Help: struggling with painkillers.

[Heyhey1919]

When I got my wisdom teeth removed I was prescribed vicadin. I loved the feeling it gave me and took 3 or 4 pills instead of the recommended 1. When I ran out I payed 100s of dollars at once for them. I also steal them from wherever I see them. I know I'm hooked on them and don't want them to get the best of me. Can anyone give me advice on how to kick this addiction without rehab. And to note drug abuse runs in my family.

[Cap'nCrunch]

First off, tell us how long you have been using painkillers like this. If you are physically dependent, then you would feel incredibly sick when you missed a dose. I need more details.

[Heyhey1919]

First off, tell us how long you have been using painkillers like this. If you are physically dependent, then you would feel incredibly sick when you missed a dose. I need more details.

For just about a year. I take 3 every other day and the effects become less and less I started to take 4 a few months ago. I never felt sick for missing a dose but that's what I'm worried about.

[IanMilo]

Wean off slowly, like if you take three do 2 until you are used to it, then 1, then slowly miss a day every now and then till you are off the hook. Or use sugar pills or tic tacs to achieve the feeling of swallowing pills and tricking your brain

[Heyhey1919]

Thank you so much. Keep up with this thread for a while and I'll let you know if any problems percist.

[Cap'nCrunch]

For just about a year. I take 3 every other day and the effects become less and less I started to take 4 a few months ago. I never felt sick for missing a dose but that's what I'm worried about.

Three to four every other day isn't going to produce strong physical dependence. It's not much of a habit as far as Vicodin abuse goes. You could try slowly cutting down, but I suspect it won't be that easy for you, since you've been taking them regularly for so long. There is probably a bigger problem. I'm sorry to say that rehab is not entirely out of the question if you really really want to kick this.