Opiate Withdrawal ~ Times You've Had To Go Through It...

[Receptor Bound]

Yeah - opiate withdrawal blows. It's the single reason why I just don't go completely opiate-ballistic and go on a tremendous bender.

Like many of you, I found opiates @ a pivotal time in life where I must of been just begging for an addiction to something other than cigarettes. Well, along w/being an avid opiate user for the past 14 or so years, I have gone through withdrawal so many times it is actually difficult for me to imagine. Side note: luckily right now I'm clean & w/out withdrawal ~ quite the feeling I must add.

My questions are (and I don't believe I saw this topic mentioned in the several pages of TDS threads I glanced over): If you had to count, how many times do you think you've had to suffer, w/little to no assistance, through opiate withdrawals AND do you believe that the more times you've experienced withdrawal, the easier the next one?

*My answers ~

1. I've have probably suffered through withdrawal around 100 or so times (lasting more than 24 hours).

2. Yes - I believe after so many times you begin to recognize the physical & mental attributes of your personal withdrawal symptoms and have created ways to deal with the unpleasant effects, whether it be as simple as a long walk or luke-warm bath as well as certain over-the-counter medications such as Loperamide (Immodium) and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Thank you for participating!
R*B %)​

 

[sid3]

I lost count of how many times I've had to deal with wds. For most opiate addicts, each time gets worse than the last. The fear of wds are always far worse than the actual experience IMO.

 

[Georgie25]

When I was using for 4 years daily I would wake up in withdrawals every single day and have to drive 45 minutes while sick to the ghetto and score and drive all the way home sick then finally be able to use. I could never "save" anything for the mornings...

 

[dragonslayer428]

I've withdrawaled. On my own about 7 times. Each time, it gets worse. Most of my symptoms are mental. I tend to get very depressed and just want to lay in bed all day. However, the physical symptoms are worse. Its hard to describe to someone that hasn't been through it

 

[theseeker]

I'm actually going through w/d as I write-Just went on a little perc binge. Like you- I always make sure I don't dig a hole so deep with respect to opiate use that I can't get out without undue torture. I have no idea how many times I've been in w/d- but it's not anywhere near 100. However, instead of quantity- I've had some pretty severe quality of w/d in my day- like where it's taken me months to get better. I don't let it get to that anymore- I just can't hack it.

I can definitely deal with w/d better now than in the past. I know what works for me and what doesn't. Marijuana is my good friend at times like these. Also- I know it's a temporary state and that my brain will heal, so no use in getting too bothered. I make sure I don't make any big decisions during these emotional times as well. Reality is a little off....

 

[Receptor Bound]

Good Point...

I lost count of how many times I've had to deal with wds. For most opiate addicts, each time gets worse than the last. The fear of wds are always far worse than the actual experience IMO.

You're right...I never thought of it like that but the fear is ALWAYS worse. Once you are actually within the withdrawal grasp, it seems that the fear fades a bit considering what you feared has become a reality.

What I mean when I stated it is easier for me is that I am more like: "Well fuck, here we go again" rather than: "Oh no...I'm gonna die!!!" It becomes second nature, to the point where you know what you need to do to cope if you can't score.

Thanks for replying!
R*B

 

[Receptor Bound]

Withdrawal sucks regardless of the amount of times - we all know that.

* I was always horrible at saving ANY of my supply for later use. Always told myself I could get more. Hell, sometimes I simply accepted withdrawal as an inevitability when I finished my stash quicker than I had liked to.

* I have tried on numerous occasions to describe withdrawal to the unknowing. It's like beating a dead horse. The only thing "they" (again, the unknowing) understand is the 'flu-like' symptoms they've read about. Hell, I NEVER feel that. It's more like what death by agony would feel like!

* I guess it could be easier when you accept it as I do each and every time. I don't look for ways to score anymore and if I did, I'd be doing shit I never thought I would (stealing ~ pawning). I haven't gotten to that and hopefully never will. W/D's are the opiates way of telling you: "fuck you, I win again!"

Best of luck to all,
R*B

 

[katgoessplat]

Aye all-

1. i dont remember exactly how many times. Like a few people have said- the fear of WD is always worse than the actual WD. But through the years my addictions progressed... the first time I WD'd, I was using a lot of roxy's and vicodins, and the occasional oxy. I decided I wanted to stop, so I abruptly did - and spend 3 days miserable in my bed, tossing and turning and in general feeling bad for myself. I dont remember my exact age, but I think I was either 15 or 16.

I got back into pills, this time with oxys, and before I knew it I was outa pills and money, and the sickness was a lottttt worse. At this time I was 16.

