Hello all, I am in need of some good advice and hopefully some support through this tough time... I don't want to hear that we have to go into an in-patient clinic and that we need professional help because unfortunately, at this time its not an option at all!

My wife and I started doing oxycontin around a year and a half ago. We have always crushed it up and snorted it because that is how we were turned onto it and we never tried doing it any other way... at first we could not finish an 80mg pill between the two of us in one night. Now we are doing an 80mg each per night! We have tried many times to kick but have never gotten passed the withdrawals and relapsed. I don't think that we really wanted to quit in the past and that is the reason we never beat it! But now we are ready and I would like to know what the best way to do it is. About a month ago we stopped and made it ten days but my wife was still going through withdrawals where for me it was manageble and we had neglected everything during that time so we were on the vurge of losing everything! So we started back up to get back on track and we are now doing much better and I got a job finally and my wife finished summer classes and is about to start up her senior year in college. We want to stop very badly but like I said before, we are unable to go to a in-treatment center and are a couple of days away from kicking it again and hopefully for good this time... I have 25 kilonipins(sp?) to help but does anyone have any advice I can use for this tough time we have ahead of us? I know we can do it but I just don't want to lose everything in the process! How long will it take? Any home remedies anyone knows about? I have access to different types of pills, are there any that will help more so than kilonipins? The only things I don't have access to are sub oxy and methadone. Thank you in advance for any help, we want our lives back

Thank you everyone for the good advice and kind words again... I have tried multiple places like this but never have I gotten such warm and helpful responses. We have been trying to taper off but it seems like when we have it in our possession, it is extremely diificult not to do "just one more" for the night or to go to sleep, etc. I truly believe that I am ready to do this! Now I just have to get my wife in the same mind frame... I think I will take your guys advice and try to find some type of meetings we cango to in the evenings... do they really help? Ok so benedryl, lots of water, lots of rest, warm baths, meetings and determination. Does anyone know how long I can expect to be out of commission? The last time we tried, where we made it ten days; I felt better than my wife did at the end and she couldn't handle it anymore and she state that it wasn't better at all! I don't understand how that is possible... I have heard several different opinions like three days, seven days, ten days, two weeks, a month, two months! We even called an addiction help hotline in Colorado and they told me ten days. Medically, there has to be a time frame... Right? Which day is the worst? Is it the third day like everyone says? What day of the week should I stop to be OK by the following Monday? Is a lot of this in your head and the person actually sikes them self out and makes it worse on themselves? Oh my god I feel so helpless and I am sorry for all the questions! I am just freaking out because of all of the failed attempts... I have always considered myself a strong minded and willed person. I have even done other drugs in the past and let them get a out of control but was always able to quit on my own. But these WDS are unlike anything I have ever been through and wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy! Should I quit on a Wednesday so that by the time the worst of it hits, it will be the weekend? Thanks again for everything guys, you are great!

Reduce, Reduce and reduce over time.
It would be useful if you can switch to 10 mg oral even initially. You can always take 8 tabs for 80 mg, but don't cut or crush them.
Now start slowly reducing.
When you get to 10 mg, then try skipping days until you can totally stop.

You'll have to manage withdrawal symptoms the best you can. Who know what they are going to be.

Since your subject to addictve behavior, you have to avoid triggers that cause the behavior. Start thinking about what they might be now.

Just a side note... Benadryl can help with the withdrawals.

Opiate dependence was widespread in the US during the mid-to late 1800s. Following the Civil War morphine dependence was epidemic and not just amongst soldiers. Morphine was the wonder drug of the late 1800s, sold over the counter, used to treat minor ailments to severe pain. It was contained in hundreds of the mail order patent medicines, recommended for children (paregoric) and there was scarcely a household without laudunum in their medicine box.

As a result a medical specialty developed, inebriety doctors, that specialized in treating and managing morphine withdrawal. At the base of the treatment was gradual withdrawal, hot baths and sedatives. Some doctors used cold turkey, which involved confinement and restraint, but not many and few used this method on their regular patients. Mostly an institutional (asylum) practice.

