I started taking vicodin at the age of 15 and am now an unemployed 20 year old hoping to get my life back on track and kick this habit. It use to be an on and off thing but grew into an addiction. Since 2008 I have only been able to quit for 1 1/2 weeks at a time. The past 10 months have been the worst. I've only gone one day without having them and even that was complete hell. I freak out when I think I'm not going to get any and I have dreams about finding them in my house when I'm running low. It may not seem like a lot but I'm currently taking around 3-4 10/325 pills a day, everyday. Withdrawals completely kill me. The two things I struggle most with are anxiety and the inability to sleep. It drives me absolutely insane. The anxiety gets so bad that I just want to punch myself. I'm quitting cold turkey. I've heard exercise works wonders for the fatigue, which is something I'm going to try. I don't want to poison my body with any more prescription drugs to help with the withdrawals, no matter how bad they get. I feel that I'm too at risk at becoming addicted to something else as a replacement. I was wondering if anyone can offer advice on anything non-prescription that can help me with the withdrawals (anxiety, insomnia, malaise, depression, muscle aches). Vitamins, herbal supplements, natural home remedies, or anything non-drug related would be greatly appreciated.
Help with vicodin withdrawals? Are there any natural remedies?
- Asked
- 16 Aug 2011 by sugarsugarr
- Updated
- 1 July 2013
- Topics
- vicodin, withdrawal, addiction
Responses (5)
Hey sugarsugarr,
I recommend that you google the "Thomas recipe" for opiate withdrawal. It is a list of mostly over the counter medicines to help with opiate withdrawal. It does recommend a benzodizepine such as valium or xanax, but you would not have to get a script for that. You might also consider tapering off the vicodin particularly since you are not taking that many. If you slowly reduce your dosage over time you can avoid most of the withdrawals. Just a thought, if you would like a taper plan, would be glad to help.
Best wishes,
Laurie
Hi Sugar. I am currently on my second cold turkey attempt from a 6 year vicodin addiction. My first attempt was like going to hell and back, and believe me when I tell you I sometimes think I'm crazy to be back here again, but addiction is strong and the withdrawls are the strongest test of your will you will ever have. It's hard to go cold turkey without some kind of prescribed drug. The only one I have used however is a sleeping aid, which they have plenty of natural ones for you to take since you don't want to take anything prescribed. Hardly anything is going to help you with your craving and the restless leg syndrome that probably drives you more insane at night. It's almost 4am now and I am still awake even after taking my trusty sleeping aid, but then again its only day three, which peaks tremendously.
I was watching Dr. Oz yesterday & they said California Poppy was a great natural remedy for nerve & muscle pain. It's supposed to be a great replacement for pain killers, I proferen, etc. it also helps with insomnia. 3/4 of a tsp right before bed. I ordered mine yesterday-hope it works:)
Meaning, a head shop...
Further Information
- Vicodin Information for Consumers
- Vicodin Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Vicodin (detailed)
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Laurie, I'm a 38 yr old male looking for some unanswered questions. I would b one of those people who died of something because he was too embarrassed to ask. I seen you were talking about a tapering plan to discontinue vicodin. I have the addiction and want help! Any help would be greatly Appericiated... Thank you...
Hey,
I'm here to help. I'll need to know how much and how often you are taking the vicodin in order to help with a schedule. I will "friend" you and if you prefer, you can send me a private message.
Laurie
Hi Laurie, my name is Jared. You said you would "friend" me... yes please do. I just signed up on this site today so if im alittle slow please be patient! Lol :) Im still tryin t figure out the basics... i DO WANT t work this with you!
Hey Laurie i added you as a friend but it wont let me ask any questions. I'll just wait for a response from you...
Please be careful and speak to your Dr when addicted for that long to any substance. Remember we ask patients to tell us when they are going to diet and exercise. Some Meds and some time frames are just too dangerous to do . LS is a great person but remember please this is a random website with people you do not know as well as other sites giving info on Internet
Be well and Be safe
D
Please be careful and speak to your Dr first
d
Dannian, thank you for your concern!! Very much. :)
Hey J, I'm here. If you click on my icon you can send me a private message.
Hey Laurie, it won't let me ask a question. It says that you need t make me a friend first... I'm just looking for a good way t start this withdraw. The max I'm up to 8 pills (10m) a day. Been about 2 1/2 yrs maybe 3. Back injury.
Hey Laurie I saw you posted about tapering off. I take about 6 vicoden a day (750mg). 3 around noon and 3 before bed. I have just about every withdrawal there is and it drives me crazy. What would you recommend for tapering off? Thanks!
First let me explain that vicodin is a shorter-acting drug, 4-6 hrs. So you need to space your dosages out to three times a day. Then every week remove one pill. Keep the pills spaced out to every 4-6 hours until you get to the final 2 a day for a week, then one a day for a week, then stop. You'll avoid most of the discomfort this way. Anyway, questions? don't hesitate to ask.