Question:
I'm worried about Vicodin withdrawal!

I had WLS on 4/5/02 and then needed to have my gallbladder out on 5/14/02. Throughout this whole time I've been using Lortab Elixir. While I was in the hospital I used Morphine and Dilautid. Since the gallbladder surgery, I'm still having back and abdominal pain which so far is not being relieved by the Lortab. My doctor prescribed Vicodin ES, which finally seems to be helping. So basically, I've been using narcotics for 7 weeks. I'm starting to worry about addiction and facing withdrawal symptoms when the time comes. Anyone have any experience and / or advice on this?    — Christine L. (posted on May 23, 2002)

May 23, 2002
I was on Vicodin for almost 12 weeks last year when I injured my knee and my doctor told me that yes, that drug IS addictive, BUT...that you needed an addictive personality to really get hooked on it. I had no problems what so ever getting off the drug. One day, I decided that I was done taking pain pills (they weren't doing much by that time anyways) and that was it! Haven't given them another thought! Good luck to you!!
   — Christie N.

May 23, 2002
Addiction to narcotics usually occurs when once is not following doctor's directions and is taking more than necessary, just for the "high." As long as you are carefully following your doctor's directions, you should be fine. If you're finding yourself abusing vicodin, please get help now before it becomes very serious.
   — Terissa R.

May 23, 2002
This June, I will be clean of opiates & those types of drugs for 10-years. There is nothing in this world that would have me choosing to go back to that dependency. If there is anyway to start curving yourself back from it all, do it. Maybe half the pill or empty out half the powder and make the time spans between taking them shorter and shorter. I can tell you first hand you just don't to mess with it, if you don't have to, as your getting your new life started. It's too many irons in the fire, if you know what I mean. Get rid of the pain pills so you can focus on gaining your health back completely. Best of luck to you. Don't hesitate to write if you want further input - I self-medicated myself off of everything and it's worked. :::Yah-Hoo::::
   — Lisa J.

May 23, 2002
The fact that you're worried about this makes me less worried for you. Pain meds aren't bad in themselves. There are people out there who practically live on pain meds just to sustain quality of life due to chronic pain issues yet they manage to not abuse narcotics. I personally know both type of people and have even had a friend die because of an OD and knew another guy who did too. For a while I was terrified of the stuff. But my own father has chronic pain problems and continually for years has been prescribed narcotics to control his pain issues. In my heart and mind I know he will NEVER be an addict. He uses the pain meds wisely, avoids them when he can. I'd say as long as you are aware of your usage, concerned for yourself, and monitoring whether or not you actually need to use them or not, you should be fine. On the flip side, though. IF for any reason you find yourself having trouble, taking too many, too often, or for the wrong reason, please talk to your doctor. As you heal and your pain scale drops there are other less addictive meds you can be put on until its mostly gone. If you want to talk e-mail me privately. I'll help in any way I can. Shelly
   — Shelly S.

February 20, 2003
I have gone through vicodin withdrawls. IT IS NOT FUN. I have the chills nausea and vomiting. My doctor said the Vicidon withdrawls were almost the same as herion. I believe it. I took him for 7 years 4 pills 2 times a day AS THE DR PRESCRIBED
   — Kerie E.