The average "addict" seeking assistance from their family doctor (1870-1914) was a middle-aged white female, upper income from rural setting. They were treated with kid gloves by the inebriety doctors. Addiction was a middle class problem, not socially or legally reproved. The only exception being alcohol.

Of course, then as now, the vast majority of people from all walks of life quit entirely on their own.

There are two important lessons here. One your not facing an insurmountable task. It has been done over and over without medical intervention or assistance. It's an uncomfortable process, to say the least, but you can do it on your own. Most people have and still do. Spontaneous recovery, as it's termed in the literature, simply gets little press.

Second, many of the writings dealing with morphine withdrawal by T.D. Crother, Norman Kerr, Joseph Parrish, have been scanned by Google Books and you can word search these old medical texts for information. I would imagine you can find some helpful tips.

You seem to have positive motivation and that is the key element. The information provided on this thread so far is right on target but you are on your own. Best of luck and please return as often as needed.

Final note. As alluded to by KISS above, take adequate time to plan. Be prepared for eventualities and have alternatives available.

Here in two days, I won't have access to oxy for at least five days... I do however have kilonipins... will they help me or hurt me? I also have about twenty five dilodids. Will those work to ween down or will they hurt me? I want to quit! Completely! I just have to be able to still function for work and all. Thank you guys so much for all of your advice and kind words! Does anyone know how long it will take to feel better from WDs? Right now I have three 80s and three fortys... any ideas for a pla of action? Thanks again

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Originally Posted by rickjames1011

here in two days, i wont have access to oxy for at least five days... i do however have kilonipins... will they help me or hurt me? i also have about twenty five dilodids. will those work to ween down or will they hurt me? i want to quit! completely! i just have to be able to still function for work and all. thank you guys so much for all of your advice and kind words! does anyone know how long it will take to feel better from WDs? right now i have three 80s and three fortys... any ideas for a pla of action? thanks again

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Yesterday's advice is still your best choices.

KISS's advice about slow and steady will have the best results.

The doctors advice about having alternative plans in case something goes awry is also right on the mark.

Klonopin,Dilaudid,all that is just adding to the complications.Without proper monitoring you are taking a crapshoot at your chances of recovering,much less the chances of major complications.

I know the feeling all too well.I am in recovery,I remember quite well the need to escape the inevitable.It isn't an easy process even in treatment much less on your own.

Benadryl is still the best suggestion for the withdraws I would recommend as well, it has worked for me many times.

One hour at a time.Take things as slow as you can.

Good luck and don't forget to write back(on this post,please) any time you feel you are in need of support.

I got hooked on Oxycodone too. I've had three surgeries, and was taking 40 mg Oxycontin, then 30 mg Roxycodone. At least a dozen a day! I did the Lortabs, Morphine, you name it.

I am clean and sober now, have been for about 19 months. No beer, no pills, nothing. The only thing that saved my life, because I was still in severe pain, was Suboxone. If you can't go to rehab, or you cannot get access to the Suboxone, then I would suggest you doing like KBC mentioned, taper off, slowly.

Withdrawals suck, I know all too well. The night sweats, the nausea, the feeling of not wanting to even get out of bed without a buzz. You are a slave to the substance, literally.

Find a good Naranon meeting in your area:Nar-Anon Home

If not them, go to Alcoholics anonymous. It's the same 12 step program, and you'll get a sponsor. They are free, worldwide, and anonymous.

Just go and check it out.

It will save your lives, and sanity.

Keep coming here, we'll help you through it all. I promise.

It's a good thing that you KNOW that you both have a problem. That's a good start.

But, if I can do it, you can too. I was MUCH worse off than either of you two.

