (especially at night) and altered sleeping patterns. Honestly though, they were minor in magnitude and are now almost completely gone. The first 5 days were the only difficult period.

Good luck my friend. The reward for taking decisive action is beyond anything I could ever hope to articulate here. I hope you persue it with much vigor and tremendous resolve. Keep us posted.

Hunterdog

[Miles]

Hunterdog:

I understand. However, I have been trained to see disease as a bodily lesion, not as a malfunction of an organ/system. If malfunctioning were the qualifying criterion for disease, then my 88-year old grandfather would be diseased because he is impotent. Language is indeed a powerful tool (no pun intended)!

Take care,
Miles

[Hunterdog]

Miles:

Let's agree to disagree then. I for one don't think it is inappropriate to define any condition, even in your example as one that is age related as disease. Is the arthritic joint, even when that arthritis is just age realted, disease? I think so.

Rather than focus on where we do not agree however, let's agree on what we can. Yes, words do carry very specific meanings. I still maintain and stand by my previous definition of disease. I think most, if not all M.D.'s would agree.

Hunterdog

[The Coach]

MILES, MENTAL MIDGET? YOU STILL HAVE NOT RESPONDED TO ANY OF MY POSTS. SO WHO IS THE MENTAL MIDGET? WHAT DOES SELF ESTEEM HAVE TO DO WITH WHAT I WROTE? SEEMS TO ME YOU ARE THE ONE SKIRTING OTHER PEOPLES OPINIONS, SO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS. YOU BLAST EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT AGREE WITH YOUR DEFINITIONS, IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT LANGUAGE YOU USE TO BLAST SOMEONE, YOU ARE STILL BLASTING THEM. IT SEEMS TO ME YOU PUT THESE DISCUSSIONS IN THE SIMPLEST TERMS WITH THE MOST CONVENIENT DEFINITIONS, UNLESS YOU DO NOT ANSWER AT ALL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME THE COACH. ONE OTHER THING AN ASSHOLE IS AN ASSHOLE UNTIL PROVEN DIFFERENT.

[Melia]

Just a bit of advise for all of you getting worked up over what Miles is saying and doing on the message board. It is quite obvious he all words with very little constructive input. He is pressing your buttons and playing you all, and you are playing his childish game. If you want him to go away, ignore him, stop responding to him, say nothing. Like every other child I know who plays these silly little games, they eventually 1) get bored and go home (or away in this case) or 2) they learn this type of game does not make friends and learn to play nice.

I will not play his game and will not respond to his temper-mails. So don't count on a response from me on this matter.

[sd200172]

Hi My girlfriend was addicted to oxy and has been clean for a year what are the lasting after effects can anyone help me?

[Cybergod8]

Hello,

I have read all the post's and Im glad I found this forum, I have been on Oxycontin for 4 1/2 years, I was in a real serious accident in which I got ran over by both tires of a car, I don't want to get to much into that It could take months..lol... Anyways I have been off painkillers for about 31/2 weeks now. The first 5-7 days were hell! I just locked myself in my spare bedroom and tried to sleep, I made myself sleep for like 3 days, I was going crazy! I was crawling on the floor looking for pain pills I may have dropped, I found like 10 of them in all corners of the house, so that made me relapse, so I locked myself in the room again, this time I didn't come out. I told my wife that I was addicted to pain killers, she already knew It but it was good for me to admit it, I was throwing up, having sweats, nightmares, I didn't eat for like 3 days! I was dreaming about those dam pills 24/7! I never expected to become addicted to something my doc had prescribed to me, I never even heard of the addiction problems untill it was to late, I was always the guy who laughed and said that would never happen to me. I took them to do everything, If I didn't have them I couldn't function, I started abusing them when I started working long hours, hell I was on top of the world make $2000-$3000 a day and the reason I had that energy was because of the pills, atleast thats what I thought, I didn't see it as a problem, I have severe pain my doc kept upping the dossage and hell is far as I knew everything was ok, then I started to eat like 10-15 a day , ran out early and had to goto the doctors to get more, I made up every lie I could to get them, I am a hell of salesmen plus being an addicted there was no stopping me. That continued for 3 years or so finnally my doc caught on and cut me off. It was the worst day of my life, I was so mad I couldn't see straight. Of sourse I could call up my "buddy's" and get more but they are not my friends, if they were they sure as hell wouldn't give me or sell me pills. I once even faked an injury and went to the hospital to get pain meds! Its so crazy! Anyways I could write for hours about all the ******** I did. So back to the withdrawls, there is no need to goto the hospital because all they will do for you is put you with a bunch of people that have mental health issues, your not comfortable, the food sucks, and you cant sleep or stay clean because you don't want to touch anything in that hell hole, So I decided to do it at home, Locked myself in the room, sweated,puked,dirrea,nightmares,dreams of the pills, It was hell! after day 6 I felt that I could come out my the room, I didn't want to speak to anyone but hell I was out of the room. Then started the dam mind games, Of wanting them, you can't stop thinking about them, so I went out and got drunk, that made me feel 100 times worse the next day, So I swore off liquor too. Its been 1 1/2 months since I last got high, and I am still craving the dam things... So my question is, can Suboxone help with that or is just for the physical, and if I can get it since I've been off for that long? Thanks sorry for the miss spelling's, I was typing fast//

[bassplayer]

I was wondering if anyone here has been addicted to Ultram or Tramadol. As a 20-year-old owner of an online pharmacy, I've haven't lost my morality; and I'm trying to take some steps to help people understand what they might be getting into. For example, I have a warning on the description page for Ultram, but I'm not sure that is enough. Should I remove the drugs?

I see many people talking about Oxycontin and Hydrocodone, tc., but not Ultram/Tramadol. So, I need to know something: Are there many people who had trouble with Ultram and Tramadol? If so, it would only make sense to remove those medications from my website. Please tell me your story.

Ian Mason
www.shoppe.md

[stacem30]

Ian,

As a previously medicated tramadol person I will tell you, and so will MANY others, that Ultram/Tramadol is EXTREMELY addictive. More that physically addictive, although it IS physically addictive, it is mentally addictive! It gives people a great false sense of well being and when that drug is gone you feel like ****! You can read through here and look at all the posts. There are actually quite a few that discuss the above mentioned medication. And as far as taking it off of your site....after reading and gathering info, it's to your discretion hun.
Have a good one!
Stace

[GIBGINA]

quote:Originally posted by Doggy

So if she is on the hydrocodone before her appointment then what? How long will it take for her to be clean without any withrawals? She is hoping to be clean within 3 weeks from the appointment next week. She is scared...very scared. She is scared to have the withdrawals. She also gets panicky when she has tried to go off of it before also no sleep unless she takes the hydrocodone before she goes to bed as well. I will be there with her every step of the way that is for sure but I am just trying to educate myself as much as possible beofre next week. Thanks again for all your help and support...especially you Mitzu. I guess I just have so many questions but I know everyone tolerates things differently.

I can really sympthize with your friend. I am doing my addiction the same way she is but I haven't even told a friend yet. I was wondering how long she had been on them and how many a day, to compare my situation with hers? I would appreciate your answers for I am new at this? Thank you!

[bassplayer]

Hi Stace,

Thanks for letting me know. I'm pretty mad now, since
I thought maybe I wasn't doing a disservice to people
by offering those drugs on Shoppe.MD. From the way you
and other people describe Ultram/Tramadol, the bad effects
are basically no better than any other painkiller.

I'm going to make a point about them ASAP.

Thanks!

Ian Mason
www.shoppe.md

[Miles]

To the Critics of Personal Responsibility and My Postings:

Most get it, some don't. Some live out where the buses don't run - you know who you are. We can't put all of you away - we'll keep a few around... just for the entertainment value.

Here goes one more shot across the bow in the name of responsibility and true freedom: There is no blood or other biological test to ascertain the presence or absence of a mental illness (e.g., "depression" for a few posters at this site), as there is for most bodily diseases. If such a test were developed (for what, theretofore, had been considered a psychiatric illness), then the condition would cease to be a mental illness and would be classified, instead, as a symptom of a bodily disease. If schizophrenia, for example, turns out to have a biochemical cause and cure, schizophrenia would no longer be one of the diseases for which a person would seek psychiatric treatment. In fact, it would then be treated by neurologists, and psychiatrists then have no more to do with it than they do with Glioblastoma, Parkinsonism, and other diseases of the brain.

