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Well done for coming on here to talk it through. This happens. Random moments of craving the pills. In our minds it helps us get through those moments of stress. But we know it really doesn’t. It causes more harm than good in the end. But cravings are part of the process and can happen.
By this stage, you’ve gotten through the worst of the withdrawal symptoms and just want something to take the edge off the stress etc. We can convince ourselves that sure one dose won’t hurt at this stage but it does. It leads us back down a path until we’re back to square one again. Funnily enough, looking at statistics the biggest relapses happen 3 weeks in. I think this is why. We think we’ve beaten it so can be like other people and take them occasionally. We can’t as we don’t take these pills for pain like most, we take them as an emotional crutch.
You sound determined not to take them though. That’s the main thing. Be proud of yourself, that takes strength! And when you feel tempted, think of how far you’ve come. It would be such a shame to go back now. You’ve got this!
Keep chatting to us when you need xx
Hi Pauline, I’m from Ireland too and I work in a hospital. You can get those free counselling sessions under the employee assistance programme. A few of my colleagues have used it in the past for a variety of reasons and found it really helpful.
I totally get the going into different chemists thing. It’s a lot harder to get them here than the U.K. also since the new laws a few years back. They’re hidden behind counters and you must nearly plead your case as to why you need them and beg in some pharmacies. It used to frustrate me no end until I realised it was people like myself they were trying to protect. Unfortunately it’s not enough as when you want those pills, you’ll get them! I used be so happy when they believed my story. It was an awful way to live.
Don’t be hard on yourself for going back on them. It’s so easy to trick your mind into thinking you can control your usage. One time I tried to give up a few years ago and I thought I could take them as a treat on a Saturday night like some people drink( I don’t drink at all). Sure obviously I couldn’t. Once I took some I wanted more. They lure you in so quickly and your in this cycle where you feel awful without them so you keep taking them.
I took them for 6 years. I’ve had bloods done and they’re all perfect. Luckily I didn’t do any long term physical damage which I’m very grateful for as I know it could have been so different. Maybe to ease those fears, you could book a routine blood test appointment when you feel ready?
You seem so determined so I know you’ll do this. You know your triggers. You know you can’t take them and control your usage so you’re more prepared this time. Definitely try and find a morning routine that gives you a structure with no pills involved. Be kind to yourself also as you’ve had a lot going on this past while.
Best of luck Pauline. If you need any support, talk to us x
I promise that feeling isn’t forever. It’s all temporary although I totally understand how it’s all consuming and you just want it to be over. Withdrawal is a process with ups and downs, some days are better than others, which is why we take each day as it comes but it’s all worth it. The feeling of being free from those pills is liberating. Focus on how amazing that will feel. I hope today goes ok for you x
Can’t believe you’re on day 23 now. You’ve done so well! X
If it’s any help, my husband was happy he knew and just wanted to be there for me. Your wife sounds the same. He was worried when he saw me so distressed during the withdrawals but he was glad to knew what was really going on.Sometimes we need that support to spur us on when times are tough. Ye will come out the other side stronger than ever. X
Anxiety is a hard one even without going through withdrawals. It can take so long to find a medication that works for you. It’s tough. At least you know you have options!
Be proud of yourself for giving this another go. You have your plan. You’ve got this!
If you need to just chat at any point, you know you can come here x
I understand your fear with the GP but honestly that’s not how they think about this stuff. You aren’t a bad mom for this and I know how well your kids are looked after and loved. The thing with pain meds is you can continue as normal and be a good worker, parent etc. That’s why we stay on them so long as it’s so easy to hide but I do appreciate your anxiety over it. However, just know if it you end up ever having to say this to your GP, you’ll be ok. I’m glad you have your sister to talk to though. Once you have someone, it’s helpful.
Have you considered just speaking to your GP about anxiety in general and getting something to help with that? I think everyone who gives these pills up ends up anxious and lacking motivation for awhile so it might help you to have meds for that while you withdraw.
I know you can do this. You have your plan made. Take the lowest amount as you say that you don’t feel terrible on. Stick to that until you feel ok on it and then gradually lower. If done like that you shouldn’t experience withdrawals too severe. I know how scary it is when you’re aware of how bad the withdrawals feel but take it slowly and you’ll get there.
I also know the feeling of wishing I was past those first few weeks. I thought I’d never do it. That first week felt like a lifetime. I’m no different to you I promise. I struggled. I was scared. I cried and I was anxious so don’t feel alone please.
You’ve got this. You want it so much and that’s the first step to doing it. You’ll get through this x
Hi Havehope, good to hear from you. I attempted to give up these pills a few times before I managed to do it So don’t beat yourself up. It’s not an easy process and can take time but you’ll get there!