God bless the still suffering alcoholic/addict.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rickjames1011

here in two days, i wont have access to oxy for at least five days... i do however have kilonipins... will they help me or hurt me? i also have about twenty five dilodids. will those work to ween down or will they hurt me? i want to quit! completely! i just have to be able to still function for work and all. thank you guys so much for all of your advice and kind words! does anyone know how long it will take to feel better from WDs? right now i have three 80s and three fortys... any ideas for a pla of action? thanks again

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Rick - Please read carefully the comments of KBC. Intermixing drugs without understanding how they inter-react is very risky business. I certainly agree that adding Dilaudid (I assume) and Klonopin (guessing again) to your systemic mix wouldn't be helpful.

I'm a slow poster so the eminent Mr JMJ got ahead of me unnoticed with more excellent support. There you are in contact with people that have been through it personally and know first hand what they're talkiing about. Much more valuable than my advice, so take heed. They're there for contact when needed. Best of luck

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Originally Posted by rickjames1011

Thank you everyone for the good advice and kind words again... I have tryed multiple places like this but never have i gotten such warm and helpful responses. we have been trying to taper off but it seems like when we have it in our possesion, it is extremely diificult not to do "just one more" for the night or to go to sleep, etc. I truly believe that I am ready to do this! Now I just have to get my wife in the same mind frame... I think I will take your guys advice and try to find some type of meetings we cango to in the evenings... do they really help? Ok so benedryl, lots of water, lots of rest, warm baths, meetings and determination. Does anyone know how long I can expect to be out of commision? the last time we tryed, where we made it ten days; i felt better than my wife did at the end and she couldnt handle it anymore and she state that it wasnt better at all! I dont understand how that is possible... I have heard several different opinions like three days, seven days, ten days, two weeks, a month, two months! We even called an addiction help hotline in colorado and they told me ten days. medically, there has to be a time frame... Right? Which day is the worst? is it the third day like everyone says? what day of the week should I stop to be ok by the following monday? is alot of this in your head and the person actually sikes them self out and makes it worse on them selves? Oh my god I feel so helpless and I am sorry for all the questions! I am just freaking out because of all of the failed attempts... I have always considered myself a strong minded and willed person. I have even done other drugs in the past and let them get a out of control but was always able to quit on my own. but these WDS are unlike anything I have ever been through and wouldnt wish them on my worst enemy! Should I quit on a wednesday so that by the time the worst of it hits, it will be the weekend? thanks again for everything guys, you are great!

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Rick,,I have merged again these posts,please respond to this post at the bottom of the page,there is an open comment box to respond to the same thread as we are all on.

Posting responses in a different post makes for confusion(which I have added to by merging your latest post to this thread:( )

You should have already quit.

Once you 'decide' to quit, you should stay with that feeling.An addicts worst enemy is themselves.The ability to talk ourselves out of doing the right thing for the next fix, we are pro's at that.(Why stop today when Wednesday looks like it would be a better idea,but do I quit in the AM or PM, aww,PM,there might be a complication if I quit too soon,, )See what I mean.

It is going to take as long as it takes,everyone is different.

My withdraws from drinking and occasional drug use in the mid 80's took 2 1/2 weeks.Later withdraws from certain medications have taken anywhere from a few days to a month.. each person and each person's Constitution are different.

Try not to focus on the 'when will it be over' and simply be in the here and now.I know that doesn't sound enticing,but reality needs to stay your focus,not projected thinking.

Life on life's terms.You were using,you want to stop,you know it will not be easy,plan for these eventualities, but plan no further.

Our best laid plans are destined to failure,Meaning,as an addict I can and would design ways to set myself up,make plans which I had expectations of,plans which might seem achievable at that time,and in the end, I either tried to achieve more than I was capable of and set myself up for a reason to use again... or didn't allow for any alternate actions, my plans were too inflexible,too strait forward,too stringent.I couldn't succeed and again,I could use again because I failed.

You should be on simple plans, hour by hour.Day to day.Let the future bring what it will.

