Opioids Comming off OC's -cliffs

[Crhonos]

Hello, I frequently view the site and its valuable information that others have to offer. A little about me. Well, lets see I started recreationaly taking OC's in December. Would pop 7.5-10mg every other weekend or so. Nobody really wants to be addicted, but I guess you really never know you are till it happens. During spring break, so march, I went on a 5 day binge with a buddy. Ended up boosting my tolerance from about 15mg to a 30mg by the end of the binge. After that I got a little back on track with everything still only doing it about every weekend, but using almost a whole 30. Slowly this became 2 or 3 times a week, since I had 3 different people wanting me to do it with them (Who were worse then me as far as dosage goes), and as the months progressed every other day, till where I am now, and I cant remember the last day I didn't use.

Currently, I use about 45mg-60mg to get an okay high, sometimes 75 is usual, and sometimes rarely 90mg. I hit over 100 one day, and couldn't believe myself, at where I am, and how my money is just flying out the door.

Basically I am trying to get clean. I didn't use yesterday. I hear how horrible all these withdrawal symptoms are. There have been a few times where I just wouldn't use, but on the 2nd day of not using, I would get all these sudden onset flu-like symptoms. Today I don't really have any of that. And in fact, I've been feeling pretty great all day, but at the same time, waiting for these symptoms to come on. I hope I continue on this hill of naturally feeling good. Last night sleep was nearly impossible, and I remember the sun coming up after tossing and turning for hours. (not even a melatonin or some nyquil would knock me out, unless it did and I just woke up a ton)

My friend who is also struggling with addiction (2x-4x worse then me) gave me a strip of suboxone in case I start withdrawing. I've looked up the COWS test on when to take it, and even read about the PAWS guide on another website. I just dont feel any of this is that bad for me, even though I feel my "addiction" started in march. So about 3 months of using at least 3-7 times a week progressively getting worse over time.

In addition, when I use, I only have one starter dose, then about 2-3 more booster doses shortly after. I'm not sure if this is why my symptoms dont seem that bad since some people use multiple times throughout the day. I also take 45mg DXM about a half hour before dropping. I regularly exercise, so that may be another possible way my body is fighting to restore endorphin balance, but I'm no expert.

I'm forcing myself to eat, and keep hydrated. Trying to be in a positive mood, and mentally thinking that I can do anything and am on top of the world. So far it seems like it has been working today. Yesterday I was evaluating where I am in life and had a few breakdowns, but thats just the hole, that the drug has sucked me in. It's very tricky in making me think that taking more will make everything better, but the reality is that it won't and I cant be dependent on it.

Anyways, the point is I have the suboxone, and I want to be clean. I'm not sure if I should take any of it, or if I should see how the rest of the week goes, or even the next 24 hours. Today is Day 2 of not popping any, yet I dont feel that crappy, compared to how others have said day 2 is THE worse day of withdrawing. I'm not sure where I should continue from here. If anything I felt irritable, and worse overall yesterday/night.

-Using for about 7 months, but probably addicted for 3
-Want's to be clean.
-2 days clean as of 6/5/13
-Dosage is around 60-75mg(total, 30-37starter) for a pretty good high. Pre-loads with DXM
-Has suboxone on hand, but not feeling any intense withdrawal symptoms
-Not sure if should wait out, or what exactly the next smart move is.

 

[Geaux Tigers!]

IF you start going into bad off withdraws, dose the buprenorphine at ~2mg. (quarter of a pill/strip) and see if this "holds" you; technically, you need around 5-7mg., but you're golden with the suboxone if you can keep your dosage 2mg. or lower.

IF you can handle the withdraws, then stick it out. It will go away eventually although you may suffer Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. Or, follow a tapering schedule -- but I suggest the buprenorphine tapering instead of any oxycodone tapering.

 

[Crhonos]

IF you start going into bad off withdraws, dose the buprenorphine at ~2mg. (quarter of a pill/strip) and see if this "holds" you; technically, you need around 5-7mg., but you're golden with the suboxone if you can keep your dosage 2mg. or lower.

IF you can handle the withdraws, then stick it out. It will go away eventually although you may suffer Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. Or, follow a tapering schedule -- but I suggest the buprenorphine tapering instead of any oxycodone tapering.

Would 2mg be too much? I know everyone is different, and I was considering 1/16th of the strip, once, or twice if needed considering a friend who's much worse does an 8th twice a day. It's just I expect myself to be feeling like crap at the moment, since its been about 48 hours since the last use, which was 45mg.

I attempted oxy tapering, but 2nd day was a failure..

 

[BlueHues]

You're right on the edge of losing control...You're obsessed with the drug and it's starting to consume your life...You're learning firsthand about the tolerance and withdrawal and it can get much worse....If this was 5-6 years ago when Oxy was cheaper, your habit would probably be twice what it is....From everything you're saying, I feel strongly that it won't be too difficult for you kick this time...I wouldn't even bother with the suboxone quite yet...There's plenty o' threads that will give a lot of info on other things you could use to make it less painful,

 

[Crhonos]

Yeah, I appreciate the support. I might pick up some immodium AD for any physical symptoms, and some benadryl to sleep. It's just I never really attempted to want to kick it, as I had always told myself that "Oh, I'm not addicted, I just like doing it every now and then". But that's everyone it seems, until it gets out of hand itself. The funny thing is, I never actually had any contacts to obtain it. Always had got it from friends, who got it from their guy. I'm hoping that once I can show them it can be done, that they'll follow too.