Belief in mental illness as a disease of the brain is a negation of the distinction between persons as social beings and bodies as physical objects. The supposed biological disease underlying psychologically mediated disturbance is a myth.

Literalizing the metaphor of mental illness by suggesting that it has a physical basis serves as the justification for psychiatric interventions and institutions. The biomedical hypothesis seems to function as an apology for psychiatric practice. It needs to be defended and promoted because it appears to provide the foundation for psychiatric intervention and treatment.

Deviant behavior is freedom of choice. Autonomy implies that individuals own their own bodies and should be free to do with them whatever they like, provided they don't harm others. This includes taking drugs and committing suicide.

When metaphor is mistaken for reality and is used for social purposes, then we have the makings of a myth. The concepts of mental health and mental illness are mythological concepts, used strategically to advance some social interests and to retard others, much as national and religious myths have been used in the past.

Much of what passes for mental illness nowadays is actually the result of fearfulness and timidity. We speak of "the wages of sin," which are no doubt real enough. By the same token, we should speak of "the wages of fear": the fear to be, the fear to live and to die, the fear to be wrong, the fear to be envied or pitied, the fear to be different. Their wages are the multitudinous self-inhibitions we call mental illness.

Yours in Freedom,
Miles

[stacem30]

No problem Ian,

They will probably be banning the sale of this medication soon anyway due to the addiction problems it's causing among people. It's good that you're staying informed and concerned for your clients in this matter.
Have a good day.
Stace

[gingin]

I really like to have anyone's opinion! I have been on Hydrocodone for 1 year and 3 months at 5-6 per day. I haven't tried to quit yet, I would like to know your opinion before I try..... Do you think I am addicted? ... What withdrawal would I have and for how long?

Thank you [:I]

[PoppyQueen]

Yes, I think you're addicted. I've been taking hydro's in the form of Vicoprofen for four straight years. I have not gone a single day without them. First year I took 4 a day, second year I took 5 a day, third year I took 6 a day, and now I'm taking 10 and better cut back immediately if I want these to last. If a drug store gives me trouble with filling the script, I start to panic. My mood changes whenever I'm running low, and when I'm stocked up, I'm pretty happy. Does that sound like you? I know I'm addicted. I take them whether I have pain or not. I take them when I'm angry, I take them when I'm happy. I take them to cook a meal, I take them to go shopping, I take them to go to work. You name it. Every event is an opportunity to take a pill. Try cutting your dose in half and see what happens. I've read that the best way to withdraw is to cut your dosage by 20% increments. All sounds good on paper.[V] Tell me what you think...

[mpvt]

Your more likely to be told that your dependant on them,if your telling me that your taking them as prescribed.If you tried to quit cold turkey you would probably suffer withdrawls......Dave

[Hunterdog]

gingin:

If you have taken these meds for any length of time in excess of a few weeks, the inevitable result is a physical dependence........even if you took them exactly as prescribed. There simply is no way to avoid addiction if that consumption has been daily, especially for as long a period as you indicate.

The severity of withdrawals are in direct correlation to how long you have been taking the drug and the daily dosage that you ingest. I would suspicion, based upon the information which you have provided that the withdrawals would be substantial. Having said that however, there are a few things that you can do to minimize those withdrawals.

First of all, you can GRADUALLY decrease your daily intake. A good rule of thumb is to reduce your daily intake by no more than 10% / week. There are also many good medications which will almost completely eliminate the withdrawal symptoms. Personally I used the Catapress #2 transdermal patch. It is a sort of "middle of the road" product. A more powerful product would be suboxane (sp?). I have not used it so can't speak from a first hand experience. I will say however that many on this board have used it and offer only glowing reports.

I WOULD NOT recommend Methadone. The benefits offered by it are far outweighed by the drawbacks which are horrific.