And then... Heroin. heroin, heroin, heroin. cheaper, stronger, and dirtier. I was snorting as much as I could get my filthy paws on, and at this same time in my life I had a family disaster and became extremmmmely depressed. I went to Florida to kick, and had an unpleasant withdrawal- but strangely, not nearly as bad as the WD from Oxy's. I stayed clear for a year nd a half and then when I was 20 (the age i am now) i started doin dope again, but this time bangin it. POOF whoooole new world. i can NEVER go back to sniffing dope, let alone pills (wayyy too much $$$) and the only withdrwl ive had since i started slammin dope was a FUCKING TRAINWRECK - explosive diarrhea and puking my stomach out AT THE SAME TIME..horrible... sitting on the toilet for about 2 days straight, crying and jerking uncontrollably. Lets just say, I have learnd my lesson - now, when I know i'm not guna get any drugs, I have a stash of suboxone to keep me feelin a-ok.

 

[slowdive]

I'm not sure if you count tramadol into this, but I have to WD from it every month for a couple of days as I always run out 2 to 3 days early. I have been through the entire WD process from it about once or twice. It is a weak opioid with several other actions in the brain (7 to be exact). I prefer it over any other opioid. I prefer it over any drug in general to be honest with you. I've been using it for 7 years.

Let me tell you...tramadol withdrawal is horrendous. From what I've learned through research, it is identical to withdrawal from other drugs that cause dependency of the morphine-type, but tramadol also has some WD symptoms that aren't included in typical opioids. It's agonizing. And the depression is unreal.

I ran out early this time, too. In fact, I can not get my refill until Thursday the earliest. Luckily, this time I came across some hydrocodone and it is helping mitigate the tramadol withdrawal very much. It isn't taking away all of the symptoms, but it is a breeze compared to if I had to go cold-turkey. I'm still counting down to Thursday, though. Even with the hydrocodone I'm using as a back up.

Man, I remember the first time I felt tramadol withdrawal. Was way back in 2004. I decided to just not use some one day and felt very unwell. I didn't know what it was. I was just lying in bed watching a movie with my then-girlfriend and kicking my legs. I decided to go ahead and take some and an hour later I felt much better. That's when I knew dependency had developed. I should have stopped then, because WD was mild compared to how it is now if I go cold-turkey.

I was 15 when I became dependent on tramadol. And I remember one time I ran out early and had to sit in class during WD. Needless to say, I went home early and skipped school until I got my tramadol back. This happened several times.

Now I'm 22. I wonder if I will ever be able to get off tramadol and if my brain will be able to heal itself?

 

[Receptor Bound]

Heroin withdrawal blows, no doubt about it. Worst I've experienced by far though a close second would be the w/d's from Tramadol. Dirty little fucking pill that Tramadol. Not only do you experience the typical opiate-like withdrawal but you also suffer from the depression because of Tramadol's work on Serotonin reuptake.

I guess, all in all, going through withdrawal only once is enough honestly. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. You'd think we would of learned by now that when you run outta shit, you're gonna suffer...but nope, us addicts only care about 'in-the-moment' without regard to the not-so-wonderful future.

R*B

 

[slowdive]

I guess, all in all, going through withdrawal only once is enough honestly. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. You'd think we would of learned by now that when you run outta shit, you're gonna suffer...but nope, us addicts only care about 'in-the-moment' without regard to the not-so-wonderful future.

R*B

I'm glad someone mentioned tramadol. As you see in my post above you I've been dependent on it for 7 years now.

You're so right, btw. When I can start seeing the bottom of the bottle I'm like "FUCK!" and then "Well, I can take my regular dose today and just start cutting back tomorrow so I can make it through to refill" but nope...it never happens. It's always "tomorrow" it seems.

I wish Thursday would hurry up and get there. Bet your ass I'll be at the pharmacy counter as soon as they open requesting my tram refill. With a snack and a bottle of water in the car. Right before I pull out of the parking lot, two will already be dissolving in my GI tract.

If I didn't find hydrocodone to tide me over, I'd be pacing the floor with manic thoughts right now from tram wd.

 

[Receptor Bound]

Tramadol withdrawal is up there w/the rest of the opiates. Tramadol's dual-action (mu receptor/serotonin inhibitor) is awful. At one point I was prescribed the max 8 pills a day (240 a month). Of course, this would actually last me a week (at most). Dangerous amounts really but the dangers of suffering a seizure never stopped me. Addicts are wreckless.

I know how ya feel boss and like you, I was doing the same thing. I would be outside the pharmacy, sometimes an hour before they'd open because I would feel better just being right there. It's a sick way to live. So dependent on something so trivial. How the hell did a pill...a fucking drug...come to control everything I think about.

I'm glad I kicked my opiate habit (any opiate I could get my grubby lil' hands on). Although I still suffer from chronic pain from a few failed back surgeries, I STILL think I am better off.

Much luck to you Slowdive!

R*B

 

[Help me please]

I went through severe WD one time when the dr let me go from oxymorphone and norcos to 15 mg morphine every 8 hours. I almost died because I was attempting to find a way to die. Two day later he doubled my dose to 30 mg every 8 hours and gave me a script for clonidine patches. All was well in another 2 or 3 days.