 

[twotoomany]

They'll follow if they're ready. As for the sub, you may not need it at all, and if you DO end up needing it, you'll be fine with .5-1 mg. I recently kicked an almost identical habit using subs (because I needed to be able to go to work) and 1mg was too high of a starter dose. It got me pretty high. My taper was 1-1-.5-.5-.5-.25-.25. The withdrawal was much lighter, physically, than my previous kicks. The 5-15 days after have been a little tougher in terms of mental issues. Lots if anxiety! All in all, I would have chosen a taper with oxy, then cold turkey. The three to five days woulda been tougher, but the whole process would have been over sooner. Good luck!

 

[Mr.Scagnattie]

If your withdrawals aren't that bad then don't take anything. You don't want to pick up a dependence on the suboxone as that is a real bitch.

If you do really feel that sick and can't take it, try 1-2mg's of suboxone and see how you feel. It'll probably be enough to hold you over.

Day 3 is usually the worst where the acute withdrawal symptoms peak, so if you're okay then, you'll be fine in another few days and shouldn't take anything.

 

[Crhonos]

So far so good. Today is day 3 of cold turkey. I'm wondering if the withdrawal effects arent as bad since it has only been the last few weeks where it has been consistent use, unlike every day of every month.

Anyways, sleep is still a pain. Just laying there till the sun comes up is horrible. Maybe I'll try 2 benadryl? Anyone else have any other problems sleeping when coming off?

 

[Yaj]

yea sleeping is always a issue for me but with a habit that short you shouldn't go full blown sick and it shouldn't last too long either... I remember a few times when I first started using oxy was at 80-120 mgs a day and stopped completely days 2 and 3 were the worst with it slowly getting all the way better somewhere around day 10. Its good you realize you should quit though its a slippery slope and theres a lot of people here including me who did exactly what you were doing and ended up strung out on dope, using opiates recreationally almost always ends with addiction

 

[midnight11]

I've found that I can do huge amounts of oxycodone for up to 72 hours (max), and experience almost no come downs afterwards. Everybody is different in terms of how soon they feel W/D, but typically I'd say the worst comes the 2nd day in. If you have the dedication, which it definitely sounds like you do, than I think you'll find quitting to be easier than others have made it out to be. Of course, it's NOT going to be a fun or comfortable period, but don't expect it to be like some trainspotters-status-apocalypse. Lastly, CONGRATS! It takes a lot of self-awareness to know when things can be getting out of hand, and acting upon it is something most people find too difficult. Seriously, props to you for taking the initiative and staying safe!

 

[hebb22]

if you can wait it out dont take subs. Quitting OC's is easier than sunb IMO

 

[Crhonos]

Sooo its been about an hour and a half of nonsleep.. It seems that while some people have RLS, I feel it in my hands and arms. I just cant lay still, and after a while, everything becomes super sensitive and irritating. I took 50mg diphenydramine, and a melatonin without success.. What else can I do???

 

[JJ-180]

Just wait it out. In the end it's all you can do with opiate w/d's.I know time seems to slow down, stop and even run backwards in the depths of w/d, but it will pass.

 

[Supeudol]

^ To the OP: You can also goto your doctor, or if you know anyone that has any of the following which pretty much any doctor that has some knowledge in addiction will prescribe:

1. Clonidine 0.1mg (This helps with RLS, Sleep, Anxiety, and BP.)
2. Hydroxyzine or Atarax 25mg-50mg (This is an antihistamine with the most sedative properties out of all the antihistamines, and also produces the best anxiolytic effects for any antihistamine), (also does not carry the addiction potential or physical dependency that benzo's do).
3. Perhaps a Benzodiazepine - the best to use would be - Diazepam (Valium) - because of its long half life, and its onset when taking orally is the fastest out of all the benzos, and does last longer then a lot of benzo's. (This will help with Sleep, some GI issues, restless legs, and the combination of Diazepam + Clonidine taken together will REALLY help a lot with the w/ds.
4. The last thing I recommend is Loperamide (Immodium) - This will help with stomach pain and problems, as well as getting rid of diarrhea, and maybe help with muscle pain as well.

If you do get a prescription for Valium, or have access to a benzo and want to use it to help you out just make sure that you Do NOT switch 1 addiction for the other. Only use the Diazepam (Valium) when absolutely needed, and don't use for no more than 2 weeks steady, or else you are risking physical dependance with Benzodiazepines which is an even worse dependancy to have that been addicted to Opioids.

Hope this helps, The other substances I listed such as Hydroxyzine, Clonidine, and Loperamide carry no physical dependance like opiates & benzos do.

One last thing; if you are a Marijuana user, or if you have access to Marijuana, this will help stomach pain, and GI issues the MOST. I have found out, when I had a terrible Intranasal Hydromorphone habit, my stomach problems were horrendous. But I found Sativa dominant strains to help the best for anxiety & stomach/GI issues. Lots of people will say to get a "kush" strain or a heavy indica. But I would have to disagree if you already suffer from anxiety or GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). Just because of the fact that kush strains or heavy indica dominant strains sometimes for a lot of people including myself will cause extra anxiety initially, but during the burning out phase, a heavy indica will help your stomach and help sleep more.. But I find Sativa-dominant strains to help myself out better, partially because I suffer from Anxiety quite badly, and a lot of the "kush" strains or heavy indica strains just make it worse for me.

But if you do not use MJ at all, then you can just disregard what I said.
Good luck to you mate! I wish my tolerance was back down in the ball park numbers of which you have said. I have to take at least 200mg of Oxycodone every 8-10 hours. I don't get any Euphoria anymore from Oxy's, since I've been using them for almost 10 years.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask and myself, or another BL member will try and answer them as best as we can.
Thanks, and I wish the best in your recovery.