Hydrocodone Addiction & Withdrawl?

Question by smartaudrey: Hydrocodone Addiction & Withdrawl?
I have been taking hydrocodone (generic Vicodin HP) 10/650 5-8 per day for 2.5 years. I began taking 7.5mgs as needed for some painful orthodontic work. Then I had a car accident and I have been bumped up to 3 10/650mgs Hydrocodone per day. I also suffer from chronic migraine (15-20 days per month) and headaches, these began before the braces and the car accident.

I have been taking way more than I am prescribed (one day I took 11). It is compulsive at this point with the pills. I finish my prescription and then take my partner’s; she has the same prescription as I do. I find myself staying up later and later and just recently I was up for 2 days “hopped up” on Hydrocodone. I feel ashamed and alone. I need the medicine but I have fallen out of control.

When I run out of meds or try to stop I feel like:
I have been hit between the eyes
My nose wont stop running
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Flu like chills and aches
the worst nausea ever.

I wont have insurance until January 1st and I would like to know what I can do medically. I’m embarrassed to tell my doctors, I’m almost afraid that I will have my meds taken away even though I only take them to avoid the way I feel if I don’t take them.

Its a vicious cycle that I am maintaining an addiction that I don’t want just to avoid the way I feel without the drugs.

I feel ashamed and alone, please advise.

Thank you and please be kind to me.

Best answer:

Answer by Lila
January 1 is just a week away. You cannot abrubtly stop taking the drug as you can literally die during the withdrawal. Don’t be ashamed this happens to many people. Your doctor will understand and he has the knowledge as to how to slowly wean you off of it without withdrawal symptoms. Until then only take enough to keep the withdrawl symptoms away.

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