Stay away from the opiates; they’re easy to get addicted to. I was for a year (2010) in combination with vodka, and had to go thru detox. Oxycontin and vodka killed the pain 100%, but it almost killed me. Clean and dry since 1/9/11, now.
After a 16 hour surgery (13 days in hospital) I was on even more pain meds for 2 months, Once the pain was gone I asked the pain doctor to help me get off the stuff. He was a quack and said no, that I still needed meds. I took the final prescription.
My PCP said she wasn't qualified to help me.
I went on line to see what junkies do to kick their habit. I threw out the timed release med., cut the 15 mg in half. Took it. When Withdrawal started I took a half. First sign of withdrawal for me was shivering when it was 90 degrees outside. Continued that for 2 weeks. Then I tried to cut them in thirds, did the best I could. Same thing for two weeks. Then I cut in quarters. Did that for another two weeks every time the chills hit.2 weeks later I threw them out. I was fine.
It's a real shame no one would help me and I didn't have money or time for rehab. Hate to say it and piss people off and I know we are all different but it was easy-peasy.
I needed pain meds a few weeks ago after foot surgery. After !.5 days I threw them away because the pain was controlled with over the counter pain meds a a couple shots of vodka spread out throughout the day.
I come from a long line of addicts.
My experience may not be typical. I have since learned that cholidine helps with the withdrawal so if you have high blood pressure you might want to ask for that. I take it to help me sleep. I don't have high blood pressure.
I hope my experience can help even one person that may take the time to read this.