Oh, I didn't know... this is much easier, sorry about that. I am afraid! I am afraid that I won't be able to handle it again! I am afraid we will fail again! I am afraid that I will lose my good job that I just got! I know the best way to do it is to just do it! I am finishing up with what I have and am going to stop then. However, I am trying to do what KISS said and reduce over time... is that not good advice? Should I throw what I have away? Excuses, excuses right? I'm scared man! I don't know how to start. The last time we failed, it broke our determination in a way and I don't want to feel that way again! OK, starting tomorrow, we will stop! What do I do about work though? I just started this job last Monday... I can't exactly take time off, if you know what I mean. I guess I will just have to rough it out and play like I have the flu or something

Oh, I didn't know... this is much easier, sorry about that. I am afraid! I am afraid that I won't be able to handle it again! I am afraid we will fail again! I am afraid that I will lose my good job that I just got! I know the best way to do it is to just do it! I am finishing up with what I have and am going to stop then. However, I am trying to do what KISS said and reduce over time... is that not good advice? Should I throw what I have away? Excuses, excuses right? I'm scared man! I don't know how to start. The last time we failed, it broke our determination in a way and I don't want to feel that way again! OK, starting tomorrow, we will stop! What do I do about work though? I just started this job last Monday... I can't exactly take time off, if you know what I mean. I guess I will just have to rough it out and play like I have the flu or something

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rickjames1011

oh, i didnt know... this is much easier, sorry about that. i am afraid! i am afraid that i wont be able to handle it again! i am afraid we will fail again! i am afraid that i will lose my good job that i just got! i know the best way to do it is to just do it! i am finishing up with what i have and am going to stop then. however, i am trying to do what KISS said and reduce over time... is that not good advice? should i throw what i have away? excuses, excuses right? im scared man! i dont know how to start. the last time we failed, it broke our determination in a way and I dont want to feel that way again! ok, starting tomorrow, we will stop! what do i do about work though? i just started this job last monday... i can't exactly take time off, if you know what i mean. i guess i will just have to rough it out and play like i have the flu or something

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Rick.I'm not a Doctor or an expert but you will be in my prayers and you can ask God to help you through this. Blessings to you. These people who have responded to your post are wonderful. Please take their advice.

Rick, I've gone through withdrawals more times than I'd like to admit. I've worked through them too. And I've taken much higher doses than you both put together.

If I can do it, then so can you two.

This is hour by hour, day by day.

Be tough, and stick to your plan.

Be mad at the drugs for making you it's slave. Know that perserverance prevails.

Keep coming back here for support.

God bless you both.

Rick,

I should have mentioned this earlier but the idea of quitting together seems problematic. I wonder if one of you shouldn't be able to support the other. Get one person through and then the other. Maybe the guys that have actually lived through this can ring-in. I'll defer to their judgment as this is a new one on me, synchronized withdrawal.

I'm actually wondering if there should by some psychological follow-up when/if this sees through?

You have to do something for prevention and psycological counseling together may help.

In the meantime try to find another behavior that isn't as damaging that each might enjoy. A hobby.

OK, day number one... feeling bad! We had some to get us going in the morning but ran out half way through the day. Just got off work and all I can think about is wanting to do more! Can I get it? Should I call? Will he front to me? You know, the basics! Anybody there?

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Originally Posted by rickjames1011

ok, day number one... feeling bad! we had some to get us going in the morning but ran out half way through the day. just got off work and all i can think about is wanting to do more! can i get it? should i call? will he front to me? you know, the basics! anybody there?

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Take a benadryl. Not only will it help with the witdrawal feelings, but you will sleep through this period of wanting more.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rickjames1011

ok, day number one... feeling bad! we had some to get us going in the morning but ran out half way through the day. just got off work and all i can think about is wanting to do more! can i get it? should i call? will he front to me? you know, the basics! anybody there?

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Stop trying to postpone the inevitable. Be tough. Do like J_9 says, take a Benadryl.

Stick with your plan.