Today is day number 14 for me being 100% clean after almost 4 years of heavy, heavy use of Norcos (10-15 / day). I, as many others are on this board, am living proof that it can be done. Yes, I do have moderate pain occasionally but the clarity of thought and mental focus that I am able to now direct toward daily life is so superior to the Norcos!

Good luck. If you have the sort of relationship with your Doctor where you can be open with him / her, I would strongly encourage you to consult with them and solicit their assistance in fighting this demon.

Keep us posted of your progress.


Hunterdog

[Hunterdog]

gingin:

After rereading your post, it occurred to me that I did not fully answer your question.

The fairly standard symptoms of withdrawal from any opiate are:
Loss of sleep, restless or "crazy-legs" especially at night, hot and cold sweats, a general sense of dread, many, many flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, vomiting, sneezing and a general feeling of...........well, feeling like #%$@.

Over the counter products like Immodium are great for the constant trips to the bathroom. These symptoms will be aweful for the 1st 5-6 days. Attempted without medical assistance, your prospects of success is slim..............very slim. It can be done but it will be the worst experience of your life.

Having said all that, these symproms are worst if you attempt cold turkey without any tappering prior to the withdrawals.

Lastly, if you were taking these meds and were obtaining them from a licensed doctor, they have an obligation to assist in getting you off of them. More and more Doctors recognize their obligations and are perfectly willing to assist you. My Doctor was great, In addition to the Catapress, he prescribed anti-nausea medications. One of the side benefits of the anti-nausea medication was that it really helped with the sleep.

After the initial week, things will gradually improve. At day 14, I am no longer on the patch. My sleep pattern is still ugly but it is improving with each passing day. I know that I am past the worst of it.

Again, keep us posted of your progress. There are many on this board who were or are where you are. A sympathetic ear is a great help in these matters.


Hunterdog

[mpvt]

Congrads Hunterdog on your successful recovery,it takes alot of guts and determination to quit opiates and you should be proud.....Dave

[jazmin]

quote:Originally posted by mpvt

I am a 25 year addict and I can tell you all that are trying to kick the pills that after you do stop taking them(which has a very low success rate if you do it by yourself) then you have a mental problem to deal with.You must remember that the reason you started to abuse your pills was for the euphoric effect.These people are right when they say to go to a pain spec or subox or even methadone.Just remember that methadone is a long term treatment where sub isn't.I have been on methadone for 3 years now and for me it saved my life.I used to take 120 percocets in a day,I was taking demerol for over 10 years(500mgs every 3 hrs), by the time I got some help I was taking 3000mgs of morphine/day and believe me after 5 years or so of abusing narcotics you lose thier euphoric effect.I could take 25 percocets and I would hardly feel a thing.What happened to me was after about 5-6 years I just curled upon the couch and didn't move much for the next 15 years (except to get more pills of course).It is a terrible life to lead and I encourage all of you to seek help.......If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to try and answer them for you........Have a good day.....Dave

my name is brit and i've been addicted 2 percs as i guess u all call them 4 about a year and a half now,and feel as though im only able 2 funtion on them.reading these stories are like reading about myself!i can relate to all of them in almost every way.im so glad im not alone and so gratefull that i found this message board.it started out on darvocets 4 a back injury then my pain got worse so the doc introdused me 2 the worse habit of my life,4 now i feel i cant funtion w/o them.i want my life back but feel i cant be happy unless im on the pills.each time i stop taking them,i give in to the withdrawls and pop pills again.im so happy and feel i can do anything while on them but its getting to the point where i really dont get the high anymore.maybe thats good i think cause then i think maybe i can get off them easier but then i just increase my dose.i get 120 of the 10/650 a month but those only last about a month,pretty dam bad,huh?im only 26 and dont wanna die.im scared of what im doing to my liver as well.im to ashamed to admit my prob 2 the doc cause at the same time i wanna stay on them.im also scared of dealing with life w/o the good feelings they bring me.what should i do?im scared that if i do tell the doctor that he will make me go cold turkey!i go 2 a pain managment clinic now,but have went doctor shopping in the past couple of months and when they find out im scared they will not wanna help me at all.im so confused its crazy.i know 1 thing and that is that i wish i never started these demon pills and that when i do finally get off i wont even as much as take an asprin!!!please somebody give me some input before i give up and go 2 far.thanks and god bless all of u and good luck 2 u who find the courage 2 quit and succeed. brittany

[Hunterdog]

Brittany:

I don't know what type of relationship you have with your Doctor but most, (not all, but most) Doctors are very understanding. I would doubt that you are the first patient he / she has heard of that has developed a dependency on the drugs. With medical help, it is relatively easy to quit. Without it, it is a hell that you don't want to attempt.

