How hard is it to go cold turkey from opioids?

Page 3 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

Puffnstuff

Lifer
Mar 9, 2005
16,187
4,871
136
Additions vs habits. Coffee is a natural stimulant and the consumption of it is a habit however, the sudden discontinuation of it can cause high blood pressure. Addictions on the other hand can have catastrophic biological effects on the body's systems as they've become physically dependent on them. When the withdrawal strikes it's a form of negative reinforcement which forces the individual to continue the behavior to stop the condition. This is the death spiral that addicts become trapped within until they either perish or are able to receive professional help in overcoming the condition. If you've never used illegal drugs or abused prescription drugs do yourself a favor and don't start.
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/opioids/what-are-opioids
 

OverVolt

Lifer
Aug 31, 2002
14,278
89
91
The oxy and heroin abuse problem. Like, why is it so hard for people to quit?
GET A HOTEL ROOM AND SUCK IT UP.


My opinion. I think the real reason oxy etc. is so hard to quit is because just living life as an emotionally balanced person with years of experience in how to cope can still be difficult. The problem with people who turned to drugs is that they stunted that experience of how to deal with problems. Even among people who don't take drugs some people still handle their problems in a very immature way. Its a long path learning to cope without the drug that goes beyond just the short-term withdrawal. But it is by no means impossible. Its just very very uncomfortable even after you have broken the physical dependence.

Its easier to relapse than to go through the struggle, and it is definitely a struggle. But that is really the whole point of being emotionally balanced is being able to struggle just like everyone else and maintain your dignity, sanity, etc. And to stick to whatever plan it is you have that will bring you true/intrinsic happiness instead of taking the easy road because all addicts will hit a point where they wish they could quit. Learn from others and don't even try drugs, IMO.
 

sandorski

No Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
70,695
6,257
126
When I was younger one night I snuck a couple of my Dad's cigarrettes. Basically chain smoked both, felt good quarter way through the first one, but nauseous by the end of the second. I was all like, "Ick, won't do that again". Months later suddenly I get this insane craving to smoke again. It was like my body just hungered for it. My mind was focused only on sneaking another cigarrette and how great that first drag was going to be. It was insane just how obsessed I became about it and that cycle just continued to repeat itself until I left home. Addiction sucks, those who dismiss it simply don't understand what it is or how severe it can be.
 

FrankRamiro

Senior member
Sep 5, 2012
718
8
76
Just from taking misc opioids before, the vicodin level stuff that they hand out like candy, I knew that I liked them. But I've never felt the need to seek them out. Recently, I was prescribed some for about 2 months due to back pain, which is the longest consecutive I ever had taken anything like that. I must admit, I got quite used to having it around.

Quitting that shit sucked. It's hard to explain, but it's just bad - so bad that you would instantly and without question take some more, if you were presented with it, just to feel better.

That lasted a few days, and I felt totally normal again within a week.

I can't imagine doing it for years and years and then being presented with having to quit. Yikes.


I Totally agree with you,i also have taken oxycodone for my chronic back pain,but i only took 1 pill,5mg 350 Tylenol a night and after some time i tried to quit but i fell so bad, cause i had cravings for more pills cause 1 would not be enough,since i did not want to take more , so i started to take only half of the pill for some time then i quit but it has been hard, i imagine people that takes more than 5 or more a day.

Also found Voltaren 25 pills that has been helping me to quit narcotics,shame that here in my state you have to have a prescription to buy Voltaren while in Europe and in Canada i can buy over the counter.
 
Last edited: