How do I get off painkillers?

My name is Liz and I am addicted to painkillers. I have been taking them for about 3 or 4 years. I am fighting this addiction, and for those like me you know how hard it is. I started out taking one or two every now and then, for a bad headache, toothache, things like that, before I knew it I was taking almost 10 a day. I am talking about 10, 10mg lortabs. I have gotten myself down to about 2 or 3 a day, but I can't seem to shake them. I know they are ruining my life. I am depressed with or without them. I want to lead a normal life. Does anyone know of anything that might help me? I don't want them anymore, however physically it is too hard to kick them completely. My whole body hurts and I just want to sleep all day long, which is not like me b/c I never sleep during the day.. If anyone can help I would appreciate it.

Any drug that is addicting, be it prescriptions or be it street drugs, they are always hard to give up. The first step is always the hardest and it seems that you have conquered that one without a problem ... admitting that you have a problem.

I wouldn't suggest that you just stop them cold turkey as the shock to your system with withdrawls could be dangerous. But what I would suggest, since you have cut back and you know you have an issue with them, that you contact your physician/doctor.

At this point you will be need intervention be it from a doctor, a family member, or a rehab center. For the temptation to throw them away is great but the need to take them is greater and you would end up begging your doctor for another prescription then you would be back where you are now.

So seeking help be it medical advice or counciling is always the best option for step two, since step one is admitting you have a problem and need help.

Good luck in accomplishing your goal, but know that it will be a hard road to travel and it is normal to relapse.

U need a prescription

see gp you need serious help not help off here

Keep going down 1/2 every few days. Maybe even join a gym. Go out with your friends and laugh. That will definately lift your spirit.

Where do you get them, is what I wonder! you need to talk to you doctor, or a therapist. You have taken the first step in admitting your addiction. Good luck! See a doctor!

Sounds like depression to me. get it checked to make sure its not that and for now keep them out of your reach. try to get it done for a day and let that be your motivation to keep on going without them. Good Luck!!!!!

try shock therapy, if that doesn't work try getting addicted to pain instead. or here's a good one.........
..........STOP TAKING THE PILLS!!

You may need to go to a detox

go to the hospital and get admitted into rehab

get rid of taking pain killers as soon as possible otherwise they wil make ur body hollow.
only these things can help you.---your inner strength, self confidence and control over your pain.
all the best..

You have an addiction and you need to kick it. Seek a support group to help you through it, you must commit to stopping as this will eventually cause serious health problems.

hi liz!
i understand how you feel and what you are going through.
accept first, that you are addicted to prescription drugs.
now, consult a psychiatrist, check into a rehab, detox yourself and log onto www.na.org.

maybe you should find something else instead of painkillers that makes you feel better. you sould even join a group that has the same kind of problem.

THERE IS SOMETHING CALLED SUBOXIN ? I THINK I SPELLED IT WRONG, BUT SOMEONE ELSE OUT THERE MIGHT KNOW. THERE ARE ONLY CERTAIN DOCTORS WHO GIVE THIS. IT IS EXPENSIVE BUT MAYBE A HEALTH PLAN WOULD COVER IT OR MAYBE NOT. BUT ITS WORTH IT, YOU MAY HAVE TO TAKE 3 A DAY OR 2 OR 1 , GOOD LUCK, ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT THIS MEDICINE, PAT