[smartaudrey]

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 eyesMy nose wont stop runningDiarrheaLethargyFlu like chills and achesthe 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.

[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.

[older]

i agree with lila---the doctor has heard all this before and you do need help and soon

[Rachel K]

you should probably tell your doctor.they're the best help you can get when you're addicted to a prescription drug.the only way you can stop addiction is by really wanting to and sticking with it.i'm sorry that probably didn't help at all.hang in there and good luck!

[Pick A Winner]

Yeah welcome to my life. These drugs are so good I would do anything to get them.The only thing is to recognize that you are addicted to them, and then tell the doctors so they can help you get off them. Don't be afraid. Doctors understand addiction and they won't judge you, but help you to safely get off these drugs with as little discomfort as possible. Doctors are cool like that.That is if you really do want to get off this stuff. Other wise your problems can get even worse than they are now, such as getting arrested because of prescription drug abuse, which I have done.

[Deborah B]

Lila is right, you don't have to be ashamed. You are far from alone with the addiction problem. Life without drugs is so much better! I understand that you are afraid of being without, and how you will feel when you come off of them, but the pay-off is worth it. Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. They may take your meds away, but they will wean you off safely, and you can get off of it without the major withdrawal of going cold turkey. Make sure they know you need some support/help getting through the withdrawal. Best of luck to you...