It can be done! I myself still experience a little pain now and again but I would characterize it is minor...........especially compared to the drugs and the hold they have on our lives.

Remember, your physical dependence is not your fault. Anybody would get addicted to opiates after any more than a few weeks of daily use. Even if you have taken the drugs exactly as prescribed. Left untreated, your dependence and tollerance will only escelate. It is unavoidable.

If you consult with your Doctor and he / she "cuts you off", there are other sources for treatment. I doubt they would however. The medical community is becoming ever increasingly aware of the problem of opiate addiction. To a large degree, the Doctors must face their own culpability in the matter.

Please keep us posted about your progress. There are many on this board who are a wealth of information and can offer great advice. Ultimately however, you will have to find the resolve and strength within yourself to quit. The rewards of doing so are substantial.


Hunterdog

[jazmin]

quote:Originally posted by Hunterdog

Brittany:

I don't know what type of relationship you have with your Doctor but most, (not all, but most) Doctors are very understanding. I would doubt that you are the first patient he / she has heard of that has developed a dependency on the drugs. With medical help, it is relatively easy to quit. Without it, it is a hell that you don't want to attempt.

It can be done! I myself still experience a little pain now and again but I would characterize it is minor...........especially compared to the drugs and the hold they have on our lives.

Remember, your physical dependence is not your fault. Anybody would get addicted to opiates after any more than a few weeks of daily use. Even if you have taken the drugs exactly as prescribed. Left untreated, your dependence and tollerance will only escelate. It is unavoidable.

If you consult with your Doctor and he / she "cuts you off", there are other sources for treatment. I doubt they would however. The medical community is becoming ever increasingly aware of the problem of opiate addiction. To a large degree, the Doctors must face their own culpability in the matter.

Please keep us posted about your progress. There are many on this board who are a wealth of information and can offer great advice. Ultimately however, you will have to find the resolve and strength within yourself to quit. The rewards of doing so are substantial.


Hunterdog

my name is brit and i've been addicted 2 percs as i guess u all call them 4 about a year and a half now,and feel as though im only able 2 funtion on them.reading these stories are like reading about myself!i can relate to all of them in almost every way.im so glad im not alone and so gratefull that i found this message board.it started out on darvocets 4 a back injury then my pain got worse so the doc introdused me 2 the worse habit of my life,4 now i feel i cant funtion w/o them.i want my life back but feel i cant be happy unless im on the pills.each time i stop taking them,i give in to the withdrawls and pop pills again.im so happy and feel i can do anything while on them but its getting to the point where i really dont get the high anymore.maybe thats good i think cause then i think maybe i can get off them easier but then i just increase my dose.i get 120 of the 10/650 a month but those only last about a month,pretty dam bad,huh?im only 26 and dont wanna die.im scared of what im doing to my liver as well.im to ashamed to admit my prob 2 the doc cause at the same time i wanna stay on them.im also scared of dealing with life w/o the good feelings they bring me.what should i do?im scared that if i do tell the doctor that he will make me go cold turkey!i go 2 a pain managment clinic now,but have went doctor shopping in the past couple of months and when they find out im scared they will not wanna help me at all.im so confused its crazy.i know 1 thing and that is that i wish i never started these demon pills and that when i do finally get off i wont even as much as take an asprin!!!please somebody give me some input before i give up and go 2 far.thanks and god bless all of u and good luck 2 u who find the courage 2 quit and succeed. brittany