I am such an idiot! I don't want to waste your time everyone but this is difficult! Obviously, it didn't last long and I am using again... my wife has stopped almost completely and I worked it so that I have 20mg pills which I am going to do orally and hopefully they will be easier to stop that way. I am very discouraged and I feel like I let myself down and all of you that took time out of your day to help us. I do however have a plan now and I have every intension on following through this time. God I hate this! I hate being controlled by this drug and I can't believe this is running my life! I have always been in control! Any thoughts anyone? Besides I'm a idiot?

I am such an idiot! I don't want to waste your time everyone but this is difficult! Obviously, it didn't last long and I am using again... my wife has stopped almost completely and I worked it so that I have 20mg pills which I am going to do orally and hopefully they will be easier to stop that way. I am very discouraged and I feel like I let myself down and all of you that took time out of your day to help us. I do however have a plan now and I have every intension on following through this time. God I hate this! I hate being controlled by this drug and I can't believe this is running my life! I have always been in control! Any thoughts anyone? Besides I'm a idiot?

I am such an idiot! I don't want to waste your time everyone but this is difficult! Obviously, it didn't last long and I am using again... my wife has stopped almost completely and I worked it so that I have 20mg pills which I am going to do orally and hopefully they will be easier to stop that way. I am very discouraged and I feel like I let myself down and all of you that took time out of your day to help us. I do however have a plan now and I have every intension on following through this time. God I hate this! I hate being controlled by this drug and I can't believe this is running my life! I have always been in control! Any thoughts anyone? Besides I'm a idiot?

With idiots, you can always find a better one. You can't fix stupid.

We said it was going to be hard. I say you need counseling with a psychologist/psychitrist to get rid of addicting type behaviors.

It should be an encouragement that your wife stopped. The male ego, that if my wife can do so can I should have kicked in by now big time.

I want you to say to yourself "No negative waves" and repeat many times throughout the day.

I have a thought that might help. You need a way to record something and continually play it back repetatatively before/during sleep. Possibly a pillow speaker. You could possible use your PC with a microphone and Recording software. I thing Realplayer Pro will work and it's cheap.

If you want to try, I need a list of behaviors that impact your life in a negative way and you would like to change. Then come up with a statement like

"I will constantly make moderation my goal". I will do everything in moderation. Every day, I will evaluate what I did in excess. I will work to change this behavior. My goal in life is to do everything in moderation. I must not do anything excessively. I will constantly make moderation my goal.

What I would do is record this with a pause of silence that would allow you to say it back to yourself. The goal is to memorize it and repeat it back to yourself.

I'd record about an hour of this.

Put a pillow speaker under your bed. It will work on your subconcious. Bedtime is best.

I had to memorize 100 words, how to spell them, their definitions and use them in a sentence for a test. We were given the words a few days prior to the exam and only the words on the exam.

I can't memorize, but I got a 100% of what I previously wrote down. I got a couple wrong because of some odd reason.

Are you ready?

Come up with some other behaviors. Note: I did not specifically identify the behavior you wanted to stop. The underlying cause is moderation. If you did things in moderation, you would not have this problem, right?

I'll bet there are other behavours you do in excess?

Rick, you're not stupid. A little weak maybe, but not stupid.

Have you had withdrawals? I know that you're going through the normal cravings, but have you done without long enough as to go in full withdrawal?
And 20mg oxycodone pills, at who knows how many a day, is not doing anything for the "tapering off plan". You should be breaking those in quarters by now.

I understand the need for "total secrecy" due to work and family/friends.(they probably know something's going on already)

I even understand how we can convince ourselves how we "can do it by ourselves". But you really need professional help. You should be successfully detoxed, rehab'ed, and then do the 12 steps. Anything short of AT LEAST detox, is doomed to fail. I know the struggle that you're going through. I know the draw. Drugs are the most important thing in your life right now. Oxycodone is your master. It's all about getting them, and doing them. How much money are you spending for these Oxycontins? I had prescriptions for mine, but when I ran out early, I went to the street. I know how high they can be. Up to a dollar per mg. That adds up quick, HUH?

