addiction to pain killers

exactly150 · 07-30-2007, 08:36 AM

I have been on pain killers for two years. Yes, I'm still in pain, but I need to get off of them. How in the world can it be done? When 8 or 10 hours pass since the last dose, I can feel the craving for more pills. Who would ever think that me, a 51 year old fat housewife, would get addicted to these?

wcdgemini · 08-02-2007, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exactly150

I have been on pain killers for two years. Yes, I'm still in pain, but I need to get off of them. How in the world can it be done? When 8 or 10 hours pass since the last dose, I can feel the craving for more pills. Who would ever think that me, a 51 year old fat housewife, would get addicted to these?

There is a wonderful new drug to help with opiate (pain killers) withdraw. Its called Saboxone. It is usually given during the first week of rehab for the withdraws. I know there are some doctors who can give this to you on an out patient basis. Check with your health care provider or do a google search for a doctor in your area. Trust me it works very well. Good luck to you.

exactly150 · 08-02-2007, 03:47 PM

Thank you so much for the information - I'm going to the doctor tomorrow to ask for it. I'm trying to do it on my own, but I just can't. Thanks, Deb

wcdgemini · 08-02-2007, 06:34 PM

Don't panic if he says he cant perscribe them to you. If that happens look online for a Doctor who can. I'm not sure if all doctors can. I would highly suggest getting support to quit as well. Find a good group and attend meetings. If you dont mind me asking, which pain pills are you on?

psigna · 08-02-2007, 07:54 PM

I just wanted to say that My brother was addicted to pain killers for so many years. In and out of rehab, the story goes.

Last year he went into a Christian based rehab, and he has now been clean this coming August 7 for one year.

Sunday he broke his arm, and he is having alot of pain, but he is being strong, and made sure to tell the drs that he could not take any narcotics. He is also a waiter, so a broken arm makes that difficult.

Get a good support system, and do not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. You can do it, and I will say prayer for you. I have seen my brother struggle to get his life together, and you can do it.

exactly150 · 08-03-2007, 06:35 AM

Two years ago, when I was 49, I had a series of back surgeries to fix a severe scoliosis problem. Then, a year later, I came down with rheumatoid arthritis, and I just had a knee replacement several months ago. I can't seem to break free from all this pain all over my body. I was told I have fatty liver disease, so I have to stop as many meds as possible, including the Norco I take three times a day, since it has tylenol in it. I am trying on my own, but I just can't. When 8 or 10 hours rolls around since the last pill, my body is screaming for it.
I think I will join a 12 step program. Or, I will ask the doc to put me in rehab for a few weeks in our local hospital. I'm really afraid to feel the withdrawal from this stuff. It's really a powerful urge that comes over you.

I have no idea how I am going to live day by day with all this pain, though. Deb

ny_shelly · 08-22-2007, 05:19 PM

Hi -
How is this going?

A couple of thoughts - I think it will be hard to get off the pain pills if you are still in total pain. Can you possibly get enrolled in a Pain Management program through your doctor? Is there a way that swimming can help with the pain management? Are there any anti-inflammatory meds that won't affect the liver? Sometimes steroid shots can help. Sometimes those electrical stimulation machines can help with pain, too.

I've been addicted to pain pills 2x - both after back surgeries. The first time it was really bad because I was on Demoral for several months before the doctor finally conceded that I needed the surgery.

I made up a pill schedule where I slowly cut the demorals in down in size. I supplemented it with a weaker pain pill. I also took sleeping medication. I SLOWLY decreased the demoral and then I SLOWLY decreased the weaker pill. It took me at least 3 months to get off the pills and then it took another 3 months for the feeling to totally pass (I could fight it off at that point).

After another back surgery I went cold turkey because I wasn't on them as long. I didn't sleep for 3 days. It was painful that way.

I'm really sorry you are going through this. I give you a lot of credit for trying it. You may bomb out a few times, but keep trying.

rhundt67 · 08-23-2007, 09:53 AM

I can relate to all this:

July 1st I found out my husband was addicted to pain killers when he was arrested for taking.................he lost his job of 15 years. He was on and off over several years due to surgeries and severe illnesses.

He's been clean 54 days, continuing in a outpatient treatment program and God was looking down on us when he went to court:

No jail time, no probation, no fine..............he had a perfect record on the job and in life and it was an action out of addiction.

I personally would recommend seeking out holistic help - to mostly help with any pain. I have cervical stenosis (c5 & c6 discs in my neck are bad) and the ONLY saving grace that I've had in the last 3 months is ACUPUNCTURE! It has changed my life: I'm off seizure drugs and rarely have to take anything for the pain!

LuckyKitty · 08-28-2007, 06:18 AM

Sorry if I'm late to the game, but I just saw this and wanted to second the suggestion of a pain management center. You shouldn't wean yourself from opioids without your doc's supervision. Once you are weaned and you give your body what's called a "drug holiday" you may find that your pain can be controlled in other ways (over time, the nerves can become hyperstimulated from prolonged narcotic use and the drugs themselves cause the pain - similar to what happens to heroine addicts).

