I’ve tried Google for the answer, but unfortunately I get a lot of sites that want to sell Ultram, and a lot of sites for de-tox centers. I want to know if Cold turkey or if a gradual decrease of the medication is best.
IMHO, and it is a professional one, complete withdrawal from an opiate is the best way to detox (with the exception of long-term high dose methadone use, which requires gradual tapering).
Often this is best accomplished in an inpatient setting.
A good addictionist would be an excellent resource to pursue such a detox with.
Successful abstinence afterwards is most enhanced via the assistance of a mutual-help group like the 12 step groups, or rational recovery.
I appreciate the quick reply. An inpatient program at this time is not feasible. It has taken me along time to realize I’ve got an addiction. It is very embarrassing to admit. I started taking the drug for back problems and had no major problems with it. Sometime this summer I started experiencing major leg pain consistent with restless leg syndrome. Little did I know at the time that this was one of the withdrawal symptoms. So every time my legs hurt I’d take a pill and I’d be better. I’ve started to notice that I now need the devil pill just to feel “normal”. If an inpatient program is the only way, I suppose I can talk to my husband and see about trying to get in after finals in December. He doesn’t know I have this addiction yet. He knows I take the drug though. I would really like to try to beat this addiction by myself (with the husbands help). So back to my original question. Is cold turkey or gradual withdrawal better?
In general, cold turkey is best. Opiate withdrawal is not life or health threatening for an otherwise healthy person. YMMV, so when in doubt, consult a physician with expertise in the area of addiction.
And a two or three day inpatient detox is different from an inpatient treatment program.
QtM, MD