Because of that I am so frightened of going into WD again that I cannot make the next drop he asked me to do. BTW It is my idea to get off the pain meds not his! I am tapering in smaller and regular increments to avoid WD. I cannot allow myself to ever feel that way again. I do have clonidine patches and am using them for the taper. So far all I have had is some anxiety. No RLS, GI, Insomnia, etc issues. Had one night that may have been a night sweat thing but not sure and don't really care. I can easily change the sheets in the morning and I sleep on a waterbed so no mattress to get wet and stinky!

I am an admitted wuss. I am a 52 year old woman who does not use drugs and had no clue pain meds would cause me to come to this.

 

[Bojangles69]

Withdrawals really do just teach you what it feels like to be human, and to be a biological being. The first time time you do it, you suddenly gain compassion for all others who have done it as well. They will take the biggest, burliest man alive and squash him to a pancake.

I also think it helps to be on some sort of low dose of a "stablizer" med when coming off. Or a properly fuzed concotion of herbs. It can really help adjust to the the changes in your brain after them so you can adapt to stressors in society a little smoother.

 

[Receptor Bound]

Indeed.

R*B

 

[leiphos]

the waking up sick part was the worst for me, you don't want to get out of bed or do anything - or even be alive - and the only relief is getting out of bed and consuming the cause of your woes.

the longest stretch I was in withdrawals for was about a week, with no other drugs involved whatsoever, and it was horrible to the point that I couldn't even be sure it was horrible. I was completely delirious and wondering if I was in a dream or had died.

 

[Captain.Heroin]

1) Probably a half dozen times or less.

2) No, I think it doesn't. In fact, going through withdrawal can be continuous positive punishment, which will further decrease someone's willingness to attempt getting clean/detoxing in the first place. (In layman's terms, going through WD is unpleasant, the unpleasantness makes the user fear going through WD's, and conditions them to continually stay intoxicated to avoid WD's).

Going through withdrawals can help you mentally cope with the next set of withdrawals you are coming up to, as in you can build some will power/mental endurance for the withdrawal symptoms. What makes a withdrawal easier is learning to dissociate through the pain/discomfort. Merely going through the pain/discomfort is just an opportunity to do this, not a reassurance that it's going to happen (i.e. the reason why all addicts don't get clean, though they all do go through withdrawals).

 

[Lazyscience]

ive been through a tramadol addiction/withdrawal cycle so many times i would never take it again. the withdrawal is brutal.

i always asked myself, if withdrawal from tramadol is this harsh, how bad must withdrawals from say heroin be? its surprising to me that some people are saying tramadol withdrawals are almost as bad.

 

[J@germe1ster]

1.) Probably gone through wds around 50 times in the past seven years.

2.) The whole getting easier question is a tougher one though. I've had to quit cold turkey from IV'in H for a year. Of course my dumbass just got a new job in the middle of Feb. which required me to live in a tent, in the snow, no toilet, no stove, and of course no electric for months on end. I can seriously say those wd's were by far the worst I have ever experienced even worse then benzo's. I think it was because that was the last time I kicked and I hated myslef for not preparing. By then I knew what worked for me (i.e.- Benedryl, Soup, Lots of Mota, etc.) and had really gotten used to the wd's not being so much of a burden. I mean, after that kick I've been clean for seven months I had dreams that still haunt me to this day. It literally scared me enough to stay of the junk longer than I ever have before. I think as time progresses the wd's themselves get much more intense but by then you have gone through it enough that you know what to expect. I'm not saying it is easier to go through but you do seem to have more mental strength to really fight through it.

Oh yeah and the Trams are most definitely up there with Heroin. At least with heroin you still have a little piece of your soul left, the Trams leave you feeling like your lost in the woods, naked, and a winter storm is rolling in <cringe>.

 

[unsettled]

Only a few full withdrawals where I actually ended up clean, countless wd's which were a result of going through my stash too quick and having to wait too long to get more, however I've learned a thing or two about dealing with these lapses in supply.


The first opiate I had wd's from was vicodin, it was really annoying and I didn't even know I was going through wd until someone close to me who knew of my activities put two and two together.

The second memorable opiate wd was from poppy pods, I had been using them a few months on a daily basis and just stopped one day when I ran out, it was hell, I cold turkeyed that one.

I got addicted to pods a few other times where I used subs to help adjust to life without the pods, these weren't that bad.

Other than that I feel that the last year and a half have been a constant state of being on the run from wd's from opiates, only now the opiates are more varied, I have woke up in withdrawal more times than I can count in the past year but I fixed myself up pretty quickly. There were some overly quick tapers in there when I knew I had more drugs coming but not quite enough to hold me until the got to me.

All in all I've learned that a) I should stop doing this to myself and (in contrast to last statement) b) With a little foresight and preperation wd's can be not that bad, however it takes some discipline and preparation, most of the time I'm able to think ahead enough to prevent the worst opiate wd induced misery but sometimes I get a little reckless and end up fucked, in full withdrawal, spending days in the bathroom.

At the moment I'm tapering on subs, wd is ALWAYS in the back or front of my mind these days, which is kind of sad, but I'm the one who keeps on going back for more.


The worst wd I ever had was from xanax, but that's for another thread.