Hope that you have found the answers you're looking for. Please update and let us know how you're doing

Stillstanding1989 · 04-14-2008, 11:42 AM

Deb, I just came across your previous posting in regards to pain killer addiction. I was wondering how you are doing and if you have found a path that has worked for you and helped you to wean yourself from the pills and addiction. Also how do you manage your pain now ? I know this initial posting was last year, however Im sure its been a ongoing battle. I have similar issues as you and I am very interested in your situation. :-) ~ Judy

thindreams2reality · 04-14-2008, 12:19 PM

Sending prayers your way!

walkthebeach · 04-16-2008, 08:57 AM

I have two good friends who are addicted to oxycodone, and it really worries me. One of them can go through 80 pills in less than three weeks, plus she drinks. I just found out about my second friend this weekend when her brother came to visit. Her hands have been shaking uncontrollably for months and we asked how come and if she was okay. That's when he told us that he thought it was a side effect of all the Vicodin she had been taking. I had no idea.... Both women claim (and I believe them) that they're in bad pain from various things: bad knees, scar tissue from endometriosis and resultant surgeries, etc. For the one that drinks and does the pills, I am scared she's going to overdose. She has bad sleep apnea too. I don't know what to do or say. So I guess I'll just keep my thoughts to myself.

07-30-2007, 08:36 AM	#1
exactly150 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: new york Posts: 271 Gallery: exactly150 Stats: 264/240/150 WOE: atkins Start Date: november 2004	addiction to pain killers I have been on pain killers for two years. Yes, I'm still in pain, but I need to get off of them. How in the world can it be done? When 8 or 10 hours pass since the last dose, I can feel the craving for more pills. Who would ever think that me, a 51 year old fat housewife, would get addicted to these?

08-02-2007, 07:54 PM	#5
psigna Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mississippi Posts: 902 Gallery: psigna Stats: 205/190/130 WOE: Calories + Weight Watchers; Couch to 5 K Start Date: 5/1/08 again, but for the last time	I just wanted to say that My brother was addicted to pain killers for so many years. In and out of rehab, the story goes. Last year he went into a Christian based rehab, and he has now been clean this coming August 7 for one year. Sunday he broke his arm, and he is having alot of pain, but he is being strong, and made sure to tell the drs that he could not take any narcotics. He is also a waiter, so a broken arm makes that difficult. Get a good support system, and do not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. You can do it, and I will say prayer for you. I have seen my brother struggle to get his life together, and you can do it. __________________ 5'4" Female 1st Goal (30lbs) Date 10/31/08, Final 05/21/09; http://www.thedailyplate.com/users/profile/psigna/ *http://www.myspace.com/signap* Pam Help me lose these legs!!!!!!!! "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." John Bingham

08-03-2007, 06:35 AM	#6
exactly150 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: new york Posts: 271 Gallery: exactly150 Stats: 264/240/150 WOE: atkins Start Date: november 2004	Two years ago, when I was 49, I had a series of back surgeries to fix a severe scoliosis problem. Then, a year later, I came down with rheumatoid arthritis, and I just had a knee replacement several months ago. I can't seem to break free from all this pain all over my body. I was told I have fatty liver disease, so I have to stop as many meds as possible, including the Norco I take three times a day, since it has tylenol in it. I am trying on my own, but I just can't. When 8 or 10 hours rolls around since the last pill, my body is screaming for it. I think I will join a 12 step program. Or, I will ask the doc to put me in rehab for a few weeks in our local hospital. I'm really afraid to feel the withdrawal from this stuff. It's really a powerful urge that comes over you. I have no idea how I am going to live day by day with all this pain, though. Deb __________________ When will I finally get it? Carbs are poison! Reduced carbs = a better life. You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. "I have lived thru this horror, I can take the next thing that comes along..." You must do the thing you cannot do. Eleanor Roosevelt

08-22-2007, 05:19 PM	#7
ny_shelly MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Rochester, NY but originally from Pittsburgh Posts: 2,022 Gallery: ny_shelly Stats: 328/313.4/135 ~ BMI 53/50.6/21 ~ 5'6" WOE: Atkins DANDR --> Greysheet Start Date: 4/21/08 - past doesn't matter	Hi - How is this going? A couple of thoughts - I think it will be hard to get off the pain pills if you are still in total pain. Can you possibly get enrolled in a Pain Management program through your doctor? Is there a way that swimming can help with the pain management? Are there any anti-inflammatory meds that won't affect the liver? Sometimes steroid shots can help. Sometimes those electrical stimulation machines can help with pain, too. I've been addicted to pain pills 2x - both after back surgeries. The first time it was really bad because I was on Demoral for several months before the doctor finally conceded that I needed the surgery. I made up a pill schedule where I slowly cut the demorals in down in size. I supplemented it with a weaker pain pill. I also took sleeping medication. I SLOWLY decreased the demoral and then I SLOWLY decreased the weaker pill. It took me at least 3 months to get off the pills and then it took another 3 months for the feeling to totally pass (I could fight it off at that point). After another back surgery I went cold turkey because I wasn't on them as long. I didn't sleep for 3 days. It was painful that way. I'm really sorry you are going through this. I give you a lot of credit for trying it. You may bomb out a few times, but keep trying. __________________ Summer Goal (June 20): 303.0 25 24 22 20 18 16 15 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 I DON'T EAT BETWEEN MEALS NO MATTER WHAT 14 lbs until Twoterville: 299 60 lbs until low weight in 2006: 253 63 lbs until Midville: 250 85 lbs until 100 LBS LOST: 228 114 lbs until Onederland: 199 BUT ABSTINENCE COMES ONE DAY AT A TIME

