I have been taking 50-60 mg of hydrocodone (Norco 10/325) a day for the past year for my back. I have recently lost my insurance and my spine specialist won't treat me any more; therefore I have run out of meds and I admit I am addicted- how long will it take to get the medication out of my system do that the withdrawals will stop and I can get back to living?

That is impossible to predict on an individual basis without specific medical information. How long have you been off the Norco and what symptoms are you experiencing?

[QUOTE=DrBill100;3208295]That is impossible to predict on an individual basis without specific medical information. How long have you been off the Norco and what symptoms are you experiencing?
I've gotten down to 30mg a day the past week, then I've had 10mg the last 2 days, but I have no more left. I have been 24 hours w/o one and I can't sleep, I'm coming out of my skin, I have the "sweats" and no energy. I know it's only fixing to get worse and am wondering what I can do to help get through the withdrawals? How many days until I'm over the worst part?

OMG Been there! It will suck for the first 4-7 days. Symptoms for me included:
Insomnia, diaherra, nausea, vomitting, shakiness, restless legs, and just that general
Feeling of desperately needing something you no longer have. It does suck.
But it will pass. My suggestion is take a LOT of hot baths. Just sitting in the hot water
Will take away a lot of your symptoms. I took probably 10 hot baths a day for the first few days. If you absolutely can't sleep, take a normal dose of Nyquil to help you pass out.
Trust me, it will get better. I took Vicodin & Oxycontin for years and had to withdraw alone
(no rehab) when my doctor stopped treating me as well. By this time next month, you will
Feel completely normal again. Keep your head up.
**Laying around a lot will make back-pain WORSE, so even though you probably won't
Feel like it, taking a walk or exercising will help.