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  • TDS Moderators: AlphaMethylPhenyl | paranoid android

dreaded heroin withdrawls

M

molly139

Greenlighter
Joined
Aug 25, 2010
Messages
18
Hi all,

some may have seen my other threads discussing how low I was and was really contemplating on checking out for good.

I'm not going to.. I want to kick the habit... I'm looking for advice or help on making the wd's less painful. I've read some posts over the days and have seen the 'don't let you mind trick you.' I agree to that very much so..

This morning I got sick and I continued to think about not letting it get to me.. The one time I've tried to quit in the past, i was bed ridden for days. I can't afford to be or do that once again. I've got obligations work wise that I need to tend to.

Any help will be gratefully accepted. Thank you to all thus far.

I promise to fight, and I promise to keep everyone update.
 
I have been where you are. Ready to end it because the heroin had/has me beat. It makes you want to die. Im the same way. When I withdraw, I am useless for days, more than 3 that most people claim. It's more like 7 and then I still cannot do anything for at least a couple months.

If I were you, I'd try to get on some type of maintenance especially if you need to keep going., ie work, kids, whatever you have. Real cold turkey withdrawal from heroin is very, very difficult and painful and very few actually make it for very long. Once you get stable on a maintenance med, methadone or suboxone, your attitude about ending it will change. It's the dope that makes you think that way.

I always say to people just starting down the opiate road "that shit will own you" and it does.

be safe
 
If I were to choose a maintenance med, how does one go about setting that up? family doctor?

I'm not a big fan of replacing one addiction with another. I've seen other go that route only to fail like you say with going cold turkey...

I'm going to try cold turkey and looking for advice to do so... Thank you for your time...
 
well, there's about six things I can think of to lessen w/d's a lot. water, vitamins/amino acids, food, loperamide for the runs, excercise, and though some people may disagree.... pregabalin, or gabapentin if the former is not available.
water to help flush & stay hydrated, vitamins & food to help the body & brain switch from a junk-metabolism to a normal metabolism (plus we junkys tend to be very vitamin deficient), and activity to get those little good neurons firing of their accord.

the lyrica is just for the acute phase. it works excellently in controlling RLS and the cold-burn along with other things.

for me personally, I also used wellbutrin for the depression, and it worked. it also helped me up my energy/motivation and activity a bit. plus it doesn't mess with your serotonin so your body can get that working on it's own and is more effective in the short-term than the SSRIs and MAOIs I know of.

don't smoke any pot during the acute wds. it's sensitizing, so if you already feel bad it'll just make you feel worse. not smoking cigarettes helps too.

oh, I almost forgot!
GOOD MUSIC
=)
 
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I'm gonna go with long walks as a means to help with the w/d. Walking is very meditative and it's harder to focus on how shitty you're feeling while you're doing it. Anything that shifts your focus is good- like running little errands etc. Throw a few hot showers in there as well.
 
If you'regoing cold turkey expect to be bedridden/not capable of doing the stuff you normally do for at least 3-5 days. You're proballygonna have to take some time off work or wait until you have a period where you do have time to kick. If your withdrawals aren't as bad as some people (diarrhea every 10 mins and throwing up evey 5) you can maybe push through it while working with the cold sweats, and other lesser symptoms.
 
it all depends on your heroin habit..if you are snorting 2 bags a day then you wont have it that bad, exercise may be possible and you wont be completely exhausted...but if you are banging $200 worth a day, taking a stroll thru your neighborhood will be out of the question..hell, when i was kicking dope, i didnt have the energy to get out of bed but i was too anxious juust laying there that i had to get up and walk around my room just to then feel exhausted to where id crash again...

there is no simple/easy way to beat withdrawals..if you still must work, then maintenance is the only way to go for you...i find alot of people want a quick easy way to beat withdrawals but it doesnt exist..its time to pay the piper or put him on the backburner by going on maintenance..
 
My Helpful Tips...

Having gone through opiate withdrawals I would guess over 100 times (yes, you read that right...one-hundred), I have come to know quite well the things available to me to help 'kicking the habit' just a bit more fathomable. It is NOT easy and withdrawal, especially from 'Lady H', will prove extremely difficult...but it is NOT impossible, for many individuals in this very forum have conquered opiate addiction and continue to be clean to this day.

Here is what works for me. Everybody is different and even though opiate withdrawal affects everyone differently, there are things that can help which remain the same for all whom suffer withdrawals.

Without further ado:​


1. The one thing I truly hate about withdrawals is diarrhea. It doesn't allow much for food consumption which often results in malnutrition, additional lack of energy and possibly nausea/vomiting. Combat the runs with over-the-counter medication called: "Imodium AD" which contains active ingredient: "Loperamide HCL." I have tried multiple anti-diarrheal medications such as Pepto-Bismol and have found that none of them are effective other than Imodium.

2. You need to drink plenty of fluids. When I state fluids, I mean water, Gatorade and comparable. Drinking soda, coffee and other non-hydrating fluids will do nothing to help you and could very well make you feel worse.

