Very Frightened Re Detoxing Off 6 Addictive Meds Need Advice Please
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Thanks in advance to anyone who can advise me regarding safe, home detox! Finally had my last spinal surgery, two months ago. Have been on strong narcotics for many years now, and really want to be free from all the mind/mood altering substances! Insurance will not cover rehab, so I am really hoping for some realistic, educated advice. I'm on many different medications, but the ones I am specifically concerned about are: oxycontin 240 mgs. p/day, oxycodone 30 mgs. p/day, hydromorphone 48 mg. p/day, soma (these I abuse @ a rough estimate of 350 mgs.x 10-20 per/day), ambien 10 mg. p/day, and xanax 1 mg. p/day. Yes, believe it or not, (except for the soma), one doctor has prescribed all these meds to me, on a monthly basis, for the last six years! As you can imagine, my tolerance is extremely high- I rarely even get a buzz. But my brain is fuzzy, my body is in poor health, my pharmacy costs are through the roof, and I am sick and tired (literally) of being dependent on these drugs. Any help, whether professional or personal, would be such a help! Please, try not to criticize-- I am already my worst critic. Am feeling very disappointed, depressed and hopeless...watching my life go by without joy or vitality. Thanks. ~d

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Hi Jenna- thank you so much for replying to my post. I believe that all your recommendations are positive and will help with the detox process. It all makes sense...I never really thought about it like that, but once I read your suggestions, I must agree. Fresh fruits and veggies, green smoothies, lots of water, light exercise and plenty of sweating (perhaps even saunas?) to flush toxins from the system... yes! One concern I still have however, is with the amounts of narcotics I'm on, will I run the risk of seizures? Should I try going off everything at once, or one by one? I really hate the thought of a prolonged detox, would rather get it over with all at once, as long as its safe. Are there any other meds I should have at hand to combat the gruesome first week? I have detoxed before, years ago- only that time I was hospitalized. It was truly awful. The worst sickness of body and mind that I had ever experienced. So, logically, I should consult my doctor about this, but it is that same doctor who prescribes all my meds. I am afraid that if I talk to him about this, he may be unwilling to ever prescribe narcotics to me again. I know this sounds silly, but I do have several painful health issues. So i guess a more complex question would be this: What does a chronic pain patient do when they want to kick pain pills/narcotics?

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Hi Jasmine,

I haven't had any experience with withdrawal from addictive medications but I have heard of others having success after trying "Suboxone" for opiate/narcotic withdrawal. Here's a link to a thread where others share their experiences with withdrawal as well as information about Suboxone: Discuss/oxycodone-withdrawal-187178.htm

I know you would like to get off these medications as soon as possible and in the comfort of your own home, but as I'm sure you know, withdrawal is a very difficult and time consuming process that should be handled with the utmost care. I suggest that you have a doctor assist you through this time. If I can recommend anything else, it would be to focus on eating a clean diet full of fruits and vegetables, while staying hydrated throughout the day. Doing so should significantly aid your body in detoxing quicker. You should also be sure to get plenty of rest each night and make a point to do some light exercise for 30 min- 1 hr each day. Exercise doesn't require a gym or expensive equipment, a simple walk around your neighborhood or a bike ride would be beneficial; just anything to keep your body moving. It will help your body sweat out any toxins and get your lymphatic system flowing (which will significantly aid in detoxification as well).

I really hope you find this information helpful, and I wish you good luck! Please post back if you need any further assistance.

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