Go to a clinic or hospital. Check in and get the drugs out of your system. No one has to know. Go to a nearby town.( I know the best place on Earth.) Then, and only then, will you be able to TRY to stay clean.

Let us know what's up.

God bless the still suffering alcoholic/addict.

I'm going to chime in here and say something I probably should keep to myself... but oh well, none of you know me personally.

At one time I was addicted to something MUCH stronger than Oxy, and no it was not a prescription medication.

For me I just laid it down and quit. Much like your wife. Some of us have the willpower, some of us don't. If you don't, it doesn't make you weaker, or stupid, it's just that the drug has a stronger hold on you than it does some of us.

I know the male mentality (not to be sexist), but many men feel weak if they can't do things themselves. This is far from the truth. It actually takes a very strong person to know that they need help and actually ask for it.

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jmjoseph agrees : I agree. It took help for me. It whipped my butt, over and over again.

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You can only be as strong as you are. You are not weak if you need help.

When I was in nursing school, yes after my addiction, and I actually consider myself cured, not in recovery, my mantra was...

"I am only as smart as I am...I cannot be any smarter than what the Good Lord gave me. Let me accept my grades as they are, let me accept myself for who I am."

There is no shame in asking for help when help is needed.

Can you re-shingle a roof? Do you call a roofer?

Can you set a broken leg or do you go to the hospital?

There is no shame in asking for help from someone who is a professional in that particular field.

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Originally Posted by J_9

You can only be as strong as you are. You are not weak if you need help.

When I was in nursing school, yes after my addiction, and I actually consider myself cured, not in recovery, my mantra was...

"I am only as smart as I am...I cannot be any smarter than what the Good Lord gave me. Let me accept my grades as they are, let me accept myself for who I am."

There is no shame in asking for help when help is needed.

Can you re-shingle a roof? Do you call a roofer?

Can you set a broken leg or do you go to the hospital?

There is no shame in asking for help from someone who is a professional in that particular field.

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I agree. It takes help and support to really make it work.

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Originally Posted by jmjoseph

I understand the need for "total secrecy" due to work and family/friends.(they probably know something's going on already)

I even understand how we can convince ourselves how we "can do it by ourselves". But you really need professional help. You should be successfully detoxed, rehab'ed, and then do the 12 steps....Up to a dollar per mg. That adds up quick, HUH?

Go to a clinic or hospital. Check in and get the drugs out of your system. No one has to know.

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Medically supervised detox in a hospital setting has many advantages:
1) No access to drugs. This removes the temptation and results in an immediate resignation to the process.
2) Your withdrawal symptoms are closely monitored and you are provided medication to alleviate.
3) You are given a complete examination to determine what, if any, organic damage has resulted.

While many, if not most, such programs are 30 days you can generally find shorter programs. If not, then

The next best step is an outpatient program (private practice or clinic). Such programs usually utilize gradual reduction and counteractive meds, i.e.. Suboxone. Also effective, but obviously you receive a little less palliative care.

Compared to what you are currently spending on the drug either alternative is economically advantageous.

Post-withdrawal care is another subject entirely and those considerations should and can only be made with a clear head. You will meld into that. At the present time the only question is "how do I stop this cycle of drug taking?"

When you resolve to take an action and are unable to accomplish it, it always results in self-doubt and as a result militates against future attempts. Your feelings are perfectly normal, a big let down, but your choice of words unduly self-critical.

I have read every diagnostic classification ever written in the addiction field and please be assured that "stupid" or "weak" has never appeared in a single one. Attempts to stop and relapse, on the other hand, are symptomatic of addiction. It's all part of the psychophysiologic condition. To be expected. The very nature of the classification.

Medically supervised withdrawal is the best and easiest solution. Eventually, you will probably make it on your own. But in attempting to do so you must also add to the economic cost above, the physical pain, suffering and mental anguish that will occur over that indefinite period.

Given your motivation, I have every confidence that you will find the best vehicle available to you and eventually be successful. Best of luck.