There are a couple of people on here who have tapered. The most important thing with tapering is to ensure you are lowering the dose at a level you’re not experiencing bad withdrawals on. Some people try and do it too quickly and it simply prolongs the withdrawals and then they give up as it’s nearly as hard on the body when tapering is not done correctly. They recommend lowering your dose by 10% a week. Some people can do 25% and not experience bad withdrawals so it depends on you really. Just lower the dose by an amount you don’t feel too bad on. And it’s important you feel ok on this dose before lowering it again.
I think to stick to a taper plan it would help if you were doing it with a GP maybe? It’s hard to stick to by yourself but it’s totally possible if you really want it and do it a rate you’re comfortable with. To give the taper a structure, maybe pick how many times a day and what time you’ll take the pills at. Make a plan so you know what your doing.
If you do decide you can’t taper and to go cold turkey, talk to your GP. They can help with sleep and there is short term medication that can help reduce symptoms to get you past that first forthright. You don’t have to do this alone.
A support network really helps for any withdrawals but for a taper having someone to talk to that knows what you’re doing is beneficial. It gives you emotional support and also you are less inclined to slip when someone else knows your taper plan. I think you said your sister knows so perhaps talk through your plan with her?
You can do this. We were all where you were. I was only there 4 months ago. It’s hell I know but it’s so worth it for your life back. Take one day a time whether it’s tapering or cold turkey and focus on the end goal. Im here to chat! Good luck x
Hi Pauline, firstly I’m so sorry to hear about your father. And your mom too. That’s a lot to deal with in the space of 2 years. Be proud of yourself for taking the first step in acknowledging you need to give these up for your health and for yourself in general but also, give yourself grace. It’s been a tough time for you.
It’s the morning I found most difficult too. I had Nurofen plus next to my bed and would take them to start my day. I would wait for them to kick in before getting up as I needed that motivation to get up. I totally understand how you found that difficult.
The most important thing now is you realise your trigger going in to it this time. When you’re ready to give up, maybe you could try and get into a routine in the morning of exercise or something else you enjoy so that when the pills are gone, you have something else to motivate you to get up for. Or perhaps listen to some music when you wake to help your mood. Music definitely can help as Maggie has said along the way. I still take that advice and music is on in my kitchen now every morning.
I’d suggest having a chat with your GP too as you’ve been through a lot recently. Without these pills, you can suffer anxiety and lack of motivation after the physical symptoms dissipate and a doctor can prescribe something or perhaps recommend things for you to try. Counselling might be an idea too for all you’ve been through.
I’m not sure if anyone around you knows about this but it’s helpful to have some emotional support. However, what I can say is you are not alone in this. This forum has become a little community of people who really care so you can chat to us. We’ll help anyway we can x
Hey, Day 21! What an achievement! I’m so happy for you. You’ve worked so hard to get to this point. Be proud of yourself.
My husband is 40 and still loves gaming also! It’s a great way to unwind and keep your mind occupied!
Funnily enough, I used to love to read too but I stopped over the years as I just didn’t really want to do anything. In the past month I’ve started again and it’s a great way to relax.
It’s crazy what we’ve missed out on for these pills. Such a waste but the future is looking very bright!
Have a great weekend! I’m here if you need anything x
Hey Retroaddic, just checking into see how you’re feeling today? I hope you got some sleep again last night! X
I totally get what you mean by the ‘Blahhh’ feeling. I felt like that for probably a month. I just wasn’t 100%! The original poster said it was 4-6 weeks for him but I do think it depends on how long you were using them and the amount you were taking.
I think there’s an element of what do I do now? Your brain is still figuring it all out. These pills have been a defining part of your life for so long so you kinda need to learn how to enjoy life again without them.
What I can say is I am now going into my 4th month and I feel great. I promise you it gets better. I feel normal again and I’m a way happier person. My husband actually only said last night he’s never heard me laugh so much as he has in the last month. I feel like me again after 6 years. It’s all so worth it.
Keep on going. You’re doing great x
Day 19! You did it! I’m so happy for you. It will get easier from here. As you say, take it one day at a time!
The grogginess is most likely from the sleeping tablet but it’s worth it for the sleep! Sleep is so important in this!
This forum is an amazing place. Talking to people who actually understand how you’re feeling is so beneficial. I’m glad chatting to us helped a little.
Hope work goes ok today x
Oh Maggie, that sounds amazing! Must try that myself! Thank you!
Hi Retroaddic, I’m so happy you are getting moments where you feel good. It helps to keep you focused when you see glimpses of normality. Sleep definitely helps. It’s hard to be motivated etc when your exhausted especially when you work long hours!
Seeing Nurofen plus is so strange at first. Your instincts are to start thinking of an excuse in your head as to why you need it for when your questioned! Now I just feel liberated that I can walk into a chemist and not even think about those pills. It’s life changing!
You should be so proud of yourself for doing this! You’ve made it to day 18 which is amazing! Tomorrow is day 19 and you can put your previous relapse behind you and look to the future!
Hope you get another good night sleep x