[jazmin]

hi this message is to hunterdog,ty so much 4 your input,i wanted to let you know where im at now,-i did some checking and some calling around,and desided to ask about the subsodone med or whatever it is called.but in the state of iowa that drug is not yet available to us iowans,so instead had no choice but to give the methadone a shot.they started me on 30mg and uped it 10mg each day,and now im on 70mg.id like to know any info you have on this med as i know nothing about it.!i always thought it was only 4 herion addicts,but as i am told it is also widly used for opiate users.i only used percocet for 2 yrs but about 20 a day!!!i will not go cold turkey as i did this many times before,and it is hell,i cant make it past the 6th day!and i have to work so i feel giving this methadone a try is my only option now...so far i've had no w/d at all and still feel good,no cravings at all i dont even think about the pills at all!thats a miricle 4 me!!!but makes me wonder y i feel so good and how its so damn easy if its not a narcotic as they tell me...?can u please,please give me some advise,as i feel so proud of myself 4 finally being drug free for the first time in 3 years!!!!!!!!!!!!but something just dont feel right about the whole thing.oh ya,and im soooooooooooooo damn tired that i have to slap myself in the face to keep my eyes open,but i tell myself that its all worth it,because im off the devil pills!anyone with advise,please get back to me or email me at domino9885@aol.com...ty brittany

my name is brit and i've been addicted 2 percs as i guess u all call them 4 about a year and a half now,and feel as though im only able 2 funtion on them.reading these stories are like reading about myself!i can relate to all of them in almost every way.im so glad im not alone and so gratefull that i found this message board.it started out on darvocets 4 a back injury then my pain got worse so the doc introdused me 2 the worse habit of my life,4 now i feel i cant funtion w/o them.i want my life back but feel i cant be happy unless im on the pills.each time i stop taking them,i give in to the withdrawls and pop pills again.im so happy and feel i can do anything while on them but its getting to the point where i really dont get the high anymore.maybe thats good i think cause then i think maybe i can get off them easier but then i just increase my dose.i get 120 of the 10/650 a month but those only last about a month,pretty dam bad,huh?im only 26 and dont wanna die.im scared of what im doing to my liver as well.im to ashamed to admit my prob 2 the doc cause at the same time i wanna stay on them.im also scared of dealing with life w/o the good feelings they bring me.what should i do?im scared that if i do tell the doctor that he will make me go cold turkey!i go 2 a pain managment clinic now,but have went doctor shopping in the past couple of months and when they find out im scared they will not wanna help me at all.im so confused its crazy.i know 1 thing and that is that i wish i never started these demon pills and that when i do finally get off i wont even as much as take an asprin!!!please somebody give me some input before i give up and go 2 far.thanks and god bless all of u and good luck 2 u who find the courage 2 quit and succeed. brittany

[stacem30]

Brittany,

Hun I'm so very sorry for you. You are NOT drug free. You are on the most horrible of synthetic opiates! If you think it was aweful coming off of perc withdrawels, wait until you try and kick this methadone! It's a demon drug, as most call it. It is the worst medication of anything to withdrawel off of, as I've experienced it and the rehab hospital told me. It's a synthetic form of heroin and worse than even heroin to come off of, even if you're tapered down to 1 mg. per day and then taken off. I don't mean to scare you hun, but I guess in a way I'd like to because if you haven't been on this but for a week or so, RUN! Get off of it and get help! I was beggin to die and after 4 months of being off of it am still feeling the horrible depression and everything from it. Eventually you'll feel numbness in your arms, hands or legs. You'll find it hard to talk to people because you become horribly scatter brained. People make jokes about methadone users all the time that you can't carry on a conversation with them because it makes you stupid. I just don't want ANYONE to take this stuff. Those clinics are after people's money. They treat people on opiates because they want your $12.00 per day or whatever you're paying. I just don't want anyone to get sucked into this. Especially if you weren't an IV drug user on heroin. Methadone does serve a purpose for those that were needle users on heroine to keep from spreading disease and causing illegal problems. However for a regular pill popper like us, it's aweful! You can't imagine it. I know, people told me and I didn't believe them and went for it. And I found out the hard way. I was begging to die coming off that ********. Please babe, give it a very strong second thought. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at stacem30@hotmail.com.
TAke care,
Stace