OK so I am off oxy contin now and it has been two days... I have had ups and downs and have taken 4mg dilaudids a few times... they seem to be helping but I am struggling. I am so ready this time and it seems like the withdrawals were worse the last time so I feel good about it. I know that doing the dilaudid is cheating and its not sober but hey, I think it will be much easier to put those down as opposed to the other... I am not getting high off these, they just take the edge off. How is everyone else doing? I haven't wrote in a couple of days due to the wds anyone out there today?

Yes, you are cheating with the other narcotics, but, whatever works for you to get off the oxys. Hang in there and be tough.

As far as MY sobriety, I'm still clean and sober, 17 months and counting. My life is so much simpler now. An honest, more wholesome life. Life is good now. It's "good morning God", instead of "good God, it's morning!"

OK, I am off the oxy and off the dilaudid... I just took ib profen and benadryl.nlets see how the rest of the night goes. Three days off oxy and I don't have the crutch of dilaudid anymore. I'm scared! I know that I have made it through the worst by getting off the oxy but I have had something in my system for the last year and a half and I don't know how to feel anymore! I have to work tomorrow and um I'm screwed! Anybody out there tonight? Any suggestions for tomorrow? I have dilaudid at my disposal but I am not trying to do anymore because I will never get better

Yep. Concentrate on work. Do a good job.

I cheated again today... I took three of those ds... I couldn't get out of bed and I didn't know what to do. Yesterday I stopped taking those ds at around three and wds kicked in at around 8 and I took two benadryl(generic brand) and it didn't seem like it helped. Sorry to keep posting but that's what this place is for right? Support and advice? This can be done right

You can't give into the withdrawal symptoms. You HAVE to fight them without aid. Suffer.

If they are not LIFE THREATENING, they are not a problem.

OK, I will try again...

Withdrawals suck. Plain and simple. BUT you can't beat an addiction without them. By taking the dilaudid you are substituting one addiction for another. And yes, you can get addicted to these as well.

Unfortunately you are going to HAVE to go through the withdrawals. There's no way to beat them completely. Sure benadryl might take some of the edge off, but it's not going to make them vanish.

Yes, this place is for advice and support. But sometimes you need just a little more. Have you looked into Narcotics Anonymous? Home

I will be attending my first NA meeting tomorrow evening... my wife will not go with me because she thinks that they will press religion on people in a vulnerable state. The only reason they hold them there is because their free right?

That's a good start. A neighbor attends AA meetings and essentially wants to attend them all.

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Originally Posted by rickjames1011

i will be attending my first NA meeting tomorrow evening... my wife will not go with me because she thinks that they will press religion on people in a vulnerable state. the only reason they hold them there is because their free right?

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No, they don't push religion per se. They believe in a higher power, but if your personal higher power is the moon, well that's okay by them. Yes, they are held many times at churches because the churches donate the use of the room for that purpose.

They are not affiliated with any particular religion.

Go to a meeting and see what happens there. It's not about religion. Like J_9 mentioned, it's about your "higher power" helping you through the addictive behavior. Just go.

No excuses, no substitutes.

Yes, withdrawals suck, but you have to go through them. Be tougher than them, and carry on with your life. Yes, it can be done. Many of us here have done it through harder circumstances than usual.

Throw those pills away!

And come back as often as you feel the need. We'll help you if you listen to our advice.

OK so I just got back from the meeting and it was OK... you guys are right and it is about your personal higher power. I did good today! I only did two dilaudids today. Considering yesterday I did five and usually I needed two to just get out of bed.. I am going to beat this, I want it so bad I am willing to try anything. I have a three day weekend coming up here and I will continue to ween down until Friday and I hope that's it. See guys the plot thickens... I get the dilaudids from my roommate who turned me on to oxy initially. We lost everything and we ended up renting out their basement so even if I threw those out, I can get more!! Ahhh I'm stuck in a deadly cycle and we are trying to move by the end of this month but we are so far behind, we are going to have to see how it goes. I am determined though and I have a good job... lets hope imcan hang on to it during these trying times