So I am an addict

Medications
1

This is hard to write.

I’m admitting I am addicted to my tramadol. I can’t function normally without it. I’ ve been taking quadruple the prescribed amount, maybe more. I feel like I have the flu on days I skip and sometimes give in just to stop the crud.

I am supposed to take 1 x4 a day. I take 5 at a time in the morning and 3 in the evening sometimes. When I run out i take my husband’s. I want to taper down but it is so hard to feel sick.

Only my husband knows. My doc might cut my prescription.

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2

Can you go to rehab?

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Hmm… I say be honest with your doctor about it. Maybe they can help you wean yourself off of them?

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I’ve had a massive drug problem in the past and can totally relate.

Tapering off of them is hard,

I suggest going cold turkey and just feeling like shiit for a few days.

It sounds terrible and it is terrible, but if you’re truly addicted, you won’t have the self control to wean off of them.

How long have you been taking them like that?

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No…no rehab, @Loke. Worried about leaving.

@Sardonic I xan’t risk losing it before I’m ready or being blacklisted from all painkillers.

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I would be open and honest with your doctor. They will be able to help you.

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This article might help or give you ideas.

Especially this bit

Mr A was admitted for inpatient detoxification and was started on tapering doses of tramadol. His withdrawal symptoms were well controlled with lorazepam and clonidine. After 4 days of inpatient treatment, he did not require any more tramadol and was sent home with a week’s supply of lorazepam and clonidine.

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Maybe 8 months. Maybe longer. I have days i skip and have twice before quit for a bit so 1 worked but i always build a tolerance.

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9

If you really want to be free of this addiction you need to tell your doctor you have a problem with them and go off them cold turkey.

Maybe in a couple years you can take them again with no problems,

But not any time in the near future.

I know its hard, especially when you have the option to keep using and have the pills so readily available, but if its bothering you enough to type this, you’ve lost control and need it back.

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10

I’ll think on it. Asking for advice and perspective was my first step in even admitting it.

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11

I recommend the Thomas Method or Thomas Recipe for withdrawal.

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12

I heard certain strains of kratom help with opiate withdrawal… Sorry you are going through this

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13

I’ ll look that up.

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14

I’m sorry your going through this @anon4362788.

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15

I cant afford to do that method except the hot showers. They wont give me klonopin because I od’d on it last year. Thanks, though.

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16

Oh wow. You’re in a tough spot.

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I hope you can find a way to get healthy and get what you need done.

Best wishes…

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@anon4362788
I’m so sorry you’re in addiction! It’s a hard place to be! You haven’t chosen to be here, and you’d want it any other way.
Do you see a way out?

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19

I’m really sorry. I was addicted to my painkillers after my brain surgery. My doctor recognized it and cut me off. I was furious, and spent a lot of time in intense pain. But I’m glad he did it. I’m now blacklisted from all heavy painkillers, even after I had my wisdom teeth out I only got ibuprofen. But I’m so thankful. Over time, the painkillers make the pain even worse. Once you’re off them for a while, you might be surprised to find the pain dulls down to background levels. You’ll get used to it eventually, and learn to keep living your life with the pain. Humans are adaptable, and you will adapt. But you need to get rid of the easier option, first. If you know there’s an escape from the pain, you’ll keep taking it.

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Same here. Have you ever heard of NA - Narcotics Anonymous? It’s a twelve step program like AA. The biggest difference between the two programs is that one is for alcohol and one is for drugs. If you don’t like the first group you try, you might try a different group. Like in AA, different groups have different characters, and personalities can be a problem. So shop around if you decide to go to an NA group.

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