Hi everyone, my name is Jordan and I am recovering from an opioid addiction. It took me a long time to finally admit that I was addicted. But looking back and being honest with myself, it’s been at least 5 years.
I have chronic pain and was started on Percocet by my older family doctor. I used them responsibly for years and once he retired, my new doctor forced me onto OxyNeo (OxyContin) stating that it was safer and better for chronic pain. I listened to him and switched to OxyNeo. I had to get up to 40mg twice a day (much higher than the 5-6 Percocet I used a day) before I felt my pain was adequately relieved. I still had Percocet for breakthrough pain, 3 a day
Fast forward and I’m running out of Percocet early. I’m making excuses to get an early refill, which my doctor believed. He renewed the meds. I eventually had a dental infection and he temporarily Increased my Percocet to 2 tabs every 4 hours and kept the OxyNeo the same. The pharmacy gave me a bottle with 360 Percocet in it. I thought it had to be a mistake. But that’s what he ordered. I was giddy leaving the pharmacy.
I went on a Percocet bender for about a week. Then my tolerance increased so I started using more OxyNeo. Then I was out of everything. And my first time in withdrawal hit. I had always had a steady reliable supply of opioids. Until now. I was in hell. I found some hydromorphone I had from a surgery years ago. That took the edge off. I finally admitted I had a problem.
I had been a functioning addict for years and I didn’t want to become dysfunctional so I took myself to the emergency department, plead my case to the doctor and he was happy to help me start on Suboxone. He got me started in the ER with my first dose and sent me home with a weeks supply and a referral.
Some people might say it’s trading one addiction for another. But for the first time in years I don’t have cravings to use opioids. So that’s a win for me.
thanks for reading my long winded post lol, I’m happy to be here and look forward to making friends. Wish me luck! As of this post, I’m 1 day and 14 hours free from oxycodone and hydromorphone.
Hello Jordan, my name is Alex! I’m really glad you’re here sharing your story! Admitting that you’re an addict is a huge step in a good direction, I know how difficult that is, let alone to admit it to other people! I hope you are giving yourself some well deserved pats on the back for your bravery!
Thank you for sharing your story and struggles in dealing with chronic pain and abusing prescription medication. I’ve never dealt with chronic pain so I can only imagine how hard it must be. But I’m glad you are taking steps towards curbing the misuse of medication! I’m also glad to hear you are using professional help to get through this process.
The path to a sober life is different for everyone. Do what’s best for you and leave everything else behind, including other peoples judgments!
I’m looking forward to hearing more about your sober journey! I know how difficult the first few days of not having your DOC can be, so please reach out for support if you need!
I can relate to your post. I got addicted to oxycodone after receiving prescriptions for years due to back pain. I finally had major back surgery and my doctor proceeded to reduce my scripts in hopes of weening me off but I wasn’t having it, so I went to the streets to get my fix. Eventually, I knew enough was enough and went to outpatient detox where I started suboxone to help with withdrawal. I continued taking subs for months until I realized I was replacing one addiction for another. Against my doctors advice, I weened myself off.
Being free of the chains of addiction is life changing in a positive way. I’ve got 6 years clean but I’m still dealing with the dental issues caused by suboxone. Be careful! I was never warned about what it would do to my teeth.
Welcome to the community Jordan .
I’m glad you found us here. Early days of sobriety can be really hard and it’s great that you are sharing and reaching out to others here. I found reading around and participating here to be incredibly helpful and is a major part of my success so far. I hope you find it helpful as well.
Great first steps. Acknowledging theres a problem and seeking help is huge. Good for you. Now the first week is tough but hopefully with the meds you can establish an in person support team and wean off that when the time is right. One step at a time.
Welcome to the forum!! Im so glad ur here. Ans congratulations on ur clean time!
I too had a fairly long addiction to hydromorphone. I havent used it in many years now but it was very uncomfortable to come off of. It was very brave of u to seek professional help for ur addiction. Im so proud of u for that! I hope u continue to use this forum as an extra support! It has been tremendously helpful for me in my recovery Hope it is for u too!!
Hope it is for u too!!