3. The joint/bone pain experience while in withdrawals can be absolutely awful, ESPECIALLY if you already have chronic pain problems. Since I don't believe in combating addiction with other addictive medications, I suggest OTC meds like Motrin (Ibuprofen) and Aleve (Naproxen). They are NOTHING compared to opiate pain relievers but they may help a bit.

4. Sleep will be something you'll wish for after the first night goes by restless. OTC sleep medications, such as: "Simply Sleep" could be your answered prayer. Even better, there are medications that contain Melatonin that have proved effective. You won't sleep 10 straight hours or anything, but even an hour of sleep is a Godsend.

5. Even if you aren't huge on your vitamin/mineral in-take, herbal supplements can give you what you won't allow yourself while in withdrawal. Supplements like Valerian Root (for anxiety/sleep deprivation), B Vitamins (for energy, focus and concentration) and others will replenish your body and allow for faster recovery.

6. Even though you're going to feel as if laying in bed is the only thing you could possibly do, exercise will do WONDERS for your physical as well as mental state. A nice walk on a nice summer evening will not only work out muscles and relieve some withdrawal pain, it will allow for the production of Dopamine which is the brain's NATURAL 'feel good' chemical (which you've replaced completely with opiates).

7. Luke-warm baths are amazingly helpful for the entire body. Your legs are going to want to shake uncontrollably and your body itself will ache as if you've hiked across the United States. A nice bath will relax the body and mind together as well as help with the hot-and-cold sweats which come with the territory.

8. The one thing that many 'attempting-recovery' addicts lack, unfortunately, is support. Many of us have played with our addiction under the noses of even the closest family and friends. Going to the individuals in your life you care about and asking for support just might be the difference between relapsing hardcore and quitting opiates for good. Even if you can't/won't get support from family and friends, most hospitals anywhere offer support classes with people experiencing the same thing you are. Check out Narcotics Anonymous and others if you are in need of support.

9. Another withdrawal annoyance that screams loud and clear each and every time the ass-kickery starts is breathing trouble. It feels as if you're trying to breath with marbles stuck into each nostril. I've received help from OTC meds for sinus congestion. I DO NOT suggest taking medications with Ephedrine in them (many OTC sinus meds behind the pharmacy counter include Ephedrine as a main ingredient). I've noticed that Ephedrine can cause increased jitters/shaking, further sleep deprivation and even the dreaded Restless Leg Syndrome.

10. Lastly, try to keep your mind off of withdrawal. Off of how you are feeling. I found that keeping my mind busy often quieted my screaming body. I sought assistance from video games (which worked wonders) as well as reading a good book. Some have found solace in watching movies/television or talking with friends. Whatever you like to do, do plenty of it...a quiet mind is a happy mind!!!

** If you find that withdrawal is affecting you severely and you are unable to continue through the process without some kind of medical intervention, you can look into Suboxone treatment. You'll need to find a doctor in your area that specializes in opiate-replacement therapy/addiction recovery. They are extremely busy so if you can't get in quick enough with one doctor, continue to try others. Also, if you do go this direction, check with your insurance to see if this specific specialty is covered. Check with your prescription coverage when it comes to Suboxone as well. If you are without coverage for either, expect (on average) the doctor's visit to cost between $150 and $200 and the medication to cost between $200 and $300 ($250 for 30 8mg Suboxone @ Walgreens in Illinois ~ use for comparison).

I hope this helps. Sorry for how long it is but I wanted to share my knowledge and experience with you in hopes that you may just beat this with just a little help and suggestions.

REMEMBER: Stay strong and think positive. The first 72 hours are the worst but after that there is noticeable improvement from there on. It's easier to become addicted as it is to kick an addiction. If you are honestly done with addiction, you have the power to destroy it. We are here for you and will help you through it as we have so many others!!! =D

Take care,
R*B​
 
^^ this was excellent advice RB! One thing, with imodium is I mistakenly bought the big white tablets and spewed them back up because I was so nauseated already. Get the regular imodium, they are tiny green or even the generics. As much as you feel the need to sleep, if you sleep too much during the day you'll be up all night. Naps are good though. Someone mentioned don't smoke, this does make you more dehydrated. But weed did help me to sleep if I had no benzos available. I had gotten methadone my first time in rehab before suboxone was available. I know you don't want to replace one addiction with another, but a gradual detox may help you...take his advice because it really will help you out. Wish you much luck, theresa
 
Immodium (loperamide) works wonders because it is an opioid itself, only it doesn't cross the blood brain barrier (meaning it won't get you high). But it generous doses, it will help to relieve many of the withdrawal symptoms like diarrhea, cramps, aches and restless legs. Some people even say it lifts there mood some.

You have to be careful with it though because taking too much Immodium for too long will wreak havoc on your digestive system.

