I Need Help Quitting 2 Year Addiction to Pain Pills

by SadGirl 25
(Tacoma wa)

I became addicted to prescription pain medicine about 2 years ago after a back injury at work. I was 23 at the time and my Dr put me on Percocet for about 3 months. After my treatment ended I found that I was still craving the pills. Not for the pain relief but for the sense of comfort I would get for about 40 minutes after every dose.

I started getting pills from family and friends and then moved onto buying them illegally. I live with my boyfriend and my disabled Mom lives with us. NO ONE knows I am addicted and I hide the amount of money I make so I can spend it on drugs without suspicion.

We are very poor and my addiction is wrecking our finances further. I have tried to quit in the past and have always started using again. I even went to my Dr and told her what was going on. She said she didn't have the training to help me and referred me to a pain clinic. Which even though I had med insurance at the time was still WAY out of my price range.

My Dr then gave me 60 Oxy Contin for withdrawals and said not to come back for this. I am so depressed and scared and I want to quit. How can I do this by myself? Please, if there are any tips.... Thank you.

Alcoholism-and-Drug-Addiction-Help.com Answer

Unfortunately your story is like that of many others who unwittingly get addicted to pain pills - with more people now addicted to prescription drugs than those addicted to heroin, cocaine and ecstasy combined.

And a lot of it stems from the ignorance of Doctors who simply subscribe them without thinking of the possible long-term consequences, and who don't have a plan for weaning you off the stuff successfully. So when looking for a solution to your problem, going to your G.P. is usually not a great idea since they don't have the specialised knowledge required to deal with addiction.

Your addiction is no different to that of a heroin or cocaine addict for example, in that the way to treat and overcome it, would be exactly the same. So ideally what you need to do is find an addiction treatment facility that can help you get clean and start you on your journey to recovery.

Some are frightfully expensive, but not all, and if money is a problem for you, use this Substance Abuse Facility Locator by the US Department of Health and Services, that can help you find programs that don't cost a lot and that offer payment plans when money is tight.

I know you say you want to do this by yourself, but overcoming an addiction alone is incredibly difficult ... and that's why getting the right help and support will make it so much easier. There is a lot that goes into overcoming an addiction, and requires change on the deepest and most fundamental levels .... including spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

You could book yourself into a hospital for a few days to get yourself detoxed ... and then begin the work to make those changes, but it is so much harder by yourself. Some people find religion helps, others more spiritual pursuits like yoga and meditation, exercise and committing to healthy living helps others ... and even a combination of all these could do the trick.

Because in engaging in some or all of these pursuits, you begin to replace the void that is currently filled by taking your pain meds. And as you replace that void, the desire to use will begin to leave you, and that's ultimately what you want. But it takes work. So if you really want to change, you're going to have to commit to a new way of life with everything you've got. Believe in yourself because you can do this!

Good Luck.

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