AboutCrystal Expertise I can answer questions on substance abuse and addiction as well as possible ideas for abstinence and groups. I have been a substance abuse counseling specialist for 5 years. I cannot give medically diagnose but can give accurate advice and helpful ideas.
Experience I have been a substance abuse counselor for five years and have detoxed clients off of all drugs and alcohol.
Education/Credentials I have a minor in addiction,an A.A. in Juvenile Justice and am working on my B.A in Criminal Justice with addiction. I have worked with doctors who specialize in medical detox and have 10 years nursing field experience.
Question I was hospitalized in mid march for a painful infection. I was on very heavy antibiotics for five weeks. I am still "draining", so still not physically well. The problem, I've been on percocet the whole time and I know I'm addicted or dependent. I have the withdrawal symptoms if i don't take it. Last year, I went through a medical out-patient detox off the same stuff, was hooked for about 9 months coming off a surgery. How did I get so hooked again? I'm very upset about this and can't go through the medical regime again, I'm just starting to get back to work. I want to know if it is possible to taper off the pills myself? I am now taking 2 10/325 about every 3 hours. (I tried cold turkey- couldn't do it) Last time I was up to about 20 a day. I'm terrified about this. Can you help?
Answer Jude,
I cannot stress the dangers of self detox to you enough. If you are taking 2 every three hours, does this mean you taking at least 15 a day or are you waking up to take more during the night? The reason you are feeling the detox again is because you are on a consistent dose and have been taking them for about two months now. Once your body becomes dependent on something it will ALWAYS be dependent on it no matter how much abstinence you have in between using. It sucks because when you truly need them it is harder then hell to get off of them.
How was your detox last time? Did you experience seizures at all or tremors? This will tell me where you are now and whether or not you should try the oupatient detox again. I understand that you have just began working again and believe me I know how hard this is for you but you have to take care of yourself the best way that you can and if you need to do that then I would suggest it. You asked me if you could titrate off, yes you could but I am not advising you to do so. I do know that if you talk to the doctor who gives them to you they can assist you in properly titrating off. It takes awhile because you have to do so slowly, and you have to have A LOT of patience. You have to start by dropping by one pill per day or even one whole dose per day and then you have to do the same dose everyday at the same time and stay on that regimen for however long it takes for you to feel comfortable to drop again. I am not suggesting this and I recommend that you take extreme precautions. You have to train you body how to live and function without it. It is not easy and I would highly suggest that if you need to be on something again that you ask for a lower class narcotic or even a non-narcotic pain management.
I feel for you because I have seen so many struggle with this and it is hard. Don't beat yourself up though because they were given to you for a legitimate reason. Do you understand that?
It has always terrified me to hear or see patients and clients taking that much a day because you really are not aware of anything that is affecting your body in a negative way and it is so dangerous for your liver and kidneys. Please think about going to NA for support as well and you don't have to share your whole story if you don't want. Don't do it so that someone can tell you how to get off of it either, ONLY do it for SUPPORT because you are going to need it.
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. If I have not fully answered your questions please let me know. I will do my best to assist you in the best way that I can but remember I am not a doctor.