Other than that, staying as nourished as possible and exercise exercise exercise!!!! I don't care how much it hurts (and believe me I do know from experience), forcing yourself to get up and exercise be it either lifting a few weights or going for a long walk, you'll start generating a natural release of endorphins which will help take the edge of some of your symptoms.

Best of luck :)
 
Hi All,

Thank you all for such terrific advice... Let me give a little background on my habbits... I snort up to 1-2 bindles per day. I guess that's not a whole lot, some days would creep up to three... I've also take mscontin with a legal script due to back issues. I'm actually having another operation coming up, and want to be h free for that.

Yesterday and last night were not too bad. I was able to sleep a little bit. From my first cold turkey I remember being able to sleep the first night, but then no more... So we will see.

I did hit the local cvs and picked up some items that you all suggested. I was sick already this am, and hope to keep my meds down.

Thanks again. I will kick this habbit, i will be it, i will be happy.
 
See about getting a script for Clonidine patches. They work well but take 2 days to start so ask for the pills also. Most doctors and ER's will write this for WD.
 
I would suggest not going onto a maintenance drug such as methadone or suboxone, but especially methadone. The reason is that the duration of those drugs in your body makes for a far more elongated withdrawal, and withdrawal time is something you definitely want to minimize.
 
Day 3 Uggghhhh

Hi All,

Day three,,,, uggghhhh.... My back pain is worse then ever right now... Vomiting has died down a bit, and imodium has helped on the other end.

This am has been extremely tough... I'm very short fused at the moment and I hate every minute of it. depression is very big at the moment... I'm already on meds for depression, and looking to maybe up those meds.

It's tough, very tough... I really have no one to goto...

I looked up some dr's that are in my insurance and may call on them today to get some help mostly for the mental side as this depression really sucks.... I'm not looking for a miracle pill but for someone to work through this with... Hard to describe, but really feel as though it would really help to speak with someone. I can't believe I got myself into this f'ing mess... What am i thinking....

I have surgery on the 10th and hoping the procedure really helps with the pain. The pain meds i'm on now have been overpowered by the might h... thus the increase in pain now that h is out of the picture.

I can say that I'm so happy not to be tied to snorting that nast shite... surprisingly i have not gotten any txt from my deadbeat pusher... he best not contact me.... I'm not going back.. i'm not doing this shite anymore... i'm going to stay clean... i'm going to get happy...

Thanks for listening...
 
Hey Molly. The pain should subside soon, by seven days you will be out of the major symptoms like most of the pain and sickness and sleep problems will be a non-issue by about seven days. The depression is a bit more lingering, what people call PAWS. But once you have the energy to get up and do things, not feeling sick, ect, that will all help enormously with depression. You're very smart to not go back. Buying heroin again will make your immediate pain go away, but you will eventually have to go through this, and that means those past three days all over again.
 
molly139 said:
I want to kick the habit... I'm looking for advice or help on making the wd's less painful. I've read some posts over the days and have seen the 'don't let you mind trick you.' I agree to that very much so..

This morning I got sick and I continued to think about not letting it get to me.. The one time I've tried to quit in the past, i was bed ridden for days. I can't afford to be or do that once again. I've got obligations work wise that I need to tend to.

Any help will be gratefully accepted. Thank you to all thus far.

I promise to fight, and I promise to keep everyone update.
Click to expand...

IMO, you can't afford to be using heroin every day to keep putting off the W/D's. You need to be bed ridden for 5 days, and then get on with your life.

^A lot easier said than done. So good luck.
 
Also always remember that nothing is as bad as it seems during withdrawal. The lows you experience are as artificial as the highs that opiate use brought. It's the double problem of withdrawal to make you feel low and feel that that low is just what not being on opiates is all about. It's not. The low is not really you. Sooner than you think and you will be making gains into some good old fashioned happiness.
 
Man this is a tough one to answer. In my probably close to 60 times I did it or tried cold turkey, I found that absolutly nothing works when it comes to withdrawls.. Theres no magic method. Ive tried all the herbal, water, gatorade EVERYTHING nothing worked.

The only method that I found that worked was this.

Either find some Methadone pills, or check into the methadone clinic but dont allow yourself to get addicted to the methadone. What Id do was check in and only go for 3 days then just stop going. Thats what to do if you dont have a hook up on methadone.

Or do the same with Suboxone. Those are the 2 things that worked for me. these 2 were painless and didnt miss a nights sleep.

Just my 2 cents
 
Here I sit, day 4, and what a difference from day 3... Very little sickness this am, somewhat of an ok nights rest... I worked until 1 last night up at 7, so not really a whole lot of sleep. However, I feel physcially the best i have since stopping. There is an end... There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I can beat this nasty stuff... I can be happy, I can be clean...

Seeing others hit there one year mark is a nice thing... I too will hit that one year mark and hope to help others here as well. Thanks all for listening... Time to hunker down so earl can swing by.
 
Morning Molly, keep on keeping on!!!! Hang tough when the PAWS come they always sent me back to the shit.
 
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