08-23-2007, 09:53 AM	#8
rhundt67 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: BEER, CHEESE, SAUSAGE CITY Posts: 2,212 Gallery: rhundt67 Stats: 145/143.5(low124)/120 WOE: No Particular Plan Right Now Start Date: 12/5/04	I can relate to all this: July 1st I found out my husband was addicted to pain killers when he was arrested for taking.................he lost his job of 15 years. He was on and off over several years due to surgeries and severe illnesses. He's been clean 54 days, continuing in a outpatient treatment program and God was looking down on us when he went to court: No jail time, no probation, no fine..............he had a perfect record on the job and in life and it was an action out of addiction. I personally would recommend seeking out holistic help - to mostly help with any pain. I have cervical stenosis (c5 & c6 discs in my neck are bad) and the ONLY saving grace that I've had in the last 3 months is ACUPUNCTURE! It has changed my life: I'm off seizure drugs and rarely have to take anything for the pain! __________________ 7/14 145 7/15 145 7/16 145.5 7/21 147 7/23 145.5 7/25 144

08-02-2007, 03:47 PM	#3
exactly150 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: new york Posts: 271 Gallery: exactly150 Stats: 264/240/150 WOE: atkins Start Date: november 2004	Thank you so much for the information - I'm going to the doctor tomorrow to ask for it. I'm trying to do it on my own, but I just can't. Thanks, Deb

08-02-2007, 06:34 PM	#4
wcdgemini Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 268 Gallery: wcdgemini Stats: 295/185/175 WOE: Atkins Start Date: April 18th 2007	Don't panic if he says he cant perscribe them to you. If that happens look online for a Doctor who can. I'm not sure if all doctors can. I would highly suggest getting support to quit as well. Find a good group and attend meetings. If you dont mind me asking, which pain pills are you on?

08-28-2007, 06:18 AM	#9
LuckyKitty MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Kentucky Posts: 2,373 Gallery: LuckyKitty Stats: 216/low 170s/low 150s WOE: Applying what I learned from Dr. A to MY body Start Date: 9/1/02	Sorry if I'm late to the game, but I just saw this and wanted to second the suggestion of a pain management center. You shouldn't wean yourself from opioids without your doc's supervision. Once you are weaned and you give your body what's called a "drug holiday" you may find that your pain can be controlled in other ways (over time, the nerves can become hyperstimulated from prolonged narcotic use and the drugs themselves cause the pain - similar to what happens to heroine addicts). Hope that you have found the answers you're looking for. Please update and let us know how you're doing __________________ Kat Feed yourself what you would feed a person you loved and care for. Love and care for yourself. ---Juniper01

04-14-2008, 11:42 AM	#10
Stillstanding1989 Junior LCF Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: California Posts: 25 Gallery: Stillstanding1989 Stats: 200/194/150 WOE: Atkins Low Carb Fundamentals Start Date: Re-Started June 25th, 2008	Deb, I just came across your previous posting in regards to pain killer addiction. I was wondering how you are doing and if you have found a path that has worked for you and helped you to wean yourself from the pills and addiction. Also how do you manage your pain now ? I know this initial posting was last year, however Im sure its been a ongoing battle. I have similar issues as you and I am very interested in your situation. :-) ~ Judy

04-14-2008, 12:19 PM	#11
thindreams2reality MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,737 Gallery: thindreams2reality Stats: 235/177.5/110 Start Date: New Beginning - July 4th 2008	Sending prayers your way!

04-16-2008, 08:57 AM	#12
walkthebeach MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2005 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,898 Gallery: walkthebeach Stats: 155/145.5/135 WOE: Low-carb, lower fat Start Date: Oct. 2002	I have two good friends who are addicted to oxycodone, and it really worries me. One of them can go through 80 pills in less than three weeks, plus she drinks. I just found out about my second friend this weekend when her brother came to visit. Her hands have been shaking uncontrollably for months and we asked how come and if she was okay. That's when he told us that he thought it was a side effect of all the Vicodin she had been taking. I had no idea.... Both women claim (and I believe them) that they're in bad pain from various things: bad knees, scar tissue from endometriosis and resultant surgeries, etc. For the one that drinks and does the pills, I am scared she's going to overdose. She has bad sleep apnea too. I don't know what to do or say. So I guess I'll just keep my thoughts to myself.

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