Can someone who is addicted to painkillers stop without professional help??

Question

I have been addicted to lortabs for about 3 years. After a c-section, I got a script.Then after a month, I was having really bad back pain and got another. Well one day I was taking care of my daughter, I was so tired and in pain, and couldn't remeber if I took my pain meds or not. So I took one. Nevertheless, 45 minutes later I was high. I wasn't tired anymore, my back felt great, and I felt like suppermommy. The laundry got done, the bottles were washed, and it was so much easier to care for her. Now she's 3, and I'm still on them. I'm afraid to recieve treatment because I'm a single mom. I've tried to down the dose and ween off, and I'll do OK, but a few days later, I'll get high again. I just don't feel like doing anything or playing with my little girl unless I'm high. I don't feel like an addict, but I know I am. I really want to kick the habbit, but I'm afraid that if i'm not high, I won't be a good mother anymore(as dumb as that sounds). any suggestions? Please help

Answer 1

I was in your position a while back. I was afraid of admitting I had a problem,knew that I was addicted, felt like a million bucks after taking a few Vicodin. Your body becomes physically dependent on the drugs. Not to mention the psychological effects of the drug. I eventually went to Narcotics
Anonymous. I was astounded at the amount of people who were in the same boat as I was. I am also a single mom and was afraid of the repurcussions of my secret getting out. Don't feel guilty! It sounds as if you are on the right track by just asking questions. Do not stop taking them all of a sudden. Try to ease yourself off slowly. Go to some meetings. Talk to others. This is the first step towards recovery. You will realize your'e a good mom without them eventually. Good Luck! Hang in there. You can do it.

Answer 2

Some people have, but not everyone can. Talk to a drug counselor about what your options are.

You will be a good mom when you're off the painkillers. Nobody's perfect, nobody gets the laundry done all the time. Probably the reason you feel like you won't be a good mother anymore when you're not high is because currently when you're not high you're in withdrawal from your last high, which of course does a number on your body and makes you tired and possibly depressed. Understand that that isn't how you're going to feel all the time once you're clean.

It's also critical to understand that as time passes your addiction will get worse and it WILL adversely affect your parenting. Right now you're functioning, but in the future, you might not be. Do yourself and your children a favour and hurry up and get treatment before it gets worse!

Answer 3

Recognizing the problem and wanting to quit are good first steps. Seek confidential help. There is no shame in being addicted to something a doctor willingly gives you. You want to be YOU when you hold her. Make sure there are not other deficiencies in your nutrition that make you suceptible to the cravings for the "feel good" chemicals released when you take lortabs.

Answer 4

You need to get professional help to Detox and then treatment on a weekly basis so you can keep yourself clean. Talk to your doctor. Have Friends or family watch your little one while you go get this straightened out. You'll be a much better mom after you take care of your addiction!!