The agony of opioid withdrawal - and what doctors should tell patients about it

The agony of opioid withdrawal - and what doctors should tell patients about it | Travis Rieder

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6 жыл бұрын

The United States accounts for five percent of the world's population but consumes almost 70 percent of the total global opioid supply, creating an epidemic that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths each year. How did we get here, and what can we do about it? In this personal talk, Travis Rieder recounts the painful, often-hidden struggle of opioid withdrawal and reveals how doctors who are quick to prescribe (and overprescribe) opioids aren't equipped with the tools to eventually get people off the meds.
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Пікірлер: 10 000

@wtpb 5 жыл бұрын

The sad thing is he could have gotten better advice from an addict

@itsdillon04 3 жыл бұрын

speaking from experience, withdrawals don’t make you crave the drug again, they literally make you need them to destroy the pain.

@CaseyKoplinCk13 5 жыл бұрын

Chronic pain patients should not be punished.

@rettamack Жыл бұрын

I managed to get myself off opioids (I was on it for 17 years) by going cold turkey, cravings, insomnia, restless legs were the worst, I spent most of the time in and out off the shower, curled up silently crying, I didnt tell my husband, children or extened family members because I was ashame to admit I had an addiction, I went through this hard journey alone, I was literally bought to my knees and prayed through the withdrawals process, I took comfort in watching others share their journey on KZfaq, I dont know its kinda hard to explain, but it felt good to know I wasnt alone, opioid does not discriminate it affects everyone who over uses it! Once you make the decision to say enough is enough you can and will get through, if i can do it you can to!

@MysticalHydra 5 жыл бұрын

So tired of hearing about how similar it is to the flu. There are some similar symptoms, particularly chills, sweating, nausea/diarrhea. However, the flu doesn't cause an otherworldly, painful sensation of restless legs. But not just like you're feeling antsy, but like there are electric bugs crawling inside your soul. It's a horrid sensation. And in my opinion, the worst ailment of the withdrawal experience. It's also primarily unavoidable, save with the help of hot tubs, benzos, and sleeping pills. The flu also doesn't give you varying levels of psychosis, nor anguishing depression, insomnia, anxiety, etc. It's genuine torture, not a virus...

@PinkyPuff69 5 жыл бұрын

I have gone through methodone withdrawal. I was an addict that turned to injecting heroin for almost 10 years. Then found “methodone maintenance” for many years until I became homeless and broke and had to kick it. Whoa. Hallucinations, urination, hot and freezing, a crushing vulnerability, heebie jeebies, pins and needles, fear of everyone and everything. Restlessness, hyper-sensitivity, and sleeplessness. A wanting to jump out of one’s own skin. And it lasts and lasts. Then one day it ends. That was in 2005. I’m better, now. I won’t ever forget it.

@moezy5239 4 жыл бұрын

60 days sober here!! Woo wooo! Feeling great , almost normal!

@jacobgalloway9123 5 жыл бұрын

He vastly undersold it. It's not jitters, it's crippling anxiety!

@Thornspyre81 4 жыл бұрын

At least he had a loving spouse and didnt have to work during his withdrawals

@weld_baby 3 жыл бұрын

I have been on suboxone for 3 years after a 2 year morphine addiction...I have just successfully weaned myself off suboxone, and today marks one week suboxone free. This is a massive day of victory for me. It can be done. Dont be afraid.💗

@napadave58 Жыл бұрын

I'm a 30yr oxycodone user due to a failed surgery and I can tell you that it isn't the pain that keeps me on the medication, nor is it any kind of psychological addiction causing cravings, but rather it is the absolute FEAR of withdrawal. If we put aside the population that takes these drugs to get "high" and concentrate solely on pain patients, I'd bet that 75% of us would stop tomorrow despite the pain and that is because we're held here by FEAR OF WITHDRAWAL. That was a good talk. Thanks for sharing.

@Dball10-4 Жыл бұрын

As a former Fentanyl and heroin addict I can deeply appreciate his turmoil and what he went through and how he overcame. Opioids are a very scary demonic drug.

@kittenkorleone2918 3 жыл бұрын

Just got 5 years clean! It's great being treated like a trustworthy person again! I never thought I'd ever see 30 days! Did it one day at a time!

@dovedover730 3 жыл бұрын

I am seriously feeling so bad right now. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. It's only been a little over 24 hours since I've had an opioid. I've been awake all night. I can't sleep yet I'm exhausted. I feel like I'm freezing but I'm pouring sweat while I have chills.

@bradsully6620 3 жыл бұрын

Sleep IS impossible when you're detoxing from opioids.

@AfghanApothecary 5 жыл бұрын

Now imagine gojng through this with no financial security or support socially. Lucky man this guy

@deeter983 4 жыл бұрын

during my opioid withdrawal i felt despair deeper than i ever thought imaginable. it was horrendous. undoubtedly the worst experience of my life.

@piscesmusic3116 Жыл бұрын

My heart goes out to this man and all opioid addicts. My brother fractured his shin, and the doctor (who is not his primary) prescribed him a painkiller (opioids). Thank God, his pharmacist asked him if the over the counter medication he was taking, for the pain, was working. He responded, yes. She then advised him NOT to fill the prescription because it was highly addictive. So, he didn’t. I thank God everyday for that wise pharmacist. She saved my brother from a deadly addiction.

@mirrorface637 2 жыл бұрын

i started crying when you said you made it out. because you described everything im feeling. and hearing that gives me hope.

@rogeh5687 4 жыл бұрын

For anyone watching here, there is a vital piece that this gentleman didn’t mention. He was also on gabapentin which he cut down over 4 weeks too. That amplified his symptoms way more. Please don’t let this deter you. I have just come off them after weaning off. I never thought I could do it but I managed it in a way where I could. If anyone needs any help or guidance, reach out! I promise, promise promise you, no matter how hard it is, it can be done. And you will feel good again. You will eventually be ok. Your brain wants you to think you won’t but you will. Our bodies are amazing things.